Claires Court School v The Windsor Boy’s School
In the first race of the day, Claires Court had the uneasy task of facing not only the reigning national champions but also the undefeated holders of the Fawley Challenge Trophy. The Windsor Boy’s School are firm favourites to go back-to-back in this event, but Claire’s Court made this mission slightly more difficult. Windsor had found a canvas advantage at the end of the Island, with drone footage picking up darting glances from the leading crew as they steadily walked out to a length’s lead at the barrier. Despite continually extending their margin, Windsor did not reduce their rate until the enclosures, crossing the line three lengths ahead of Claires Court.
Tideway Scullers’ School v Shiplake
Despite a few minor hiccups, Tideway Scullers’ School delivered a tidy race and ensured their progression to the weekend. An immediate Shiplake steering correction off the block may have prevented early momentum as Tideway started their gradual progress, inching away to a two-length lead by the Fawley marker. Potential disaster struck when Tideway’s two man caught a crab, but he recovered excellently, with the Londoners comfortably eventually taking the victory by an easy three lengths.
Hartpury College v Hinksey Sculling School
Hinksey Sculling School put in a dominating performance to advance to the weekend. Despite falling short in Marlow landing in the B-final, they were clearly looking to turn the tide, launching out of the blocks, Hinksey had a clear water advantage by the quarter mile marker before striding out to over a three-length lead at Fawley. They established a strong and steady rhythm, not taking it ‘easy’, they struck 33, still managing to gain distance on Harputy, who sat at 36 and crossed the line three lengths in front.
Molesey Boat Club v Grange School
In the last quarter final of the Fawley Challenge Cup, Molesey Boat Club put out a textbook performance to ensure their position in the next round. Grange were quick to start, keeping with their opposition to the end of the island, before they slowly lost grip on the lead. Molsey strode out to a near two length advantage by Fawley before climbing the rate down in anticipation for tomorrow’s racing. They crossed the line two and a quarter lengths in front of Grange School.
Saturday Previews
Windsor Boy’s School v Tideway Sculling School
As mentioned above, its fair to say that Windsor is expected to win this weekend, but if anyone can challenge Wilkinson’s men, it may be Tideway. One of only three schools to win the Fawley Challenge Cup title in the past seven years, Tideway was second behind Windsor at the National Schools’ Regatta but trained through Marlow Regatta to better their chances at the big dance. While my money is still on Windsor, famously, anything can happen at Henley.
Hinksey Sculling School v Molesey B.C
This race will be a scorcher. Molesey Boat Club and Hinksey Sculling School have been sparring all season, but it all comes down to Saturday. At National Schools’ Regatta Hinksey and Molesey placed fourth and fifth respectively, separated by over ten seconds. However soon after at Marlow Regatta, Molesey came out three seconds on top. I predict this matchup will be one to watch. I think that we are yet to see top speed from either of the crews this week and it remains all to play for, as the finals day looms in the distance.
