It’s finally here: Regatta Season! Wallingford kicks off summer racing this weekend as clubs across the country get their first run down a 2km track this year. The one day event manages to cram racing in from dawn to dusk and is an important marker for many crews. The Women’s Challenge Eights features 10 entries, a mixture of clubs, schools and A, B and C boats, all of whom will want to get some solid racing under their belts this weekend. The introduction of The Bridge Challenge Trophy at Henley Royal later this season makes women’s eights rowing all the more exciting; filling the gap between the Wargrave and Remenham a number of clubs will have their eyes on this prize in it’s inaugural year.
Leander
In Leander’s continued bid to regain the Wargrave, this will be the first 2km test for the project this year. In a winter season where their top athletes and triallists have often had all the plaudits, it’s the club athletes turn this weekend. They’ve had a strong winter season, culminating in a 7th place finish at WEHORR, and will want to build on this in regatta racing. Without a doubt fit and strong enough, Leander have often had a slow start to their summer in recent years and will want to ensure this is not the case this weekend.
Thames
Thames have three boats entered into the Challenge Eights; no surprise for a club who never fail to deliver a fleet of eights year on year. The introduction of The Bridge will undoubtedly give those athletes at Thames ineligible for the Wargrave a renewed challenge and focus. Their A boat will be determined to get the win this weekend and by some margin, whilst their B and C boats are likely to be fighting with the rest of the field. The B crew placed 6th at WEHORR, just ahead of the aforementioned Leander crew, so will want to ensure they keep ahead of them on Sunday.
Molesey
Molesey have found some fine form this season and seem to be developing a formidable women’s squad. It’s been a while since we have seen Molesey eights competing for the top spot, but it’s a welcome return for a club of its history and prestige. With a variety of athletes in their ranks, this crew is likely to be mix of their A and B boats that competed at WHEORR, placing 4th and 10th respectively. This should lead to a tight tussle with Leander and Thames B and some exciting racing to look out for.
London
London continue to look to be building a challenge on their bigger rivals. They had a strong winter season, culminating in 13th at WEHORR. Although 10 seconds behind the likes of Leander, they should not be written off over the shorter distance this weekend. It may be too early in their journey to cause an upset, but they are certainly ones to look out for in the future.
Lady Eleanor Holles School; Godolphin and Latymer School
Two schools are entered into the Challenge Eights, an exciting prospect for younger athletes. LEH and Godolphin and Latymer are close rivals, placing 5th and 6th at Schools Head this year. Both will be building towards National Schools Regatta later this month and Wallingford will be an important opportunity to learn some lessons. Getting in amongst some tight racing with older and more experienced club crews can only be of benefit to them both.
Prediction
Expect Thames A to be out ahead of the rest of the field, but Thames B, Leander and Molesey to all be battling it out for the top placing thereafter. All three will be in a tight contest and it may come down to who has that little bit more racing sharpness at this point in the season.
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