This year’s Henley promises to be a cracking event, with the reintroduction of Olympic athletes in the flagship events and a genuine proximity between the top crews in the club events. The junior section is no different and the Fawley cup is looking like its going to be equally as competitive. Word on the grapevine is that there are a lot more foreign entrants this year, leading us to believe that the standard of competition may be cranked up even further from last year.
Sir William Borlase were a highly efficient, dynamic crew that dominated the Fawley last year. Their 3 man, Jack Beaumont, now rows at Leander in their ‘development’ squad and will likely be attempting to add the Prince of Wales to his Henley trophy cabinet. Last summer, Jack also raced at the U23 World Championships at the age of 18 in a double scull with Jonny Walton and finished 7th, winning the B final in impressive manner. Jack has had a fantastic year, finishing 10th in the February GB long distance trials as well as recording wins at the DJRC, Fours Head of the River, Wallingford Regatta, Metropolitan Regatta to name but a few. The SWB crew of 2012 also had Harry Shimmin in the 2 seat, who has returned this year to defend his title with a new look crew.
This years favorites are undoubtedly Marlow, who are unbeaten in major events this year, having won at Fours Head, Schools Head of the River, The National Sculling Head and the National Schools Regatta. Their crew has three junior internationals, with 3 man Sholto Carnegie holding the enviable position of fastest junior sculler in the country. However, in hot pursuit are Westminster and Windsor Boys, both of whom have really utilized their younger juniors. I will be doing previews of the 4 top UK crews along with a few foreign crews once the entries come out.
Marlow to follow.
The photo below is taken from www.hrr.co.uk
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