As regatta season has finally commenced, Wallingford Regatta will take place on the 30th of April at Dorney Lake across the 2000-metre course. This event will give great scope to what we have to look forward to at the National Schools’ regatta in a few weeks. Side-by-side racing brings escalated excitement for spectators because of the unpredictable and tense atmosphere throughout. This event will begin to demonstrate to competitors whether or not all the tough and taxing winter training paid off. This year seven crews have entered the draw for the WJ16 Eight category.
Henley Rowing Club
Although the Henley Rowing Club WJ16 squad hasn’t competed in as many events as recently as some of the other crews racing, they are known for their high standard in sweeping and sculling. When they have been present at events, they have tended to redeem top results and give their competitors a run for their money. They won Henley 4s and 8s Head in February, demonstrating their strength and skill level in and eight, however, this time they won’t be competing on their home stretch taking away the advantage they had previously. This crew will be one to look out for.
Lady Eleanor Holles School
Lady Eleanor Holles School are another club producing consistent top-end results at the moment. Notably, so far this season they have placed fourth and eighth at Quintin Head in the WJ16 Eights category and second at Hampton Head. Expect a competitive outing from this group.
Surbiton High School
Surbiton High School has won many events recently. They placed first at Schools Head in WJ16 Eight, first at Quintin also in the WJ16 Eight and first at Hampton Head. This flying start to the year illustrates what a strong club they are and suggests they will be successful at Wallingford this weekend. However, some other strong crews are racing on Sunday and will also be putting up a fight for the top spots. Being one of the first regattas of the season, it will be curious to observe whether Surbiton can maintain their lightning speed during side-by-side racing. Perhaps this added competitive feel of regattas will make this crew even faster and provide them with that extra edge come race day.
Predictions
Other crews racing this weekend are Wallingford Rowing Club who came fourth at Wallingford Head of the River in the WJ16 Eight; Latymer Upper School who placed fifth and sixth at Wallingford Head of the River and fifth at Quintin Head of the River in the WJ16 Eight; Godolphin and Latimer and Bedford Girls School. I predict that Surbiton High School will come first, Henley second and Lady Eleanor Holles will grasp onto that third place position.
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