After cancellation in 2024, Hampton Head has returned. 3000m on the winding river Thames will be an interesting test for these coxless quads; however, they will no doubt be looking forward to showing what they can do, particularly as two of these quads raced against each other just last weekend. It seems like it’ll be a tight competition.
Molesey Boat Club
The first two quads off in this category are both from Molesey Boat Club, renowned among seniors after their win in The Wargrave Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta this year. They also have a robust junior programme, as shown by Liv Cheesmur’s success in the GB U19 and U23 teams over the past few years. The fact that Molesey are able to put out two quads could hint at the strength of their junior squad. R. Galer’s boat is going off first after clinching gold at Teddington Head last weekend due to Putney’s five-second penalty. They’ll be looking to push on from Teddington and secure another victory over Putney this weekend.
Putney High School
Under the careful eye of Martin Gough, Putney High School has risen through the ranks of schoolgirl rowing, and their two Junior 16 quads are ones to watch. At Teddington Head last weekend, Putney were denied their victory by a five-second penalty, so they’ll be out for revenge. Without the penalty, they would have won by two-tenths of a second over the Molesey A-quad, suggesting this weekend’s racing will be extremely tight as well.
City of Bristol
Bristol has a very strong junior programme, as shown by their current Junior 17 crop, who have been very competitive for the past three years in the quad, which suggests that these new J16s could have the same potential. I think that this quad, whilst still developing, has the potential to be intense competition for the Molesey and Putney boats.
Prediction
Based on last weekend’s results, I think it’ll be extremely close between Molesey and Putney. However, I believe Putney will be looking to rectify last weekend’s mistakes, and they’ll come out on top, with Molesey very close behind. I’m confident that the City of Bristol boat won’t be far behind; however, they’ll face tough competition from Walbrook for third place
