St Edward’s School v Headington School
In a re-run of the Henley Women’s Regatta final, Headington and Teddies produced a stunning display of junior sweep rowing to open Saturday’s racing. Slick starts from both crews saw them remain level at the end of the Island before Headington settled into a dominant race rhythm, leaving Teddies fighting to stay in contact. Producing clear water by the quarter-mile marker, the Henley Women’s Regatta champions took the headwind in their stride as they cruised into a comfortable two-length lead. Staying strong, Teddies refused to be left behind, only allowing the lead to stretch out to a final verdict of two and a half lengths- a significant reduction from the four and a half length difference just two weeks ago
Shiplake College v Kinross Wolaroi School, AUS
Flying off the start, Kinross Wolaroi stormed to a canvas length lead over the British national champions by the end of the Island. Extending this out to the quarter mile marker, Kinross held Shiplake at half a length, looking to overthrow the favourites from yesterday. However, keeping this lead soon proved to be too much to ask from the Australians as Shiplake began to walk with a higher rate and punchier rhythm. Stroke by stroke, they edged out the early leaders, claiming a quarter-length lead at Fawley marker and extending on to a full length by Remenham. Staying confident in their rhythm, the national champions executed yet another move to glide out and claim a two and a half length lead. As the last remaining international crew in The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy, the triple bucket can head home with their heads held high after a mighty campaign to reach Saturday.
Final Preview
Headington School v Shiplake College
Confident with their win from Henley Women’s Regatta, Headington will come into the final as a recent favourite after proving the National Schools’ Regatta result was just a temporary hiccup and displaying dominant speed over this week of racing. On the other hand, Shiplake College arrive in the final as the reigning national champions from Nottingham- confident they can come through in strong conditions should the winds prevail tomorrow. With two crews of such high calibre, the racing down the course will surely be packed with fiery battles- I wouldn’t be surprised to see the lead changing hands multiple times before the line. However, my favourites would have to be Headington, with the recent pick up of speed combined with the strong, clean races they have produced so far, I believe Shiplake may come up just short.
