Regatta season is back underway with Wallingford Regatta! With 18 crews racing there is bound to be strong competition. Add to that the lack of a J17 category, and we may well see some J17 boats go well against the older J18s.
Leander Club
Known throughout the rowing world, it’s often forgotten that Leander has a strong junior sculling section. Following on from their dominant victory at the Junior Sculling Head, the crew will certainly be aiming to win Wallingford and set down a marker for the beginning of regatta season. With the boat made up of J18s, experience and age will certainly be to their advantage.
Windsor Boys’ School A
Much like Leander, the Windsor Boys come into this regatta off the back of a very successful regatta season last year. With the crew Henley Royal Regatta finalists last year as J17s and setting up an all-Windsor final, the crew are undoubtedly a strong force to be reckoned with. One thing is for certain: that Windsor will turn up prepared and ready to win.
Henley RC A
Despite not having a victory to their name yet this season, the crew from Henley have been quietly consistent throughout. Though perhaps behind the likes of Leander and Windsor, this boat should not be underestimated. Strong performances at the Junior Sculling Head and Fours Head for example means they are certainly in with a shout.
Other crews racing
Outside of these three crews, ones to look out for include Claire’s Court School A, which seemingly are having a quiet season so far. Tideway Scullers won the J17 Junior Sculling Head category, and their win over Windsor Boys B, themselves going strong, ensures they are in with a shout.
Predictions
As the first regatta of the season, it is particularly hard to predict. Crews performing well in head races may not mean they do well in regattas, and vice versa. Despite this, I predict that Leander will win, ahead of Windsor Boys’ A, with Henley coming in third ahead of strong J17 crews.
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