Hampton Head is one of the most heavily entered events on the junior rowing calendar, with the entries closing the day of opening this year. With that being said, this race attracts some of the best of the best, with the women’s Junior 18 doubles being rightfully placed in this category. Fast-rising clubs and new combinations from some of the most established junior programmes make up these 15 crews, making me excited to see some inevitably feisty racing.
Oundle School Boat Club
A silent assassin of junior rowing, the girls from Oundle School are ones to be wary of. Though they did not race as often as many of their fellow programmes last season, their impact on the rankings is truly apparent. Placing second in the B-final of National Schools’ Regatta, these girls know how to put pressure on crews when the pain starts to set in, making them well-suited for a 3000m race. With practice racing in some of the worst conditions, whatever is thrown at them will be handled in a calm and collected manner. Starting the pack off, I am sure these two will be trying their hardest to extend their lead over their fellow competitors and, in the process, gain racing experience heading into the summer season.
Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club
Coming from the South West of England, Stratford-upon-Avon are one of the West Midlands’ powerhouses of rowing. Although you would not expect their level of expertise in the longer-distance events, due to training on a 500m stretch, they were able to place a women’s quad in the top 35 out of 46 at the Junior Fours Head this November. However, crew boats are not their only speciality, with their women’s Junior 18 double placing third in a heated B-final at the British Rowing Club Championships last year, demonstrating prowess in the smaller crews. With a good technical model and tenacious spirit, I know these girls are not ones to be overlooked.
Sir William Perkins’s School Boat Club
One of the most influential junior programmes in schoolgirl rowing at the moment, nothing is stopping Sir William Perkins’ School this year. Producing high-quality and technically skilled crews is second nature at this point, with these two doubles having trained with excellence in mind during the lead-up to this event. After their top quads had an impressive run at Junior Fours Head, coming fifth and 23rd, it is apparent that the demanding longer distance races are nothing in comparison to the rigorous training these girls complete. With two crews entered, I am sure the friendly competition within their squad will encourage them to dig deep and achieve some good results.
Tideway Scullers School
Another unit from a highly respected club comes from Tideway Scullers School. The history of success in this club is one to admire, with both the men’s and women’s junior squads holding their own in domestic competition for many years now. The level of pedigree produced is something to marvel at, with the double scull being a boat of expertise. This club-wide mastery has been displayed just earlier this season, with the women’s youth doubles at the Head of the Charles Regatta being dominated by a pairing from Tideway Scullers. Having trained alongside some of the fastest scullers in the country, the competitive edge gained will benefit these girls tenfold. Setting off eighth, I am sure these two will be sure to hunt those in front to continue the dominant legacy.
Peterborough City Rowing Club
A club very close to home for the aforementioned Oundle School, the double from Peterborough should be setting their standards high this weekend. Just last summer, this club produced one of the best WJ18 doubles, who consistently held their own in many A finals, coming sixth at Oarsport Junior Sculling Head and fifth at the British Club Championships in two nail-biting races. From excellent results such as these, it is apparent that pressure has minimal effect on the girls from Peterborough City. With a new season ahead and a firm grasp on the competition in this event, I am excited to see these girls surpass their performances from last year.
Predictions
With no obvious favourites in this well-entered category, it will be anyone’s game for the coveted first place. However, due to their experience, Stratford-upon-Avon may just find themselves taking the lead in this tough fight. Following close behind, I see Oundle School with the two doubles of Sir William Perkins’s School hot on their heels. Though it is all to play for, this category will surely be host to some impressive racing.
