This Saturday, the banks of the Thames will welcome crews back to Reading Rowing Club for the Reading Small Boats Head. The 3500m stretch will be raced across three divisions, with entries split into open, intermediate, and beginner categories.
Open Quad
The open quad category sees three intermediate entries, all from Reading University Boat Club. Among them is Crew 187 ‘Ingham‘, which appears to include a returner from the club’s Prince of Wales Challenge Cup lineup at Henley Royal Regatta this summer. With all crews drawn from the same squad, expect a healthy dose of internal rivalry as athletes begin to stake their claim for top boats later in the season.
Open Double
The open double offers a broader field, with three intermediate and four beginner entries. In the intermediate category, Maidenhead Rowing Club fields all three crews – setting up a clean intra-club contest. With no external competition, the focus will be on execution and early-season sharpness, as athletes look to establish themselves this season.
Open Single
The single scull is the most varied of the open sculling events, with entries across all three categories. At the open level, Reading University Boat Club again dominates, fielding four of the seven entries. Among them are Snoxall and Green, both of whom featured in the club’s ‘B’ crew for the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta this summer.
In the intermediate draw, Reading University continues its strong showing, with three of five entries. Notably, Cuthbertson, a member of The Prince of Wales Challenge Cup ‘C’ crew, returns to the water, offering a glimpse into the depth of the squad’s sculling talent.
Prediction
While the race lacks broader inter-club competition, it offers valuable racing experience for local crews. The single scull is the only category with enough variety to warrant a prediction, though with Reading University Boat Club fielding the majority of entries – and boasting a reputation as one of the UK’s leading sculling centres – it’s likely to turn into an internal contest with one of those athletes taking the win.
