The So-Called 2nd VIII
At the beginning of the season, the colts group, which included some strong oarsmen, was merged with the seniors to form the Senior Squad. Squad training was undertaken, but it quickly became apparent that the colts would be better off if they rowed in their correct age group; at the same time, the most senior oarsmen were anxious to form a 1st VIII. This left a random selection of oarsmen adrift, without much of a rowing aim in life. They included at least one member from each age group from third form to sixth form, as well as JMB (officially retired from the Club). Some were complete novices. We thought it might be worth putting this motley assortment together - they would never go very fast, but perhaps we would have a happy season.
Quite early on, a crew which contained nine out of the large number of oarsmen and coxes who sat in the boat from time to time went to Bristol City Head Race, where they won medals. It has to be said that there was no opposition, and medals were won for setting a new course record. It also has to be said that the course itself was new, so we did indeed set a new, if rather slow, record for Junior Eights. At the Schools Head, (to quote a member of the crew) we just didn't do very well• .
Spirits remained high, and the crew decided to go to France for training over Easter. This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and the rowing came on by leaps and bounds. We returned to school very much looking forward to improving yet further, and having a stab at the Novice event at Wallingford, ten days into term. But our troubles started immediately. A rowing crew needs four outings in most weeks to make real progress, and we managed to fit in a total of about 6 to 8 in the first five weeks of term - about a third of what we needed. The crew was keen, but a combination of many factors outside their control made it very difficult indeed to get all ten people involved to the river at the same time. One of the few outings was undertaken at 0615 on a Sunday morning - and no-one was late - not an ideal time, but it was the one outing we could arrange in a whole week! It was hardly surprising that we lost in the first round at Wallingford, and fared even worse at the National Schools, where we came last by a long way in our heat.
All of us felt at times that it was not worth going on, keen as we were, but perseverance wins races, and we decided to stick at it. We made one last attempt at Bridgnorth, where an invitation race was organised against Shrewsbury Third Eight. This turned out to be a thrilling encounter, especially for the novices on board, who had hardly ever rowed at more than walking pace. They all raced their hearts out, and won by about a quarter of a length.
Was the season's effort worth it? Yes! Was it very frustrating for all concerned? Yes! JMB
The So-Called 2nd VIII
At the beginning of the season, the colts group, which included some strong oarsmen, was merged with the seniors to form the Senior Squad. Squad training was undertaken, but it quickly became apparent that the colts would be better off if they rowed in their correct age group; at the same time, the most senior oarsmen were anxious to form a 1st VIII. This left a random selection of oarsmen adrift, without much of a rowing aim in life. They included at least one member from each age group from third form to sixth form, as well as JMB (officially retired from the Club). Some were complete novices. We thought it might be worth putting this motley assortment together - they would never go very fast, but perhaps we would have a happy season.
Quite early on, a crew which contained nine out of the large number of oarsmen and coxes who sat in the boat from time to time went to Bristol City Head Race, where they won medals. It has to be said that there was no opposition, and medals were won for setting a new course record. It also has to be said that the course itself was new, so we did indeed set a new, if rather slow, record for Junior Eights. At the Schools Head, (to quote a member of the crew) we just didn't do very well• .
Spirits remained high, and the crew decided to go to France for training over Easter. This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and the rowing came on by leaps and bounds. We returned to school very much looking forward to improving yet further, and having a stab at the Novice event at Wallingford, ten days into term. But our troubles started immediately. A rowing crew needs four outings in most weeks to make real progress, and we managed to fit in a total of about 6 to 8 in the first five weeks of term - about a third of what we needed. The crew was keen, but a combination of many factors outside their control made it very difficult indeed to get all ten people involved to the river at the same time. One of the few outings was undertaken at 0615 on a Sunday morning - and no-one was late - not an ideal time, but it was the one outing we could arrange in a whole week! It was hardly surprising that we lost in the first round at Wallingford, and fared even worse at the National Schools, where we came last by a long way in our heat.
All of us felt at times that it was not worth going on, keen as we were, but perseverance wins races, and we decided to stick at it. We made one last attempt at Bridgnorth, where an invitation race was organised against Shrewsbury Third Eight. This turned out to be a thrilling encounter, especially for the novices on board, who had hardly ever rowed at more than walking pace. They all raced their hearts out, and won by about a quarter of a length.
Was the season's effort worth it? Yes! Was it very frustrating for all concerned? Yes! JMB