With the GB U19 trialling cycle opening under a refreshed format this year, all eyes turned to see how athletes would adapt, and whether the new structure would produce improved results or simply new forms of chaos. Five early-season benchmarks across Gloucester, the Dee, the Don, Boston, and Inverness offered a broad and exciting test of speed, consistency, and racing. As the dust settles on these initial races, it will be fascinating to see whether this approach delivers the sharper selection picture it promises.
Gloucester Head
Open
The U19 trial series continued at Gloucester with a strong statement from Fullman, from Hartpury University and College Boat Club, whose recent move from Wycliffe appears to be serving him well. His controlled speed over the rougher sections secured a clear win ahead of Lorenzi (Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School Boat Club), who produced a disciplined chase but couldn’t quite catch the lead. It was a composed, authoritative opener that set a competitive tone for the season.
Women
Hartpury matched this result in the women’s event, with Hudson Hulls delivering a confident, technically assured performance to take the win. Newark Rowing Club’s Williams followed in second with a tidy and controlled row. As first markers of form go, Gloucester offered selectors a clear early picture, and left the rest of the field with plenty to think about.
Head of the Dee
Open
At the Head of the Dee, regional crews faced a challenging course and strong competition. The Northwich Rowing Club sculler Pope took the men’s victory with a composed and efficient row for the entire straight, with Trentham Boat Club’s Copeland taking second place in a hard-fought and well-executed race on his behalf.
Women
Warrington Rowing Club’s Brittles once again confirmed her excellent early-season form by taking the women’s top spot. She was shortly followed by a valiant effort from Knight (Nottingham and Union Rowing Club), who followed closely with an intense chase. The event provided a valuable benchmark for athletes and selectors alike, highlighting both technical proficiency and race-day composure across the regional field.
Head of the Don
Open
Tulloch of Yarm School Boat Club handled the more intricate Don course with notable composure, blending clean steering with firm mid-race pace to take the men’s win. The St Peter’s College Boat Club sculler, Gawthorp, pressed hard but couldn’t quite overturn Yarm’s early advantage. It was a more tactical contest than Gloucester, highlighting the depth developing across the northern squads.
Women
In the women’s field, Warrington’s Brittles raced again, producing a highly controlled and efficient performance to secure victory and add to her medal list, along with Northwich Head, where she came out as the fastest female sculler, managing the course’s technical demands with maturity. Yarm’s Oliver followed in second after a strong and consistent row. The Don offered a valuable test of racing, and both leading athletes delivered on it.
Boston Junior Sculling Head
Open
Boston delivered its well-recognised mix of long-course discipline and mental resilience, with Norwich Rowing Club’s Conway taking a clear and deserved win. The real drama unfolded behind him, where two Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club scullers, Hill and Thornton, finished just one millisecond apart. Though Conway held the field at arm’s length, the scrap for second underlined how competitive the chasing pack has become.
Women
Wallingford Rowing Club’s Bell secured the women’s win with a calm, well-paced performance across the unforgiving Boston stretch. Behind her, Dargue (Shiplake College Boat Club) delivered a strong and determined effort, but Bell’s early control and composure proved decisive. It was a race that rewarded steady execution, and Bell provided exactly that.
Inverness Head
Open
Inverness saw George Watson College Rowing Club’s Ferguson execute a measured and powerful performance to take the win, with clubmate McNab following to secure second place. Over the longer northern course, Ferguson’s pacing stood out, giving Watson a decisive conclusion to the series.
Women
Warnock of Glasgow Rowing Club rounded off the women’s events with a composed and confident victory, making effective use of the course and conditions. Strathclyde Park Rowing Club’s Gildert placed second after a strong showing, completing a competitive finish to a geographically wide-ranging trial series.
Caversham Alternative Trial
Open
For those unable to secure entries at the regional heads, the alternative assessment at Caversham provided a direct, high-control test of raw speed. Tideway Scullers’ McCarthy set the benchmark in the men’s field, as many would expect, with a strong and consistent set of pieces, leading Radley College Boat Club’s Hanzcar, who maintained pressure across all intervals but couldn’t overturn McCarthy’s cumulative pace and took the silver.
Women
In the women’s results, Tideway Scullers completed a clean sweep of top spots, with Cohalan producing the standout performance of the session. Maidenhead’s Murphy followed in second after a composed and technically disciplined showing. While lacking the variables and occasional chaos of the external courses, Caversham offered a valuable comparison and ensured no athlete was left without an opportunity to stake their early claim.
Overview
Across six venues and a range of formats, the U19 trials have offered an intriguing early-season glimpse of the country’s emerging talent. From established club names to new faces making their mark, the races highlighted both raw speed and potential. As the series progresses, it will be fascinating to see which athletes can convert these early benchmarks into consistent performance on the world stage.
