Wycliffe Small Boats Head marks one of the last opportunities for clubs to race in 2021. After little disruption so far this season, it will be interesting to see how crews have stepped on since the last time they raced. The WJ18 2x looks like it will be a battle of arguably the two strongest clubs this season – Wycliffe College and Henley Rowing Club. The course itself is short for a Head Race – only 2500m so we may get some unexpected results.
Henley Rowing Club (Harkin)
Henley Rowing Club were dominant at Fours Head. They won the WJ18 quad, coxless four and came first and second in the coxed four. As well as this, they had some strong performances at GB trials, including Harkin, who placed 9th overall. Harkin was in their quad at Fours Head (which I presume was their top boat), and she was also in their WJ18 4x that placed 6th at the 2021 National Schools’ Regatta. With so much speed already shown this season, there is no reason why Henley will not be in contention for the win this weekend.
Wycliffe College Boat Club (Howe)
Wycliffe are likely to be Henley’s strongest competition at Wycliffe Small Boats Head. The Wycliffe double have the advantage of being able to train on the water that they are racing on. They too had some strong results at GB trials with six scullers qualifying and all placing inside the top 40. Howe placed 19th. She was also in Wycliffe’s top quad last season, which placed fourth at the 2021 National Schools’ Regatta. With wins at Scullers Head, Nottingham Autumn Head and Henley Long Distance Sculls, Wycliffe will be looking to continue their winning streak this weekend.
Royal Shrewsbury School Boat Club (Thomassen, Taylor)
The club that is likely to place third, in my opinion, is Shrewsbury. They had some strong performances last season, most notably making it through to the Friday at Henley Royal Regatta in the Junior Women’s Eight, only losing to LEH by a canvas. They also had several scullers who qualified for GB trials with Thomassen placing the highest in 43rd position. Whilst I do not expect them to challenge for the win, I think they can get close to Henley and Wycliffe.
Other Crews
Other entrants are Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club, City of Oxford Rowing Club, Ross Rowing Club, Worcester Rowing Club and Royal Grammar School, Worcester. These crews have the potential to cause an upset and it will be interesting to see how they rank after the race.
Prediction
Henley and Wycliffe are the two standout crews and I would expect the winner to come from one of these two. I think Henley may just have the edge, but it will be close.
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