As we advance towards Christmas, several crews will be searching for a statement result to conclude their 2025 season. This weekend, over 40 open Junior 15 quads will race down the 3000m course, likely assisted by a strong current, in an attempt to claim victory over a highly competitive field. The unpredictable nature of J15 rowing, combined with the quantity of entries, indicates that we are sure to witness some exhilarating racing.
Hampton School
Firstly, we must consider the chances of victory for the hosts, Hampton School. Hampton finished their Junior 14 season on a strong note, with a respectable fifth-place finish in an octuple at the National Schools’ Regatta. This season, they have looked to develop on this form with several dominant performances, including three Hampton quads placing second, third and fourth at Kingston Small Boats Head. Last weekend, some of these athletes switched to sweep oar rowing, as both Hampton Junior 15 eights won their respective bands at Teddington Head. These crews were accompanied by two Junior 15 octuples, demonstrating the depth of rowing at Hampton School. On Saturday, Hampton will unleash a fleet of eight Junior 15 quads onto their own stretch of river. Hampton School’s strong form and unmatched depth place them among the favourites to win this category, and their home advantage will undoubtedly aid their efforts.
Westminster School
Westminster School’s previous season ended on a disappointing note, as they failed to place their Junior 14 octuple higher than tenth place at the National Schools’ Regatta. This season, these athletes will look to bounce back and attempt to overcome certain crews who got the better of them last year. So far, Westminster’s J15s have exhibited a strong start to the season, highlighted by an impressive second-place finish at Henley Long Distance Sculls, during which they beat several boats that they will meet again on Saturday. If they continue to flourish at Hampton, Westminster School’s two quads may pose a serious threat to other contenders and have a reasonable chance at victory.
Henley Rowing Club
A respectable ninth-place finish at the British Rowing Club Championships confirmed a strong season for the J14s at Henley Rowing Club. Now in their Junior 15 season, these boys have continued to progress, with multiple podium finishes at high-standard events, namely Henley and Wallingford Long Distance Sculls. In addition, this crew has already won gold this season with a standout performance at Upper Thames Autumn Head. With this unmatched form, Henley Rowing Club may be able to triumph over all other crews on Saturday and be the fastest boat across the course.
Prediction
It would be unfeasible to ignore the standard and depth of Hampton School, a stack which none of their opposition can match. However, the athletes at both Westminster School and Henley Rowing Club will be keen to continue their successful starts to the season and will not be afraid to put up a fight. Although the hosts are a clear favourite, the variability of Junior 15 rowing presents an opportunity for any crew to make a statement to their opponents and potentially leave triumphant.
