Women’s sculling is often hard to predict. With the depth in the depth in the discipline spread across numerous different clubs it makes it less predictable and all the more exciting. After a head race season predominantly focused on sweep boats, scullers will be excited to finally take to the water at a big event and show some reward for the months of winter training.
Challenge Quads
Leander, Thames and Upper Thames have all entered multiple crews, whilst Molesey and Shiplake are also notable entries. Given the depth of Leander’s squad they are likely to have eight strong scullers able to move a quad fast meaning both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ boats will be competitive.
Molesey will have some big names in their quad as they look to target sculling events over the more competitive sweep events, with Alex Watson, Holly Dunford, Ella Toa and Megan Slabbert, who are all previous U23 world medallists, currently in the Molesey squad, it could be an intimidating crew whoever is in the boat.
Upper Thames are increasingly strengthening their sculling squad and can be competitive this weekend. They took victory in the Club Quad category at Fours Head in November and with more time and training under their belts they will only have improved as a crew.
Likewise, a strong junior quad from Shiplake could cause a stir and will aim to take some scalps over their senior competitors. They placed second at Schools’ Head and will be aiming for big things this regatta season.
It is hard to know the form of all these crews. If Molesey can put a strong performance together they might upset Leander, whilst Upper Thames can also push their bigger rivals.
Challenge Doubles
With no knowledge of which athletes will be in doubles this weekend it is difficult to know what to expect. Both Leander and Molesey have one boat entered and will be strong given the athletes in their squads. Upper Thames have three boats, again demonstrating their increasing focus on sculling. Walbrook often have a strong double and can challenge for minor placings, whilst it will be intriguing to see how a junior double from Shiplake can do.
Leander will take victory, Molesey are likely to take second and Upper Thames third.
Challenge Singles
Fourteen women’s singles are entered this weekend. Standouts include Sarah McKay from Grosvenor who recently won the D final at trials by an impressive six seconds and will benefit from having raced side-by-side already this season.
Upper Thames sculler Naomi Holland placed fourth at Scullers Head earlier this season and will be confident in singles racing. Jen Titterington from Nottingham is another experienced single sculler and will use this to her advantage.
McKay will take the victory this weekend. The remaining places are hard to call, but Holland and Titterington will be up there.
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