The simultaneous appearance of a first-ever J16 Girls' IV and disappearance of the 'usual' J16 boys' VIII were obvious signs of the times on home water. Some in this age group were happy to participate regularly in a non-competitive category, belying the impression in some quarters that the Boat Club only caters for committed athletes.

There is no doubt though that the J16 boys' IV definitely came into this last-mentioned classification. With the noticeable exception of Rupert Davies in the 3 seat, the crew was always at a serious size disadvantage, but nevertheless more than held its own against both larger and older opponents. By the end of January, the oarsmen had virtually selected themselves and went into a rigorous land and water training programme, aiming for medals at the National Schools' Regatta. Rowley Douglas ('92 2nd VIII cox) was very helpful during the timetabled sessions in coaching Imogen King who then took over the cox's seat for the whole season, steering with great confidence and skill. The first three weeks of training went better than expected so that at Worcester H.O.R., rowing as a Junior IV, the crew held off Clifton College 1st IV for the whole 4 miles, finishing well up in the Senior 3 category with the prospects looking very encouraging.

Calamity then struck Nick Weldon (Stroke & Captain) in two ways and almost brought the crew to a dead halt before it had got started. Firstly, Nick was lucky to escape from a half-term mountaineering accident with only a badly bruised foot but then, just as he was recovering from that injury he succumbed to a virus which laid him low (after competing in the Avon County H.O.R., where the crew won the J16 category despite Stroke's incubating illness) for the rest of the term. Having scratched from Gloucester H.O.R., the crew was fortunate to have Edward Olding on board for the Schools' Head where they performed very adequately in the Junior section.

Meanwhile, the girls' IV rallied behind their Captain, Alison Fawthrop to compete with increasing confidence at first Avon County and then the Schools' Heads. Training a novice girls' IV alongside an established boys' crew proved difficult both during the Head and Regatta seasons but I was very grateful for the help of both Rowley Douglas and Miss Arming in managing to provide some continuity in coaching during the year. The Schools' Head was possibly one of the crew's best rows when they came quite close to their seniors in the final order. Rowing back against the tide to Barnes was also a memorable experience for them!

The making of the '93 boys' crew was undoubtedly the Easter Training Camp at Kingston upon Thames. In four days towards the end of the Easter holiday the crew covered a huge number of miles and benefited enormously from the expert coaching of national coach, Nigel Weare who once again gave so generously of his time and knowledge. The time spent together off the water also knitted the crew into a tighter unit and it was a shame when, despite the tremendous morale boost given by the stay at Kingston, personalities still clashed early in the season, and indeed throughout it, to the detriment of the crew. Without total and equal commitment from everyone in a boat it is unlikely to prove exceptional.

Following the Easter training, the crew came away from its first regatta with a splendid win over Radley in the Final of JI6 IV's and nearly achieved a 'double' had it not been for the presence of a cohesive and strong Stourport crew in Novice IVs. The rest of the Regatta season was less successful: a spirited performance at Avon County saw the crew through to fourth position in the Final, only half a length down on the Windsor Boys' crew who had won National Schools as J15's. Nottingham proved the greatest disappointment when, despite rowing fluently and purposively, the crew failed to qualify for the Final. The other three crews in the eliminator were considerably heavier than Monkton and at a distinct advantage in the moderate headwind prevailing on the course. By now it had become clear to oarsmen and coach that IV's rowing at this level is largely about using upper body strength and, despite the high level of technique and fitness which the crew undoubtedly had, nothing was going to compensate for a lack of stature. Many Colts crews (by now in the thick of GCSE examinations) would have faded away after disappointment on the scale of NSR but, after a drubbing by a strong Abingdon J16 at Thames Valley Park, the crew went to Ironbridge for what is an enjoyable end of term weekend of camping and racing to produce possibly their best race of the season against De Montfort University in Senior 3 IVs on the Saturday and a narrow defeat by winners, RGS Newcastle in another hard-fought race on the Sunday.

The girls' IV was extremely unlucky in both of its Regattas: sinking at Coate Regatta and being disqualified after only ten strokes or so at Thames Valley Park. In both races however they were in strong contention at the point where diaster struck and there is every reason to hope for better things in the future. Overall, I look back on the season with pleasure: I enjoyed coaching all those in the age group and will remember their dedication and friendliness much more than the odd moments of angst. I hope all these young people will continue to enjoy their rowing and have a larger share of success next year.