The eagerly-anticipated launch of the 2023/24 winter season is kicked off for some by the intense competition of the Wallingford Long Distance Sculls; a demanding 4000m race along the winding path of the River Thames. This event poses a unique challenge for the WJ16 quads as they navigate their first race of the year and eight, newly-appointed, bow-seats master the art of foot steering. The race promises to be a tightly contested battle with some close results.
Henley Rowing Club
A well-known name within junior women’s rowing is the prestigious Henley Rowing Club located just down the Thames from Leander. Losing gold by just 0.3 seconds at National Schools’ Regatta in the eights proves Henley is a force to be reckoned with. Entering three quads into this category proves they have a wide selection of rowers for their top crews and their boats starting in successive positions of first, second and third suggests a high calibre of athleticism within each crew. With glory in their J14 and J15 years, this squad have victory after victory under their belt and I look forward to seeing the quads produced.
Headington School Boat Club
Headington School, located in Oxford, enters the winter season as the current national champions. Their impressive performances include wins at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head last season and a sprint to victory at NSR ’23. With a squad that dominated in every major 4x race the previous season, it’s safe to assume that their exceptional form has carried forward into this season, making them the crew to beat. Also entering multiple boats, Headington will be setting their sights firmly on securing the top spot once again.
Wallingford Rowing Club
The home rowers will no doubt be using their knowledge of this course to their advantage this weekend, with steering being a crucial part of this race. Being at home with the bends will undoubtedly help this crew’s confidence. Claiming a bronze medal in the 4+ at NSR this crew is a strong team, especially if they can master the transformation between sculling and sweeping. With Wallingford RC producing strong results and rowers throughout the years, I expect feisty racing between their two quads.
Stratford Upon Avon Boat Club
For a small club in Shakespeare’s county, Stratford produces some top-level competition and high-level rowers. Achieving a 16th place finish at NSR, this quad will be looking to make some ground into the top crews’ times and push themselves to their limits. Positioned on the bendy river Avon, steering shouldn’t be a worry for the crew, and this confidence could be the deciding factor to push them into the top set of times.
Prediction
I believe I can see the victory going to the reigning national champions of Headington School, with the closely contested medal positions going to the two fastest Henley RC crews, followed closely by Wallingford. Overall I see the timings coming in close and all the crews being pushed to their limits.
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