Tuesday Reviews
Shiplake College vs Marlow R.C ‘B’
The inaugural Diamond Jubilee race of 2025 came down to a battle of depth, with both Marlow and Shiplake fielding their second ranked boat. The local rivals started equally fast and furious, striking upwards of 36 until the barrier, where Marlow emerged to a two thirds of a length lead. From this point, they were able to skilfully control the remainder of the race, edging out to a two and three quarter victory, whilst underrating their competitors. Shiplake are predominantly sweep program, so may have been challenged by the change of discipline. But regarding Marlow’s win, it’s refreshing to see a ‘B’ crew advance through the rounds, especially from a club setup.
Shrewsbury School vs Trentham B.C.
Race 40 challenged midlands allegiances as Trentham Boat Club faced Shrewsbury School in the fourth heat of the day. At the end of the Island Shrewsbury had already amassed a three-quarter length lead, striking above fourty, they were quick to control the race. By the Barrier, they had moved to a two-and-a-half length lead, which was further extended by the Fawley marker. The Shrewsbury boat sat with this margin to the finish line, but in spite of a comfortable lead, they never seemed relaxed, rating in excess of 34 across the line. With a dominating heat under their belt, I trust they’ve gained confidence to go head-to-head with the renowned unit of Marlow ‘A’.
Claires Court School vs Walton R.C.
Despite achieving a sixth-place finish in the National Schools’ Regatta, the crew from Maidenhead was seemingly amiss from any competition following. With their Walton Rowing Club rivals appearing equally mysterious, the result of race 60 was never a sure thing. Out of the blocks, Walton crept to a quarter length lead which was slowly stretched out to a three quarter lead by Barrier. The boats were in a stalemate: Claires Court were overrating their rivals by four, but nonetheless the margin remained the same until Remenham Club. It was here Claires Court made the choice to go, without mercy they started to walk and didn’t stop until crossing the line a length in front of Walton. In a field of done-deals, this race stood head and shoulders above the Diamond Jubilee crowd.
Thursday Previews
Hartpury College vs Henley R.C.
Hartpury are mysterious in that they spend the season between small boats and larger quad combinations, for this reason, I believe they hide their true crew potential until this week. The Hartpury outfit placed third in the B-Final at National School’s Regatta, but based on recorded times, they would have scored an overall sixth place finish, directly behind Henley. The local club reached the semi-finals at Henley Women’s and have deservedly earned a seeded placement. Hartpury were amiss from Henley Women’s Regatta in the Bea Langridge Trophy, but will perhaps pay for their extra race in the next round.
Claires Court School vs Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Claires Court demonstrated their race saviness today, and it is this maturity which may pay dividends against Australian National Champions Canberra Girls Grammar School. The Australian team saw an unfortunate draw at Henley Women’s, where they encountered Wycliffe College ‘A’ in the quarter-finals, losing out by five lengths. Based on this margin, I’d put money on this matchup being a surprise fight. As above, Claire’s Court have lacked side-by-side racing this season, with added confidence from today’s perfomance, I expect this dual to be epic.
Maidenhead R.C. ‘B’ vs Sir William Perkins’ School
Confusingly, Maidenhead ‘B’ have been the titular women’s sculling crew from the club this year and boast a fourth place finish at National School’s Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta appearance, where they narrowly missed out on a faceoff with Sir William Perkins’ School. Perkins come into this face-off as the seeded crew, as eventual semi-finalists at HWR, despite falling short of Maidenhead at NSR. I therefore suppose the crews are tied 1-1 and will battle for a quarter final’s position in the next round of the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup.
