Scullers Head is one of the most iconic single sculling challenges in the UK, and the Open Club Singles event is always a fascinating watch. The Tideway tests every sculler not just on speed, but also on steering, with factors other than power affecting the results. This year’s entry list features a strong crop of club athletes looking to make a statement and come away with some gold to kick off their season.
Quintin Boat Club: Russell Thompson
Russell Thompson will be representing Quintin on home water, and that local knowledge could prove invaluable. Russell Thompson has the advantage of training on this stretch of water and will undoubtedly have spent hours studying the line. He’s shown consistency across recent head races, and also placed in the top half of the School/Junior singles here in 2022. With the support of a strong, established Quintin squad around him, expect him to be right in contention. With this being the first of many races on the championship course this year, Quintin will be looking to start the new season on a strong note.
Molesey Boat Club: Alex Morris
Molesey’s scullers always bring a physical and technical edge, and Alex Morris is no exception. Although they train on another stretch of the Thames, they are familiar with the poise and attention required to row on the Tideway. Morris has no doubt studied the line and previously raced in the B Final of the Championship Singles at Marlow Regatta, so he has proven to have the speed. With the backing of an impressive coaching team, this Molesey sculler can cause an upset next weekend and will be looking to give Molesey their first significant win of the season.
Lea Rowing Club: Vasil Mihov
The Bulgarian Vasil Mihov represents Lea Rowing Club and is a force to be reckoned with. After winning the C final at the British Rowing Club Championships this summer, despite it being his first race in the single, he will be looking to build on this and add a medal to his roster early doors this season. Although he does not train daily on the Tideway, he will be looking to master the line come next weekend and take home some gold back to East London. If he keeps his composure on the day, he may look to upset a few people.
Kingston Rowing Club: Richard Sharratt
Kingston have produced some solid results at Scullers Head in recent years, often placing well in the club events. Richard Sharratt will be looking to continue that trend and add another strong performance for the club. While he may not have the same home-water advantage as some Tideway-based scullers, Kingston athletes have shown they can deliver on this course, and Sharratt has the chance to follow suit.
Prediction
This event is stacked with top-level club rowers eyeing the top prize and a positive start to the season. The top spot should go to Lea Rowing Club purely due to Mihov’s positive performances earlier this season. I think he will be closely followed by Quintin Boat Club, as the home advantage is significant in races on the championship course. I also believe that Molesey Boat Club may be hot on their heels.
