The Weybridge Silver Sculls will mark the start of the 20/21 season for much of its competitors, particularly the girls in WJ16. The course runs 3300 metres upstream from Little Weir. This will likely be used as a baseline for the new season due to the long break between races. However, also as a result of this long break — as well as changes to training since the term began — all predictions will likely be very speculative.
St George’s College BC
St George’s has four scullers entered in the race, tying for the most with Weybridge. Though little can be found about their record last year, their boys placed 3rd at the Henley Virtual Championship run, so presumably their training over lockdown has been good. However, whether their training in sculls will match is unknown.
Weybridge RC
Weybridge also has four rowers entered. They of course have the benefit of being able to practice on the course, but it appears that their training program has been quite land based. In terms of their training over lockdown not much can be found — hopefully for them the benefits of the course and their higher number of rowers entered will pay off.
Walbrook RC
Walbrook has only one rower entered. They had success at this head last year, albeit not specifically from junior girls. Whether they trained effectively over lockdown is unknown, but a junior rower at the end of 2019 commented they would like some upgraded equipment which could have a small impact. Thus, any prediction on their entry is especially speculative.
Team Keane
Team Keane also have only one entry into this weekend’s race. The boys half of this cohort had success at the Hampton Head just before lockdown, but it’ll be hard to judge whether the girls will be at the same standard especially after missing their camp abroad.
Walton RC
Walton also has one rower entered. They seem like one of the stronger contenders, since they went back to training on the water in April — far earlier than most — which could very well work in their favour. Additionally, their last WJ16 crew had a good run at the Hampton Head in February.
Tideway Scullers
Tideway has two rowers entered, and definitely seem like strong contenders for Saturday’s Head. The club has an excellent reputation, having won numerous events at Henley Women’s in 2019. Additionally, their training program includes plenty of higher rate pieces, which some clubs may have been neglecting since lockdown: focusing on technique in lieu of race pace training.
Prediction
Overall, I think Tideway and Walton will be the clubs with the fastest times, with Tideway taking the top spot. As for the other placings, due to lockdown and these crews still being young it is difficult to estimate who will take them — at least we’ll be kept in suspense!
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