Held at Dorney Lake, Wallingford Regatta is one of the introductory races to the regatta season and allows crews to gain an insight into those they are likely to be facing at events such as the National Schools’ Regatta. With NSR less than one month away, juniors all over the country will be working hard to solidify their technique and Wallingford provides the perfect opportunity to test this out over a 2000m course. The competitive environment will produce some fantastic racing and with 18 crews entered, the J18 Women’s Quad will be no exception.
Shiplake College
Always one to watch out for, Shiplake has had great results so far this season including a second-place finish at the Schools Head of the River Race in the Girls Championship Quad. In the recent GB April trials, Jess Weir also placed first, making her the top U19 sculler in the country. It is, therefore, safe to say Shiplake are continuing with their historical success and are sure to put out a strong ‘A’ boat for the upcoming Wallingford Regatta.
Tideway Scullers School
Another successful name, TSS is known for producing some of the strongest racing crews in the UK. So far this season they have taken third at the Schools Head of the River Race, sixth at the Oarsport Sculling Head and even headed out to Belgium for some experience at Ghent International Spring Regatta. Tideway also had representation at the recent U19 trials and are therefore likely to produce an impressive performance on the Olympic lake.
Kingston Grammar School
Throughout the year, Kingston Grammar School has remained at the top end of junior sculling, placing fourth at the Schools Head of the River Race and Oarpsort Junior Sculling Head, biting at the heels of both Tideway Scullers and Shiplake. Last summer, Matilda Drewett won bronze in the girl’s quad at the Junior World Rowing Championships and therefore Kingston certainly has some high-level rowers within its junior squad. They will also be a crew fighting it out in the A final at Wallingford.
Predictions
As one of the first regattas of the season, Wallingford will highlight crews with strength over a 2000m course rather than those able to race well across the head season. However, based on previous results this season, it can be predicted that Shiplake College will take the win with Tideway Scullers moving up a place from their 2022 result and coming second. Following closely behind will be Kingston Grammar School with Kingston and Lea also likely to make it into the A final. JRN wishes all crews a successful start to the regatta season and looks forward to some top-drawer results.
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