The year started with problems of a flooded river and ended with a heat-wave. The aim in the NOVICES group was to produce two eights of regatta standard and another of boys who might develop further next year. In this respect the year has been successful, since the 'A' crew won a regatta at Reading and the 'B' crew rowed with great credit at Avon, Hereford and Coate. The third category of boy has not quite had this full measure, although rowing well at Shearwater, but some excelled in Junior Bumps.

My policy with the 'A' VIII has been to allow the natural exuberance of the young to develop at the expense of technique. It is impossible, and unrealistic, to get J14 crews to emulate senior boys because they do not have the strength to row properly at low ratings. As long as they are aware that it might be more efficient to row a slower stroke when they are older, this is the main battle won.

The 'A' VIII have always rowed with determination and will to win. The disappointment must be N.S.R. where we might have improved our 3rd place with slightly more maturity. As they were rowing only one week after a major re-rig of the boat it was a good effort. The 'B' crew surprised many people and owed a lot to the excellent work done by Mr. Musters. They were never going to be regatta winners but the four at Coate were better than many 'A' crews. I would wish all the J14 group the very best for the future and urge them to persevere with their chosen sport.