As we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of another thrilling chapter in the rowing calendar, all eyes now pivot towards Wallingford Regatta 2024, poised to unfold against the stunning panorama of Dorney Lake. Here’s a sneak peek into the potential contenders:
Eton College Boat Club
Renowned for its illustrious history and formidable rowing pedigree, Eton College returns to Wallingford Regatta with a fervent hunger for victory after emerging victorious in 2023. After a relatively quiet winter by their own illustrious standards, this is likely to be Eton’s second crew (unless their ‘A’ boat doubles up) and if so, we could catch our first summer glimpse of the boat which won open second eights at the Schools’ Head of the River.
St. Paul’s School Boat Club
Embodying a legacy of excellence deeply ingrained within its fabric, St. Paul’s approach Wallingford with an exceptionally strong cohort at its back. After taking the headship at the Schools’ Head of the River, their top boat will race challenge eights before splitting into fours so this crew will almost certainly be their second eight. They were 1.5 seconds back on Eton in March in their respective category, so the renewal of this rivalry should prove to be particularly compelling.
Shiplake College
Another crew who so often feature at the front-end of junior rowing, Shiplake will be tasked with finally deconstructing the notion that they only go really fast in the winter months. Finishing second overall at the Schools’ Head of the River, with their second eight in third in their category, they’re poised to launch a serious assault on the summit if Dave Currie and Hugh Mackworth-Praed can time the programme to peak at the right moments.
Radley College Boat Club
As is so often the case, it is very tricky to determine whether this Radley crew will be their first boat or their second eight. Throw into the mix the fact that Radley will be losing three athletes to the Munich International Junior Regatta (Gabriel George, Angus Gray-Cheape and Hector Harvey) and it remains to be seen what sort of boat they can put together. You would be foolish to rule them out though – they’re fierce racers and typically get a whole lot quicker as the season progresses.
Latymer Upper School Boat Club
Emerging as a dark horse, Latymer arrive at Wallingford fresh off the heels of several noteworthy performances, particularly in finishing seventh overall at the Schools’ Head of the River in March. They will lose Leo Hainlein to Munich but if they boat the rest of their first eight here – given the fact they’re not racing in the challenge category – I would expect them to secure a slot in the A-final.
St Edward’s School
With both Elam Hughes and Felix Jamieson on international duty, the Teddies bench is also depleted approaching one of the big pre-National Schools’ Regatta fixtures. Jonny Singfield’s boys are opting not to race in the challenge category so again, in theory, this is their fastest combination. After finishing fourth overall at the Schools’ Head of the River, they have to be one of the favourites.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
Often, when we write these previews, it does feel like we cover the same ground over and over again. That is simply testament to the outstanding consistency on display from boat clubs like KCS, whose production line of talent seems to know no bounds. I find myself once again questioning whether this will be their ‘A’ crew given they have a boat in ‘challenge’ eights but the chase is still on for silverware regardless.
Bedford School
Eighth overall in March – in a time that would have comfortably secured them the first eight gold – means Bedford can now count themselves amongst the big boys of junior sweep. They do have a crew in challenge eights – which we simply love to see – so it will be very interesting to see if they double-up or simply boat their second crew here.
Predictions
In a field teeming with talent and ambition, forecasting the victor proves a daunting task. However, with their local advantage and formidable squad depth, Eton College emerge as frontrunner. Yet, the enigmatic stroke change from the Schools’ Head of the River adds a layer of intrigue to Radley College‘s challenge, hinting at a gripping showdown on the horizon. If clubs like Teddies, Shiplake, KCS and Bedford boat their top crews, we could be in for a thrilling finale.
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