It is always so exciting at the beginning of the year - the list of names, the possibilities that arise in the mind, the promise for the season! It is seldom wise to count your chickens, but the candidates at the beginning of the Lent Term were most encouraging. After an initial shakedown, and some seat racing in fours, pairs and sculls, an Eight was created - but the season was to see so many variations that we rarely rowed with a consistent configuration.

Our first outing in anger was the Wycliffe Head, with Jon Short stroking and to set the tone for the year, an excellent row from Sarah Coates and Ailsa Greenlees at Bow and Two respectively. The crew put up a stirring performance, cheered on both from the bank, and from within, by Paris Hearn who regaled the crew with unexpected and stimulating war cries and exhortations! Things were a little quieter but a lot more slick and efficient by the time we reached the Schools Head, this time with a full complement of young men! This race included a valiant performance by Luke Trist, who, a total novice, had never rowed in the crew before. The crew gave its all, showing a fluidity of stroke and unanimity of style that promised much. But then...

Last year our rowing was vitiated by the vagaries of the curriculum and Sports Studies! This year - just as the crew started to go well, our stroke, Jon, and Four, Jo Hawkins defected to cricket - where one has to say, they had a most successful term! We meanwhile regrouped, welcoming Edwin Staff, Marcus Knell and Fergus Backhouse, who fitted in very quickly, although they had never rowed single blade before. The new 'Row Perfect' machine proved its worth in establishing in everyone's mind exactly where the power comes from.

After several experiments Ed Johnstone Burt settled in as Stroke, a strong, very conscientious, vigorous stroke, who proved himself capable of taking the rating up to 40 without losing the drive. Our start flourished under his physical effort, and also thanks to the expert ministrations of JMB, whose calm good sense and suggestions came almost in time for the National Schools. This event was tremendous fun for virtually the whole crew - aside perhaps from some sleeping arrangements that were too intimate for some! The crew spirit was high, the focus good and they went out and rowed extremely well in their first heat, putting up an excellent performance, notwithstanding the relatively light weight of some crew members. I have to mention Fergus Backhouse, who amongst others, made up for his lack of bulk by Herculean efforts that nearly killed him! The whole crew came off the water with their morale high - and though we were knocked out in the semi's, we knew that we had given a sterling account of ourselves. And what a privilege later to witness the success of the First Eight! A great feeling to be in the Club!

By the time we reached our final regatta at Tewkesbury, the crew knew that they had it in them to do well. Due to a late race time and a Big Band concert, Dan 'Muscles' Reid was replaced by Ailsa Grenlees at Three. Initial ribald comment from an ignorant crowd was turned to stunned silence as the crew won their first race, coming a glorious second in the second race, beating St. Edwards and losing to the eventual winners, who were also by chance, the winners of the A event at National Schools. A terrific way to end a mixed, but thoroughly competent season.

It has been my good fortune once again to work with a fantastically enthusiastic, committed group of the nicest, most personable students one could hope to meet. Hugh Gordon has used his intelligence to develop a real authority and eye for the coaching point and will become an excellent cox. Some really promising technique is developing, especially in the stern four with Ed, Paris and Tom Heathcote being particularly long and 'easy', applying the muscle-power with seemingly minimal effort, whilst Peter Riera, our pocket Titan, has shown us all how to connect the leg drive to the blade effectively.

Overall, the whole crew, both terms, are a delight to be with and should they choose to row next year, show great promise. It is worth mentioning that there are three Fifth Formers in this year's First Eight - all giving a good account of themselves.

During the season Chris Newton has proved to be a fine cox, and a most promising sculler of some speed, and Luke Trist and Henry Thorpe are developing an elegant style. Ralph Mercer has great strength, which is becoming more effectively applied with every stroke.

All in all, a great breeding ground for future stars! Very well done!

Jamie Jameson