Wallingford Regatta is often the foremost regatta in the second half of the season, and also the largest regatta. The 8+ challenge category boasts an amalgamation of larger boat clubs, with both St Pauls and Eton racing. The course will allow space for a blistering pace to be held, with some stress removed for the Coxswains.
Claires Court School
CCS placed 11th at School’s Head, which will have been a disappointing result for them. They will face even tougher competition here and look to be the underdogs. It appears that the main boat is the quad but it will be interesting to see whether they have kept it like this for regatta season too. It is unlikely that they will beat many crews here, St Georges College will be their nearest contender.
Eton College
Eton had a tough season last year, always being on the back foot to St Pauls, but this year seems to be different. Their grit and determination to get the W this year proved successful. The race here is likely to set the tone for the next few months. Eton will have their eyes firmly set on the Princess Elizabeth cup. This crew is likely to take the top place here.
Kings College School, Wimbledon
KCS placed joint 9th in the Champ 8 category at Schools Head, 4 places lower than Shrewsbury School and 6 places lower than the Pauline’s. They have potential in the crew, with the top two pairs placing dominantly at the most recent GB trial. If they worked at their top pace, they could definitely challenge for 3rd spot. Shrewsbury are also having a good season thus far and will be looking for that spot too.
Shrewsbury School
Shrewsbury have got strong potential in their boat, and have been showing it this season. With an impressive 8th place at the Head of the Charles and 5th at Schools Head. As said before, they’ll be the top contender for the 3rd place position, or even 2nd.
St Pauls School
The Pauline’s look to be off their mark this season, with some losses, regardless of the pedigree in the boat. They have the pedigree to win here, but Eton will also be battling fiercely for the win Pauls won last year and are likely to retain the title for the coming year.
St Georges College
St Georges had a decent race at Schools Head, coming 5th in the Schools 1st 8+ category. However, this category has some of the fastest crews in the country in, and thus Georges will be struggling to content for the idealistic spots on the results sheet. This shouldn’t deter them though, and I do not doubt that they’ll push themselves and content to the best of their ability.
Predictions
I predict that St Pauls will win, with Eton coming second. Shrewsbury School will take the 3rd place and KCS the fourth. Georges look to be the quicker crew and thus CCS are likely to come last.
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