The week after Marlow was used for improving technique under BSM's guidance. The crew responded intelligently and quickly to what he had to say, and a marked improvement to blade entry and rhythm helped to give confidence as well as a better turn of speed. On the day that the rest of the club went to Reading Town, the VIII went to Henley to paddle on the course; conditions were fast for this practice row, but the water was made difficult by the many pleasure craft using the reach. JMB took over for the last week's training and the emphasis was on the start; the link between the start and the main phase of the race; and on 'tens'. Fortunately we knew from the draw that we would not have to race until just before lunch time, so planned early morning outings were abandoned. By the time Saturday came, the crew and coaches felt as ready as they could be for the opposition. There was a persistent head wind, and times were slow. Our opponents, St. Paul's, had beaten Cheltenham ealier in the day, but it had been a close race, and the VIII went to the start knowing that they were about to take part in a well matched race. We went off at about 41 (slightly higher that St Paul's), and gained half a length in the first two minutes. We needed the experience and confidence to stride out from this leading position to make the most of our advantage. A 'ten' at the three-quarter mile post was not very effective, and when it was over our sparkle dimmed slightly. St Paul's came up slowly but surely, and by the mile post had drawn level. They went gradually ahead to 11f4 lengths at the finish. We had raced at our best, and the result was a fair one. St. Paul's were noticeably heavier than Monkton, and this must have been an advantage in the windy conditions.

It is interesting to place the crews in order by their finishing times. Although it is risky, this calculation placed us about half way up the list of crews entered.

OM's and present members of the school were present in large numbers near the start, where they gave the crew good support. The customary picnic with parents and friends on the Saturday evening was cold! The heavens opened on Sunday, so we left for home soon after a very wet lunch, missing the most exciting Grd race there has been for years.