There were twelve entries for the 1st VIlls event, and these were split into two eliminating heats of six crews, three from each race proceeding to the final. Our race was the second of the day, starting at 0905. After an early breakfast (0630) at the hotel in Derby, we arrived at the course at about 0800. Conditions were ideal, with a very slight head breeze and bright sunshine. We were the last crew to launch, so we arrived at the stake-boats just before the appointed time. The start was good, at about 43. There was an effective gear change after 16 strokes, when the rate dropped to about 37. There appeared to be good gather and stride, and the work was effective. We went straight into the lead, and were in front, with St Paul's, Abingdon and Kingston Grammar about half a length down at the end of the first two minutes. Bryanston and St George's were about a length down at this stage. The lead was lost in the next minute; although the Monkton rowing remained neat, the fire had gone — perhaps too much energy had been used up in the first phase of the race. After three minutes we were a length down on Abingdon, St Paul's and Kingston Grammar, with Bryanston and St George's gaining ground. By the finish, we had slipped further from the lead, and came in 4th.