The intense and demanding Vesta Scullers’ Head is back this year on its usual stretch of the Thames from Mortlake to Putney Pier, covering no less than 4.25 miles. For the ten Womens J16’s competing, this will be their first time at Vesta Scullers’ Head. Following the set of results from the most recent season, competing in events such as the Oarsport Scullery Head and British Rowing Junior Championships (BRJC), it promises to be a tight and brutal row to the finish line.
Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club:
Having entered two scullers into this category, Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club is standing in good stead for a spot in the top three. One to watch in particular is L. Anderson (408) who placed fourth in the A final at BRJC and, I suspect, will be contesting for a medal place this time around. Wycliffe Junior RC is also one of the most well-rounded clubs, placing high on the table in many races, providing them with ample experience as a club to reach for the top.
Newark Rowing Club:
Although having only one WJ16 entry, G. Joy (406), Newark Rowing Club has ensured themselves the best possible chance at a high achievement on the course this year. This athlete took first place in the B final at BRJC with a time only one second after the Wycliffe entry mentioned above. Although Newark RC is a less well-known club, there is no doubt they will be battling for a top place for (perhaps an almost personal) justification.
Team Keane Sculling School:
A grand total of three scullers have been entered by Team Keane Sculling School. With the greatest number of athletes on the water this year, it would be no surprise if at least one top spot was taken by Team Keane SS. Most notably, A. Noonan (404), who takes to the course first on Saturday, placed third in the B final at BRJC, and could quite possibly give the Newark RC entry a run for their money. As a club, and age category, their women’s J16’s have raced a considerable amount more than some of their competitors in Vesta Sculls this year, perhaps providing the experience to aid them through the crucial third quarter and keep up the stamina throughout the course.
Other entries:
The remaining entries belong to Twickenham Rowing Club, Barn Elms Rowing Club, and Gordon’s School Boat Club. Due to limited appearances in previous races, it has been difficult to judge these three clubs and their collective four entries (two from Barn Elms RC). On the whole, I would place Twickenham RC relatively highly overall, after their WJ15 4x+ (now the WJ16’s) narrowly missed being one of the top twelve qualifying boats by barely one second at the National Schools Regatta in May.
My predictions:
- Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club – L. Anderson (408)
- Newark Rowing Club – G. Joy (406)
- Team Keane Sculling School – A. Noonan (404)
However, this being the first head of the season it is all to play for after what was a successful regatta season for many clubs and athletes alike.
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