Rowing

Under 15 Colts XV

N. P. Monro; C. D. C. Turner, R. G. J. Sherratt, N. Gray (Capt.), R. F. Pulleyn; D. M. H. Phillips, D. N. Potter; J. P. H. Harrison, T. F. Hudson, C. J. Smith, M. C. S. Tighe, R. J. Holden, J. Neale, G. M. Barnett, R. M Coates-Walker.

Also: J. S. Barton and M. D. Ellison.

Under 14 Colts XV

A. J. S. Temple; B. M. Kay, T. Atkinson; D. J. Hughes (Capt.), C. Graham, R. W. Egleton, J. N. C. M. P. Haw, G. Knowles.

Easter Term: T. C. Moore and J. S. D. Kirby, R. W. Parkinson, P. T. C. Harland; P. A. Newdick, N. R. E. Turner, S. Bruce-Jones, A. J. Turner, S. M. Thomas.

EASTER TERM 1972

In the absence for the most part of frost and snow, it was only the threat of water-logged grounds which was likely to curb the rugger activities this term. After some rearrangement of fixtures both U.15 and U.14 teams completed their scheduled programmes, and generally tended to fare better than in their Christmas term results.

Results were as follows:— Under 15 XV Jan. 22nd v. Pocklington School (home) ... Lost 3-12 Feb. 9th v. Ampleforth College (home) ... Won 14-12 Feb. 12th v. Ashville College (home) ... ... Won 14— 4 Feb. 19th v. Archbishop Holgate's G.S. (home) ... Lost 4-32 Mar. 1st v. Hymers College (away) ... Won 18— 7

Under 14 XV

Jan. 22nd v. Pocklington School (away) Feb. 9th v. Ampleforth College (home) Mar. 1st v. Hymers College (away) ... Mar. 4th v. Ashville College (home) Mar. 8th v. Archbishop Holgate's G.S. (away) Mar. 1 lth v. Scarborough College (away) ... Lost Lost Won Won Lost Won

4-26 4-22 46-14 32— 0 4-18 16-15 R.F.H.

CHRISTMAS AND EASTER TERMS

The chance was given in the Christmas term for all boys to row after the initial three weeks of Athletics; as a full-time activity for the sixth form and as a once-a-week option for boys in their first three years. It was encouraging to get 10 members from the fourths and fifths, and no less than 26 from the thirds. A useful introduction to technique in the boat and weight training on land was given, and this should speed up the process of learning for those who rejoin us full-time in the summer, and bring them a lot of pleasure.

Policy in the Easter term has been to row all members together for as long as possible before selecting Head of the River crews. Thus Trial VIII's were held on Monday, 28th February and the sight of two competent crews rowing through within seconds of each other over the 3.600 metres course amply justified more than usual time spent on technique in the early stages. Two 1V's and an VIII were then selected for 11th March. The "A" IV rowed over third in the School IV's, the "B" IV were sixth in the same division; there were 15 crews. The VIII came 12th out of 21 entries for the 5,200 metres course, 10 seconds behind Bradford G.S. (11th), who were the only other school entry. This, for a very young and light crew, was a fine achievement; we are used now to seeing some good class university and club VIII's in this event.

After the Head, an energetic maintenance week was launched and invaluable work done. In the final week two scratch regattas were organised; crews for each 11-minute race being picked out of a hat just before the start and a points system for each individual to amass being operated. The tension was off and one could look back on the term.

Rowing conditions had been abysmal. A succession of floods (on Fridays regularly, it seemed, when a fourth form option joined in) made us all sick of the sight and feel of mud. Sunshine was notable for its absence; one remembered days when the oars were sheathed in ice. For all that, there were virtually no cancellations. Land training could always be substituted for water when wind or current got the upper hand. Indeed, it was an important part of training for all crews, the up-stream bay having in the Christmas term been converted for use as a gym. But, more upsetting than mud or weather, was the absence of all but a handful of last summer's recruits. Thus for the first time, we cannot produce a Colts crew. Even with the flexibility being developed in our training (sculling will be regular next term), we do need a continuity of personnel to get standards. There were, in fact, only 24 members rowing this term in the fifths and above, with a newly introduced option for fourth formers which brought another six. Meantime work on the five shell sculling boats bought by last year's Oxford-London row goes ahead well, and all should be in use shortly after the start of the Summer term. It was decided to purchase a fifth in order that a coach might take a four on the water as an alternative training; a restricted shell IV is on order for next winter, and meantime a further set of spade blades and adjustable riggers will bring up to date equipment for the regatta IV's. The Club has in fact never been in a better position to offer more varied or more effective training.

From a coaching point of view, I record with gratitude the help in these two terms given by Mr. McLeod.

C.P.M.D.

Crews: "A" IV: Fry, Stow, Croft, Slater, Ferguson. "B" IV: Tomlinson, Berry, Eddell, Bruce, Spencer.

VIII: Bloom, Clarke, Challis, Ray, Grant, Perks, Hornby, Tree. Sherris.