In 2012 the Olympic Champions were crowned on Eton Dorney Lake. Over a decade later, and with many more great races to its name, this venue will be host to the annual Wallingford Regatta. Many clubs had their J15 women racing here at the end of March in the National Junior Sculling Head where many proved their strength o this course. On the bank holiday weekend, many of these young athletes will be back again to race again down the 2000m course.
Godolphin and Latmyer School
This all-girls London school showed their engrained values of being “respectful, resilient, responsible and determined,” really gave them an edge as their J15 Women’s octo came third at the National Junior Sculling Head. I think a repeat performance of this result wouldn’t be far out of their reach come race day.
Headington School
After having dominated the early season, scooping up a gold medal at Henley Fours and Eights Head, Headington perhaps became too confident as they slipped to third at Schools Head. With their J15 Octo coming 5th at National Junior Sculling Regatta, Headington School will have to pull through strongly to get back to the top, but they’re still not a rival to underestimate, especially with two crews in the line-up clearly showing depth in the squad.
Henley
Perhaps feeling sore after they were beaten to first by thirteen seconds by Headington School at Henley Fours and Eights Head, Henley put in the work and came first at Schools Head in a massive comeback mission. This makes them appear to be a crew who know what they want and how to get it. I suspect with this attitude they will dominate this race.
Surbiton High School
Having won Quintin Head and their J15 octo coming first in the National Junior Sculling Head, Surbiton High School have shown themselves to be strong contenders in their category. Their tastes of success will have left them hungry for more, so I believe their two boats will be strong contenders in this race.
Other Crews Racing
Also racing will be Lady Eleanor Holles School, Latymer Upper School, two eights from Putney High School, Sir William Perkins School, and Wallingford, bringing the total number of boats up to a round dozen.
Predictions
Overall I believe that all the crews racing will be in good stead for success. I would predict that first would be taken Henley, closely followed by Surbiton High School and then Headington School.
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