As we hit the annual lull in competitions and the winter training grind truly kicks in for many clubs and programmes, we have taken time to reflect on what has unfolded so far this season. As often is the case, we have seen the big hitters in the Junior Women’s scene continue to grow from strength to strength with the likes of Henley, Headington and Surbiton all making their marks from the get-go. However, like with any good season, it is always interesting to see which of the underdogs will be rising through the ranks and establishing themselves as ones to watch going into the new year and eventually into the regatta season.
Junior 18
The season’s sculling kicked off with a gruelling 6.8km race in singles on the Tideway, with Wycliffe claiming the top three positions. Further upstream on the Thames was Wallingford Long Distance Sculls. Exeter RC took a surprise win in the double, two seconds faster than Headington, and the victory in the quad went to Henley. It was back to the Tideway for Pairs Head, with Wycliffe again dominating, placing first, second and fourth in the double. They were denied a clean sweep by Tideway Scullers.
With Henley Long Distance Sculls cancelled, the juniors descended on Boston for the first round of GB trials. The win went to Harkin from Henley RC, 18 seconds ahead of Fullman from Wycliffe. From a club perspective, there were particularly strong performances from the likes of Henley, Marlow, Wycliffeand Shiplake – the usual suspects. The attention was then turned to Fours Head, where Henley was victorious, followed by Marlow, Tideway Scullers, St Edward’s and Wycliffe’s‘B’boat. Their ‘A’ boat suffered an equipment failure so their full potential is unknown, but having a ‘B’ boat in the top 5 is mightily impressive.
The first major sweeping event of the year was Pairs Head, with St Paul’s Girls School placing first and third, split by the Emanuel pair. Fours Head was next, with Henley taking the win in both the coxed and the coxless four. In the coxed event, they were followed by St Paul’s Girls d in the coxless event, it was Hinksey in second. Over in Wallingford, it was the turn of the fours and the eights Headingtonwere the fastest junior women’s eight, placing third in the U23 category. Henley put in a brilliant performance in the coxed four to win by over 90 seconds.
So what’s next? On the sculling side, it’s hard to look past the likes of Marlow, Tideway Scullers, St Edward’s and Wycliffe. I also expect Shiplake to be up there, challenging these crews. For the sweep, it is likely to be Headington, Hinksey and Surbiton at the top, but the real question is where will Henley fit in? Will they go for a top quad or a top eight? Whichever they go for, they will be fighting at the front and keeping their opposition on their toes.
By Steady Steight
Junior 16
With the first part of the season now over, many will be looking forward to the racing that the New year brings following the long and albeit sometimes tedious winter grind. Taking a look back on the first part of the season gives us an indication as to which names could be coming out on top in the summer and making strong appearances. The crews looking the strongest going into the winter break are Headington, Surbiton, and Marlow.
Headington School has produced some excellent results across the board so far with a 1-2 at Wallingford LDS back in October in the quad and a second-place result more recently at Wallingford Head of the River in the 8+.
One programme to never overlook due to the incredible depth of their squad is Surbiton High School. Having seven quads entered into Hampton Small Boats Head is no mean feat especially when one of them came away with the win.
Marlow has also shown they have strength and depth with an impressive performance in the 8+ at Wallingford Head of the River, placing first and third with only 14 seconds between the two boats.
Looking forward to 2023 it is hard to predict who will be at the forefront of the WJ16 categories as a lot can change over the coming months and new faces can often make surprise performances. However, if one thing is for sure, it will be interesting to see what happens when all the big names battle it out down the course in the key events such as Schools’ Head, National Schools’ Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta.
By Attabuoy
Junior 15
This season, a mixture of crews, both surprising and expected, have emerged through the ranks of J15 boats as the ones to watch. Although rather elusive this autumn, when they did appear, Henley Rowing Club made an impact. It was no surprise when at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls (short course) their coxed quad and double both placed 1st then later claimed third in the quad across the long course. Their continued strive for success I expect will carry on into the new year bringing home a host more victories.
Lea Rowing Club has had several successes in the early season taking, coming 2nd in the coxless quad at Bedford Small Boats Head and second again in the single at Hampton Small Boats Head. Similarly at Hampton Small Boats Head, we saw what the young fleet of Surbiton High School athletes was capable of with three top-three performances in the quad, double, and single. With them likely following the steps of their successful older athletes, we will be seeing a lot more great things from these Surbiton crews.
Now with some precious race experience under their belts, many crews will be going into the new year with confidence. I know that these clubs and a great many more will want to show the rowing world what they’ve got to offer with the likes of Sir William Perkins School, Sir William Borlase Grammar School and Maidenhead RC all also achieving wins so far this season. As the season develops we are definitely sure to be seeing more close calls and battles down the competition courses ahead of the eagerly awaited regatta season.
By Catch A Crab Apple
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
