This weekend truly marks the beginning of the 2023 regatta season. As the weather heats up, so too does the competition between these fierce athletes from across the country. Held at Dorney, Wallingford Regatta offers a great chance for crews to test the steel of gruelling Easter training camps on the National Schools Regatta course ahead of the event in a few weekend’s time.
At this point in the season, much akin to the third 500m of a race, these young women must test their strength, endurance and mindset before gearing up for the final sprint of the summer season. For many of these juniors, this season is the culmination of years of rowing, and this regatta is the first chance to write their names in the books for years to come.
Henley Rowing Club
After a close second place at Schools’ Head, the Henley cohort is sure to have a strong game plan to storm back through to the top spot in Junior Women’s Eight. While the straight short race course of summer proves a difficult transition for some, it will surely be no problem for the Henley girls drawing from years of experience as they fight to defend their title under the firm leadership of head coach Leon Redman.
Headington School
Headington still seems to be chasing the high of their 2021 Henley win. With a string of injuries last year, the 2023 crop have plenty of desire and motivation to prove themselves. Only slightly off the mark at Schools’ Head, the top Headington crew only has a little further to push to step up their game to the highest level of competition. With Henley, Headington and Surbiton all having their Easter training camps at picturesque Temple Sur Lot, we can only speculate how much that will add to their rivalries this summer.
Hinksey Sculling School
With their training camp being closer to home, perhaps the Hinksey girls will have had more time to hone their race strategy for the forthcoming season. With strong results at Schools’ Head and throughout last year, Hinksey promises to challenge the established order of this season so far.
Surbiton High School
With three Junior eights entered into Wallingford this year, the Surbiton girls are sure to inject some fiery competition into the races this weekend. With historic success on their side, it’s up to this experienced crew to bridge the gap between themselves and the likes of Henley and Headington this year.
Other entries include Latymer Upper School, Llandaff, Marlow, Tideway Scullers School and Lady Eleanor Holles School, who are perhaps not up to the top pace this season but are sure to produce some good times this weekend.
Predictions
Despite the strength of Henley throughout the season, I predict that the results this weekend will be closer than perhaps expected. While I still think a Henley win is rather predictable, Headington and Hinksey are surely to follow close behind, with the likes of Surbiton and Marlow also competing fiercely.
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