Friday Reviews
Shiplake College v Saugatuck R.C, USA
First up today in The Prince Phillip Challenge Trophy was a UK and US showdown, and the established Shiplake programme was on show against the Americans from the east coast, who saw off Wallingford to make it to this Friday. Immediately off the start, it was a typical story; the Americans went off like a rocket and stayed in touch with the Shiplake girls through the end of the Island. It was bow ball for bow ball in the opening moments, with Shiplake settling into a smooth rhythm and the Americans keeping the rate up. The former tactic proved more effective, and Shiplake started pulling away. Saugatuck made a move and reduced the lead at the Barrier, but Shiplake responded. Coming past the enclosures, Saugatuck were powering down at a rate of 38, having barely let up throughout the long course, but Shiplake looked confident with their lead, which they extended to two and a quarter lengths and safely secured their spot in the semifinals.
Kinross Wolaroi School, AUS v Latymer Upper School
The triple bucket rides again in this anticipated contest against Latymer Upper. It’s always exciting when we get to see a completely fresh match-up, as, for obvious reasons, these two crews have never lined up against each other. Coming away from the Island, Latymer made a slight steering correction, which moved the two crews further apart as they settled into their rhythm. Latymer went for an early settle, bringing it down to a smooth rate of 34 whilst their competitors still held it high at 38. By the Barrier, Kinross had two-thirds of a length lead, but Latymer stayed in touch and kept the pressure high as they moved into the middle section of the course. A decisive move from Latymer pushed them closer and closed the gap, but Kinross responded straight away and saw off the attempt. This was a tough race that showed both crews’ prowess as they stormed down the course. Kinross prevailed, and we will again see the iconic triple bucket take to the iconic Henley Royal Regatta course tomorrow.
Lady Eleanor Holles School v St Edward’s School
The wind picked up for this race as the two UK schools faced off against each other. They fired stroke for stroke coming away from the Island, and it looked to be a closer match than some may have expected. However, Teddies found their racing rhythm and slotted into a good pace, looking clean and methodical as they gradually pulled away from LEH. They stretched out to a two-and-a-quarter length lead and crossed the line at a rate of 28. Throughout the race, they looked strong, and I think there is some serious speed in this Teddies’ crew that will carry them down the course tomorrow.
Newport Aquatic Center, USA v Headington School
For the Newport Aquatic Center, this must have felt like a daunting prospect. Headington, the title holders and ever-dominant outfit, would always be a difficult one to face on a sunny Friday at Henley Royal Regatta, and dominant they were. From the moment the race began, Headington stormed into an early lead and extended this as they rowed down the course. The Americans were fighting with everything they had, throwing all they could find at this race, but ultimately it was not enough. Headington rowed through the line at rate 30, and three and a half lengths up on their competitors.
Saturday Previews
Shiplake College v Kinross Wolaroi, AUS
Kinross are the only international entry still left standing in the exciting Prince Philip Challenge Trophy. They come into Saturday as the underdogs, but neither of these boats had an easy run in their quarterfinals. The girls from Latymer pushed Kinross whilst Shiplake had to contend with the speed from Saugatuck, but both came away victorious. The question will be at what cost? Shiplake have had a solid season, and while they may be disappointed with the outcome at Henley Women’s Regatta recently, they now have the chance to prove they truly have what it takes. As for Kinross may have the magic of the triple bucket, but they were not as quick today down the course as their British rivals (however, we should account for the wind that picked up between the two races, which meant that Kinross had slower water). If Kinross can come out of the blocks and take it to Shiplake, they will be able to give them a good race, but Shiplake will prevail and advance to Sunday.
St Edward’s v Headington School
What a race this will be. Both crews dominated their quarterfinals and have had successful seasons, but Teddies have fallen short to Headington over the course of the year. Most notably, at Henley Women’s Regatta, the last time these two boats went toe to toe down this course. Headington have the reputation, the speed and the results to back them up. Teddies have the fighting mentality and the grit to give them a good run for their money. With stacked crews full of some of the best athletes on the schoolgirl rowing scene, these two boats should provide spectators with something good to watch tomorrow. If I have to call it, and I suppose I do, based on how Headington looked today against Newport, I believe they will be the ones to have the privilege of racing again on finals day.
