Wallingford Long Distance Sculls is quickly approaching. Crews are rigging up ready to battle it out over the 4500m stretch over the River Thames. Returning clubs Henley RC and Stratford-upon-Avon BC are prepared to leave it all out on the water for the new season WJ15’s fighting for the title.
Henley Rowing Club
Known for their excellent JW crews, one of the two Henley quads has a high chance of finishing on top (HEN – Hart striving for first place). I believe this may be a similar composition to the WJ14 quad seen last year at the British Junior Championships, finishing 5th. Though an A-Final finish many of the girls would be wanting to improve this current season, leaving their mark early at Wallingford. With the strict training schedule and constant individual tests these girls face, the two boats are not scared to be competitive against one another. With the club’s aim to improve on their last year’s performance at Wallingford of 3rd and 5th, this in-club rivalry is a must-watch.
Stratford-Upon-Avon Boat Club
Relatively overlooked, the recent women’s crews produced by Stratford are stirring up the results. Some individual scullers are taking the season by storm, specifically Sophie Franklin, taking the 6th with her quad at National Schools’ Regatta, and in her double at Brit Champs, who’s not only rowing in the WJ15 4x+ but also the open category. These results are consistent with those from both previous head and regatta races, with the WJ14 Stratford quad positioning 8th, with less than a minute behind the winning crew, at Junior Sculling Head. Though early to say, the promise that SUA BC is high. With the close-knit bond between this crew and what appears to be a pool of talent to pick from, almost anything is possible.
Headington School Oxford Boat Club
With three crews entered, the likelihood of Headington having a successful day is more than most. The Headington crews appear to have a focus on larger crew boats. Due to their main representation coming from the octuple variety, with a Junior Sculling Head silver in the event last year and a NSR bronze, they have rarely been seen competing in their quads. Following this, my eyes are on the HED–Carter-2 crew for this event. With ¾ of the quad (Laura Ward, Hannah Palin, and Lily O’Callaghan) already proving their ability to cope under the pressure due to their experience in the 8, their fellow opponents should not write this crew off.
Predictions
- Henley Rowing Club
2. Headington School Oxford Boat Club
Short Course Summary
However, those mentioned above are not the only ones racing, with this long-distance race offering a short course option. Henley has entered another quad and in my opinion, is trying to double up on the WJ15 quads wins. Yet, the home club Wallingford, has the potential to take it. A Wallingford crew won the B-final at the Junior Sculling Regatta and beat another entered crew Pangbourne in Junior Sculling Head by 46 seconds. From what it appears, many boats entered are closely matched, with no appearances in major finals last year. This leads me to say, I believe that the following top 2 crews will be:
- Wallingford Rowing Club
2. Henley Rowing Club
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