Girls have enjoyed rowing from J15 through to Senior level this year. Crews performed creditably at a wide range of Head Races, starting with Monkton Bluefriars and culminating in both the Women's Eights Head and the Schools' Head on the tideway. Frequently they found themselves racing more experienced crews because of limited entries but nevertheless they managed to win the occasional pennant and established at least one record during the season. The Girls' 1st VIII was characterised by its happy disposition and desire to learn and much progress was made in these early stages. The more Junior crews displayed much enthusiasm and a firm base is being built for the future.

Early in the summer term two Senior IVs and a J16 crew departed for Avon County Regatta. We returned having won two events! Whilst not wishing to downgrade performances and not making any predictions about what might have been, both victories were achieved as the result of errors on the part of the other crew in the final and, as a result, were somewhat empty. Added to this, the success of the Senior IV meant that future races of the VIII could not be rowed in the Novice category - this was to make life considerably harder for the remainder of term! At this point it was decided that the Girls' 1st VIII would benefit from a change of coach and MG takes on the story from here: Having not had any previous experience of coaching Girls' rowing at Monkton, I was not quite sure what to expect. I was relieved to discover a good-spirited and well-motivated crew. The girls did, however, lack fitness and their rowing skills needed development. In pursuit of these the former the Coach and Coach's dog were pressed into action; frequently to be seen running with the crew around the valley. Unfortunately, as half the VIII had managed to win a Novice IV event at Saltford, it meant that the crew would have to compete either at Senior 3 or School Junior level. To begin with the crew was greatly out-paced and out- classed, being beaten easily at Bewdley but nevertheless gaining valuable racing experience. On home waters they continued to train ever harder as crew spirit and determination to win grew. They trained and raced over the Summer Half Term weekend, competing at both Worcester and Monmouth regattas where they were clearly more at home but still lacked S3 pace. Ever more determined, the crew set its sights on Ironbridge Regatta at the very end of term. Tents, sleeping bags and barbecue were organised and after a late start from Monkton we arrived to pitch camp in the light of the Land Rover's headlamps. The following weekend of racing was excellent, with the Girls beating their opposition and making both finals. I felt that they could well win both events but, alas, it was not to be. They were undoubtedly the better crew on the day, leaving the opposition for dead on the start but then got rather over-excited and it all ended in tears. I enjoyed coaching the VIII, they were well-behaved, polite and, above all, determined. Indeed they were a credit to themselves, the Boat Club and Monkton Combe School. Look out Women's Henley?! Finally, I would like to thank my wife who accompanied us on the weekend camping trips and all the supportive parents who came to watch, cheer and buy us all ice- creams.