The year began well with a squad of about 14 - alas not quite enough for an VIII and a IV - so competition for a seat in the VIII was fierce. Following many all- telling ergos and other physical jerks a provisional crew was settled for Henley Schools Head. Training began in earnest and a cox had to be sought as last year's J14 cox was already taller than most of the crew. Finding a suitable steersman proved rather difficult, but eventually salvation was found in the form of one R.McClurg, Esq. - for all intents and purposes a mouth on legs and very cheeky to boot - the perfect cox. Coaching the crew proved rather difficult initially as the VIII insisted on paddling at 34, and given half a chance its rate would rise to 40 or more strokes per minute, sending the boat scampering over the water. All very well for a 300m dash, but not a technique suited to most of the races they would enter, especially in the Lent Term.

Come Henley Schools, the crew had settled down into an order and they put up an excellent fight against the likes of Shiplake and St. Edward's, but were overhauled to finish about half way down the list of J15's - a pleasing result. During the Lent Term the crew also rowed at Bristol Ariel, Bristol Docks, Avon County and of course the Schools' Head, where they had their best row.

In many ways, the Summer Term was rather disappointing. Because of forces beyond our control, the catalogue of misfortunes reads as follows: Avon County - racing curtailed because of foul weather; Tewkesbury - called off because of flooding; Ironbridge - no suitable event. A trio of disappointments. However, despite all, the crew continued to train under the eye of JMB during the run up to the National Schools Regatta, and during the half term break they rowed at Nottingham and were within a length or so of the winner their heat in a spirited and courageous race - a credit to themselves and their school.

To end the season, the VIII rowed at Richmond as what turned out to be a scratch crew as one oarsman had been struck by some mystery bug which covered him in spots, confining him to bed. This, combined with post-exam feeling, made the regatta a day out rather than the 'pot hunt' which we were all rather hoping it would be.

The term was brought to a close with a crew outing to Henley Royal Regatta where there was much spectating and dreaming of things to come. I myself would hope to see many, if not all of this year's J15 crew racing at the most renowned of all regattas in the not too distant future. On a more personal level, I greatly enjoyed coaching the crew and would like to thank them for their efforts throughout the year. Well done all.