Tuesday Reviews
Lea R.C vs Belen Jesuit Prep School, USA
The first international showing in the Fawley Challenge Cup promised a far closer race than was delivered. Lea Rowing Club were victorious in the B-Final at National Schools Regatta, whilst Belen Jesuit Prep School USA similarly placed 8th at US Rowing Youth Nationals. Belen’s result, however, followed a third place finish in the time trial and may have been disappointed with their eventual result, hiding speed they perhaps saved for this heat. The American crew shot out of the starting block, gaining a canvas advantage over Lea by the end of the Island, increasing to a length and a half at the barrier. After maintaining a steady advantage down the course, Belen crossed the line nearly three lengths ahead of Lea.
Marlow R.C. vs Leander Club ‘A’
Usually a weekend feature, this local dual between Marlow Rowing Club and Leander Club ‘A’ did not disappoint. Shockingly, the Leander boat had to go through qualifiers on Saturday, however they did not let this fatigue phase them and shot out to a two feet lead by the end of the Island. Leander maintained a small lead until Remenham Farm before Marlow pushed to level at the Fawley marker. From this point, the crews were never separated by more than a few feet. Marlow continually diced with the booms, causing them to lose some footing, but avoided disaster and claimed the win by half a length after a strong finish. Leander saw some difficulties with injury in the leadup to HRR, but will no doubt be frustrated given their reputation, having won two of the past six regattas.
Nereid B.C., USA vs Hartpury College
The Nereid Hartpury matchup could easily be dubbed the race of the day. Reminiscent of Drysdale’s iconic 2018 Diamond Sculls comeback, Hartpury College did the job when it mattered most. It was neck-a-neck from the start, with the American crew emerging to a tight two feet lead over the Brits, with neither crew relenting, striking at 39. While Hartpury appeared to flirt with the booms for a brief moment, Neried moved out to a canvas, it looked game over for Hartpury, but with true race swagger, they turned the gas back on and ran with it. Through the enclosures they excelled to a length lead, crossing the line both cool and collected. An outstanding performance besting the fifth fastest boat in America.
Thursday Previews
Belen Jesuit Prep School, USA vs The Windsor Boys’ School ‘A’
Windsor Boys are coming in again this year as strong favourites to take the Fawley for the second year in a row, having won National School’s Regatta by over 15 seconds, but I’m not ready to write off Belen just yet. In fact, as Belen’s race occurred this morning, chatter in the press box compared the American’s uniform technique to that synonymous with Mark Wilkinson’s crews. Even if they are not able to overturn the Windsor Boys, perhaps they can tire them out and make their journey to the podium just a little bit trickier.
Hartpury College vs Marist College Canberra, AUS
After a standout showing today, Hartpury College will have to double down on their success in order to best Australian National Champions Marist College. Hartpury will come in with a comparative sixth place finish at Marlow Regatta, a credible achievement given they were C-final victors at National School’s Regatta, in the same lineup, only a month prior. Both programmes undoubtedly favour the sculling discipline, with Marist favouring the coxed quad over the schoolboy eight down under. In essence, these are very similar programmes and will enjoy their incoming spar.
Hinksey Sculling School vs The Windsor Boys’ School ‘B’
Here at JRN, we will always proclaim Hinksey Sculling School as the people’s champions, having made the weekend in the Fawley the past two years beating international competition and domestic favourites alike. This season however has not been as simple, placing fourth at NSR and eighth at Marlow Regatta they will no doubt be frustrated to miss out on seeding after not placing as consistently as previous years. After dominating Sir William Borlase’s School, they will face Windsor Boy’s School ‘B’, who have cemented their legacy as the strongest 2V in junior men’s sculling, but will their seed have been in vain?
