It may only feel like yesterday that we all were experiencing the highs and lows of last year’s summer racing season, but it has once again snuck up on us. Kicking off on bank holiday Monday, the Junior Sculling Regatta leads the charge into the 2025 domestic racing circuit. Because this is our first look at some of the UK’s top crews, I am very keen to see if any new names can burst onto the scene, especially in the Junior 18 women’s double sculls.
Sir William Perkins’ School Rowing Club
A programme known for producing incredibly quick crews (especially in the doubles department), Sir William Perkins is a strong horse to bet on for Monday’s race. Following in the footsteps of last season’s National Schools’ Regatta silver and bronze medals in the Junior 16 and 18 doubles, respectively, the strength in this squad is apparent. These athletes’ ability to specialise in smaller boats is highly advantageous. Setting the pace is Al Qahef, a familiar name from last season’s top A-finals. When the heat rises, she is someone her crewmate MacGregor can count on to rise to the challenge. Despite setting off third in the draw, these two will be on the heels of those in front.
Tideway Scullers School
Leading the pack down the iconic Dorney Lake, Tideway Scullers are the crew to beat. Composed of arguably some of the most competent athletes in the domestic scene, I expect this double to storm down the track. In stroke, Cohalan, though only 17, is experienced beyond her years, most notably securing a British Rowing Junior Championships silver in the Junior 16 double from this very seat last year. Backing her up from the helm is another truly exceptional athlete. Competing in the U19 World Rowing Championships for GB last summer, Amalka Delevante gave an outstanding performance, coming away with a silver medal in the quad. These girls have also shown prowess in larger boats this season, running away with the gold in the championships quads at the Schools’ Head of the River earlier this year. The stars have seemed to align for these girls, and I am sure they will be a crew to watch throughout the season.
Royal Grammar School Worcester Boat Club
I cannot write this prediction without including the current Junior Sculling Regatta Junior 17 doubles gold medallists. Whiteley and Hodgson are a dream team together in the double, both on a lake or at sea. These girls undoubtedly know how to row with one another after spending so much time together in this formation. I can safely say that when put under the pressure of side by side, they can hold their nerve, as demonstrated when they reached the semifinal of the Rayner Cup at Henley Women’s Regatta last summer. These girls didn’t just race domestically in 2024; they also earned GB vests for beach sprints and got a gold medal together at Coupe de la Jeunesse. With excellent coastal experience under their belts, I am sure these girls are ready for whatever conditions Dorney throws at them, making them strong medal contenders.
Notable Mentions
Though hard to predict with this being my first look at these crews this season, I am sure the pairing from Headington School Oxford Boat Club will find themselves in the A-final. With the bow Sartin being a former teammate of the Tideway pair, I am sure the friendly rivalry will drive this crew through the line. I also think that Marlow Rowing Club are bound for a top-six place. Hailing from a strong junior sculling programme, these girls would have trained alongside previous 2024 Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup finalists and the current silver medallist crew at the Schools’ Head of The River. The level of quality found in this club is surely translated onto this double.
Predictions
With 15 crews competing, the only easy thing to predict is the level of competition these crews will provide for one another. However, I think the high performance levels previously exhibited by Tideway Scullers School will prove them out as the top double of the day. If this is the case, the remaining RGS Worcester and Sir William Perkins crews will fight for the rest of the podium spots, potentially leading to a nail-biting final. I believe that the level of experience in the boat with one another in the form of the RGS crew will help them steal away the silver. However, that is without saying that it is all to play for, as a first race of the season, any crew could pull something out of the bag.
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