Wallingford LDS gives 10 WJ16 4x crews 4250m to put down a marker at the start of the season, as head racing commences. With some top crews from last season, including two boats from both Headington and Henley entered, this event looks like one that could produce some close results and continue rivalries in the quad event from last year.
Maidenhead
Maidenhead go into this race off a very strong J15 season in the coxed quad. These girls brought home bronze from National Schools’ which backed up coming 3rd at the Junior Sculling Head, with their second boat in 24th. They will be looking to continue their winning streak having won this event in WJ15 4x+ last year but will face stiff competition from both Henley and Headington who both challenged them at many of the major events.
Henley A,B
The top Henley quad will be looking to start the season strongly, having put down some solid results last year; They placed 4th at both National Schools’ and the Junior Sculling Head, so will be keen to step on as they go after the medals this year. A close rivalry has seemingly developed between these athletes and those of Maidenhead, with Henley having finished just behind them at this event last year before triumphing in the WJ15 2x at the Junior Sculling Regatta ahead of the two Maidenhead doubles.
Headington A,B
Headington have also put out two entries, demonstrating a depth in their squad early on in the season. Following a 6th place finish at National Schools’ and 7th at the Sculling Head last year, these crews could be motivated by the challenge both between clubs and within their squad. They should be looking for some good results following a 3rd placing this time last year.
Hinksey Sculling School
This crew will be looking to chase the likes of Henley, Headington and Maidenhead to build on results from last season. After a 40th placing at National Schools’, a drop on their 21st at the Junior Sculling Head, the start of the J16 season could provide the opportunity to climb their way back up the rankings.
The rest of the field is made up by Abingdon RC and Shiplake Vikings RC, City of Oxford RC (who placed 38th at National Schools’) and Emanuel School (56th and the Junior Sculling Head). These crews could be in position to get some good results and cause some upsets amongst the favourites already mentioned.
Predictions
Based on past results, this looks to be a tussle between Maidenhead, Henley and Headington, renewing a close rivalry from J15. However, as athletes return to racing following the summer break, challenges could come from any of the crews.
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