As we get back into the swing of head racing, Wallingford’s 4000m course provides a great
opportunity for scullers to remain competitive and show off what they can do early in the
season. With Fours’ Head just over a month away and WJ18 quads being a competitive
category all year round, it will be interesting to see the crew combinations emerging.
Henley Rowing Club
One of the big names in junior women’s rowing, Henley Rowing Club continuously
demonstrate their strength in both sweep and scull events. Just this summer the club produced a
world champion and world silver medalist and dominated events such as the National
Schools’ Regatta where they won bronze in both the Championship W8+ and 4x-. The
results of Henley’s junior women speak for themselves, and it is certain that they will be
returning to Wallingford in the hopes of reclaiming last year’s success.
Lea Rowing Club
Known not only for their distinctive orange kit but also their impressive results, Lea will
also be out for the win at Wallingford. Last season in the WJ18 4x- they won silver at the
British Rowing Junior Championships, qualified for Henley Royal Regatta and finished 10th at
the National Schools’ Regatta. Therefore, they will be sure to put out another strong crew at
Wallingford: the question now is whether it be strong enough to take the win away from Henley.
Other competitors
Also racing will be Pangbourne College Boat Club, Stratford-upon-Avon
Boat Club and two Mossbourne Rowing Academy crews. Stratford are another club which
has displayed international success as one of their junior women won two silver medals at
this years Coupe de la Jeunesse in the coxless four. Furthermore, Mossbourne has
competed at events such as the National Schools’ Regatta and therefore will have the racing
experience necessary to put a strong foot forward at the upcoming head.
Predictions
Based on their years of success and ability to win this event in past years, it is likely to be
Henley Rowing Club that takes home gold. Having produced several high-performing quads in the
past few years, it can also be predicted that Lea will follow Henley as the runners up. With all
the drama of steering and unpredictable weather that comes with head racing season, it is
all to race for and JRN wishes all crews the best of luck.
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