In the midst of the many events for larger boats at this point in the season, such as Fours Head and Wallingford Regatta, events for smaller boats can often be forgotten. Wycliff Small Boats Head provides a welcome opportunity not just for smaller boats, but also for boats of smaller schools and local clubs. With the pre-Christmas part of the season winding down, this will be a chance for crews to send themselves into 2022 with a good footing for future success.
Kings School Worcester Boat Club
First up, it’s the men of the Kings School Worcester Boat Club. A mainstay on the local rowing schools scene for some time, Henley appearances in the PE and Fawley have proved that KSW can produce quality crews at the national level. Three boats are entered, with plenty of pedigree within larger boats. Jack Barclay was bowman of the boys quad that finished fourth in the B final of Ch4x at NSR 2021 and went on to Henley, with recent GB trialist Luke Beever at three. Despite obvious talent, KSW will know that they will be up against the stiff competition in the form of Bryanston, RGS Worcester, and dark horses Monmouth Comprehensive.
Bryanston School Boat Club
As with KSW, Bryanston School Boat Club from Dorset, tend to be a school club that dominates local races. Of the nineteen boats they fielded the last time this event was held, they won four and achieved top-five finishes in all but two. One of those four wins came in J18 2x so Bryanston has a proven track record of winning in this event. Stroking one of these is Noah Clarke, a member of last season’s Ch8 B+ that finished third in the C final at NSR 2021 who will look to build on the indoor success at the Dorset Indoor Rowing Championships, where Bryanston finished first and a minute ahead of their closest rivals. Bryanston clearly has the weight of history on their side and will look to finish both of their crews in the top four at least. Based on the current form, one would expect them to do just that.
Royal Grammer School Worcester Boat Club
With seven entrants and making up the largest contingent is the Royal Grammer School Worcester Boat Club. Despite having a superior numerical advantage, RGS Worcester will be aware that it is how the crew performs on the day that will have the strongest bearing on their result. Having finished 4th in this category in 2019, behind Bryanston and Monmouth Comprehensive, they will also look to better their results in small boats so as to provide a good footing for the new year.
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