The River Great Ouse is set to host a jam-packed weekend of racing at Bedford Amateur Regatta, serving as ideal preparation for the National Schools’ Regatta just around the corner. With eights and fours racing side by side down a not-quite-straight 1,200m course, Bedford never fails to deliver drama, and this year’s draw has set the stage for some serious showdowns.
Shiplake College Boat Club
Shiplake College Boat Club are coming in hot in the first Junior 16 open eight of the day during race 25. After taking gold medals in both the four and the quad at Marlow Spring Regatta and placing fifth out of 18 crews at Wallingford in the coxed four, this crew has demonstrated serious intent. Their success across sweep and sculling events highlights the versatility of these athletes. With Shiplake College Boat Club’s rigorous training programme and a legacy that speaks for itself, this crew will be one to watch.
South African Schools’ Rowing Association
The South African Schools’ Rowing Association return for their annual visit and are not to be overlooked. This year, they claimed silver at Wallingford, where both Radley College Boat Club and Latymer Upper School Boat Club competed- an early sign that they’re a force to be reckoned with. As a foreign crew, little is known about them domestically, and it would be wise for all their rivals to keep an eye on these mystery rowers.
Radley College Boat Club
Their opposition, Radley College Boat Club, came off a bronze medal at Wallingford in the Junior 16 eight. Their racing style is one of intent and confidence – an approach that has earned them success across all boat classes. Lining up against Latymer Upper School Boat Club for their first race, they’ll need to complete three races to take home silverware, so grit and stamina will be key if they’re to go the distance.
Latymer Upper School Boat Club
Latymer Upper School Boat Club are coming off a fifth-place finish at Wallingford, suggesting they may not be top contenders this weekend. Facing a Radley College Boat Club crew who beat them just last week, these boys will have to dig deep and put up an intense fight to progress through the draw. Being accustomed to Tideway conditions may give them an edge if the weather turns as expected.
Bedford School Boat Club
Bedford School Boat Club will benefit from racing on home water. With pedigree and the mental advantage of knowing the course inside out, they hold an edge. Additionally, their first race will be against the winner of the Shiplake–South Africa match, meaning they’ll be fresher and unraced compared to their opposition.
Prediction
Due to the unknowns surrounding both crews, Shiplake College Boat Club vs South African Schools’ Rowing Association could be one of the tightest races of the day. The Shiplake College Boat Club eight has yet to race the crew from the South African Schools’ Rowing Association. While Shiplake College Boat Club have been dominant in senior events, this particular eight has previously struggled against the likes of Radley College Boat Club. Given the Wallingford results, the South African Schools’ Rowing Association crew may just edge the win.
Based on recent results and momentum, many would expect Radley College Boat Club to beat Latymer Upper School Boat Club during their side-by-side showdown this weekend. With the winner facing Bedford School Boat Club for their first race of the day on home waters, it seems as though Bedford School Boat Club may be taking away the win at the end of the day in this event.
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