Hampton Small Boats Head erupts onto the River Thames with the kind of atmosphere only a packed winter head race can create – oars flashing, crews driving hard, and coxes battling it out for the best line around the bends for every second they can steal. With categories spanning sculling and sweep, this event draws athletes from schools and clubs all across the region to face the famously unforgiving course. The open Junior 16 doubles is an event that always attracts attention, as it marks the intersection between developing junior scullers and crews beginning to show real national promise.
Henley Rowing Club
Henley’s entry is driven by Petrosillo, who brings one of the strongest junior CVs in the field. As a J15, he had reached the A-final of the Junior 15 doubles at the British Rowing Junior Championships, finishing fifth overall. This season, he has already added a Junior 16 double win at Henley Long Distance Sculls, further reinforcing his small-boat credentials. The combination of experience in this type of boat and a broad technical background puts this Henley crew among the strongest technical partnerships in the category.
Marlow Rowing Club
Marlow’s double featuring Hume and Ashman also carries a national-level background, after having raced in the Junior 15 second quad at National Schools’ Regatta last season. All this experience contributes to a programme known for producing technically tidy and efficient small boats. Their physical profile suggests they may be able to post one of the strongest middle-kilometres of the event, making them a likely threat for the top position.
St George’s College Boat Club
St George’s College enter with Gayfer, who has very notable J15 experience in this boat class from Thames Ditton Regatta, one of the larger junior fixtures on the Thames. St George’s are known for producing disciplined scullers with strong boat-handling – something that can prove extremely valuable on Hampton’s narrow, bend-heavy course.
St Peter’s School Boat Club
St Peter’s field two crews in this category this year, reflecting the growing depth within their junior programme. Stroked by Szpak and Meyer-Krahmer, these doubles are likely to produce clean, controlled runs down the course, exhibiting tidy blade work and solid endurance. Both crews have the potential to exceed expectations if they can maintain composure and hold a consistent line down the demanding course.
Claires Court School Boat Club
Claires Court enter a single crew into this event, continuing the programme tradition of procuring the most energetic yet well-drilled small boats. Stroked by Murray, this double tends to favour a sharp, attacking style which can pay off well in Hampton’s faster section if they settle quickly into a punchy rhythm. If they can keep composed as they approach bends and other boats, they have the potential to deliver a genuinely competitive performance.
Predictions
Henley looks best placed to set the standard in this event, with Petrosillo’s small boat experience giving him a slight edge over the others. Marlow should sit close behind, carrying enough power and cohesion to keep a tight margin if they settle early. St George’s appear the most likely to disrupt the top order if they handle the bends well; however, any slip in execution could open the door for St Peter’s to claim that position instead.
