This preview was written prior to the cancellation of Wallingford Long Distance Sculls 2024.
As autumn and winter appear on the horizon, the 2024/2025 racing calendar awaits with excitement. For some, racing kicks off with the Wallingford Long Distance Sculls where ten crews will take to the Thames. They will be faced with the winding 4000m stretch against the clock and the new challenge of navigating the course without a coxswain to steer them. This weekend anticipates a strong set of results and will give a small insight into the head-racing season to come.
Wallingford Rowing Club
As a part of a junior section with exciting talent, this crew will be looking to pick up where they left off from a successful year. With respectable 14th and 39th finishes at the Junior Sculling Head in March, and a solid performance from their A crew in the Women’s J15 coxed quadruple sculls at the British Rowing Championships in July, Wallingford RC will be putting a strong and sophisticated crew into the mix. They will surely be taking advantage of their home river to cruise through tight bends, so we can expect a close fight from this crew.
Marlow Rowing Club
Known for their supportive and ambitious junior squad, Marlow RC are putting forward three crews this weekend to show off their experience and high-level performance. At the National School’s Regatta, they collected the silver medal in the First WJ15 Coxed Quads, and a bronze in the Second Quads after multiple impressive rows, so this event should serve as a chance for these crews to continue producing successful results. Marlow offers experienced coaching and an excellent pathway for developing athletes, so I can expect to see a promising race from them.
Stratford-Upon-Avon Boat Club
Situated on the Avon, the two Stratford quads should also benefit from their steering practice, which could serve as a helping hand when it comes to setting a top end time. These athletes also made their mark at the National School’s Regatta where they fought for an amazing victory in the Second WJ15 Coxed Quads. Therefore, I can predict that Stratford’s scullers will equally be looking to stand out from the crowd with a feisty row down the course. With this being their second appearance at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls, they should contribute to a close battle for the win.
Headington School Oxford Boat Club
Notorious for being one of the top school boat clubs in the UK, the two Headington School boats are undoubtedly in the running to be the fastest crews. Back in March, they claimed third place for their A WJ15 coxed quad mere seconds behind rivals Marlow BC, suggesting that this Saturday’s racing will certainly show a tight scramble for the lead. It is clear that this squad is made up of many close friendships, which should aid them in their upcoming performance.
Prediction
Reviewing the previous crews, I believe that the crew to take the victory will be Marlow Rowing Club, closely followed by Headington School Oxford Boat Club, and then Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Wallingford Rowing Club. It is set to be a closely contested race and all athletes will be displaying their hard work in order to make a good start to the season.
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