With Inverness Head being one of the largest Scottish head races, it is a significant annual event within the Scottish rowing community, offering competitors a chance to test their mettle against some of the fastest crews in the country. The Junior Women’s events are shaping up to be highly contested, with all crews entered hoping to come away with a win.
Junior 18 Single Sculls
The first event for the Junior women is the J18 singles. With many of the top competitors competing in the GB U19 trials this leaves the competition wide open for the rest of the pack. George Heriot School’s Rosie Hendrie is looking like a favourite for the win this weekend, due to her consistently high performance across singles races last year. Her most notable performances include tenth at the British Rowing Club Championships (BRCC) and third at the Scottish Rowing Championships in the J16 singles, only closely behind Caitlin Warnock and Stevie Gildert, both of whom are trialling. Another Heriot’s rower that will be fighting for a medal will be Zoe Noble, coming straight out of a win at Tees Small Boats Head, ahead of many of her competitors for this weekend. This may give her the confidence she needs to make a mark this weekend against a strong field of athletes. Ella Kalkman, The Glasgow Academy, is another strong contender who has high chances of coming away with a medal this weekend. Another challenge will come from Kate Desmeulles, George Heriot’s, who, despite competing up an age category, has the experience necessary to potentially take the win this weekend, representing Scotland in the singles at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta last year.
Junior 18 Pairs
There are some exceptionally powerful crews entered into the pairs this weekend, and challenges will fly from all sides of the draw. The St Andrew Boat Club composite, including Catie McKendrick, who represented Scotland at HIRR earlier this year, is looking to be a favourite alongside The Glasgow Academy, who will also be wanting to challenge for the win with two crews entered. However, that is not to rule out the crews from Strathclyde Park RC and St Andrew BC who will be equally ready to step up this weekend.
Junior 18 Quadruple Sculls
George Heriot’s RC will have high hopes for a win in the J18 4x, coming from a win at BRCC this summer in the J16 4x and consistently performing exceptionally well in both Scottish and British races. With two entries they are doubling their chances of taking gold in this competition whilst also displaying the talented depth wihtin their squad. Strathclyde Park RC, however, will be aiming to turn the tables on George Heriot’s this year, after finishing second in the WJ16 4x at the Scottish Championships. George Watson’s College will also be in the mix, hoping to mount a serious challenge.
Junior 18 Fours
Despite there being few entries in the J18 Fours, it is still expected to be an incredibly close race and a challenging prediction to determine who will come away with the win. Aberdeen School’s Rowing Association has the experience to one-up their competitors and will be confident within their no doubt tried and tested crew combination. However, they will be challenged by Clydesdale Amateur RC, who have historically performed well across sweep races in the UK, and so will be looking to take a victory away from the other crews in this race. As well as home favourites Inverness Rowing Club, who will be looking to make a mark on their home course.
J18 Double Sculls
George Heriot’s RC will be aiming to secure another win in the doubles, with four combinations entered. The intra-club competition is sure to push times down, and with past victories at the Scottish Championships and Tyne Single Scullers Head, they are firm favourites. However, challenges will come from all sides – notably St Andrew BC and Strathclyde Park RC, the latter having finished runners-up to Heriot’s at last year’s Scottish Championships and eager to reverse the result.
Overall, the Junior Women’s fields at Inverness Heads promise exciting, closely fought racing. With fresh rivalries, returning champions, and new combinations taking shape, this weekend will set the tone for the Scottish head race season ahead.
