We started off the year with 5 girls returning to Oxford a week early for an intensive training camp. Not letting the amber flag get in the way, we made good progress before the start of term. With last term's novices becoming seniors we began Hilary with a good group of rowers, soon settling into two boats following a regular training schedule.

We were delighted to see Inge Hertzog start training with the University team alongside Charlotte Marshall, both of whom gained seats in Osiris. We wish them the best of luck at Henley. This did mean that we lost one of our 1st VIII, but we were lucky to have Sara who agreed to fill in and quickly made the transition into the boat.

The second boat started their training schedule strongly, in the face of river closures and thick ice. They cemented this with a very good result in IWL E. Despite their strong performance in Rowing On, they narrowly missed out on qualifying for Torpids. I am positive that if they continue rowing as they have done this term, by Summer Eights they will not only be able to qualify but be a highly competitive crew.

The 1st VIII had a positive first day of Torpids, utilising their stamina to keep rowing strong after Oriel's strong start and continue to hold them off. Unfortunately New College and Christ Church got the better of us on days 2 and 3. Nevertheless, Catz rowed well against the strong competition and under significant pressure. The 4th day was the peak of bad luck as Pembroke - not noticing our concession - collided with the boat, resulting in broken steering and causing two very nasty crashes. Thankfully the crew's quick thinking meant that no one was seriously hurt. It is a massive shame that all the hard work put in by the crew could not be reflected in the result; however I am incredibly proud of the crew for supporting each other and keeping their heads held high throughout.

The Men's 1st Torpid racing on the Thursday

Torpids this year was a frustrating affair. Amid the many successes that we have had so far this year, for example our performance at Wallingford, in the IWLs, and the acquisition of our new boat, it is annoying that it didn't work out for us that week. Falling from 4th, the joint highest position Catz has ever held in Torpids, to 7th, the lowest for 6 years, has not been easy to take. However, what has happened has happened, and we must dust ourselves down and look ahead to next term. I cannot fault the commitment that the first boat has given so far this year and I am confident that, should we continue to work as hard as we have done over the last two terms, we will be able to turn things around for Summer Eights. From the leadership end, it is safe to say that Rory and I have learned from the mistakes that were made last term and have already begun to make changes and look forward to re-establishing Catz as one of the best boat clubs in Oxford.

The Men's 2nd Torpid racing on the Saturday.

Despite the disappointment for the first boat, we still have many successes to celebrate. The second boat shows no signs of slowing in its climb through the divisions, gaining 5 bumps and getting promoted to the 4th Division during the week. They were unfortunate not to get blades, narrowly missing out after shooting for their third consecutive triple overbump, gaining three and a half lengths on Jesus over the course of the race! This has once again been a testament to Josh's hard work with the squad, which is comprised of many new faces and novices from the start of the year. It is also the first time since 1998 that we have had a men's third boat qualify for Torpids, and they have set a good standard to act as a target and to be built on for next year.

The Men's 3rd Torpid racing on the Thursday.

Summer Eights, as would be expected, is the main focus for next term. As with this term, we intend to hold a training camp for the first boat before the start of term in order to give us some extra water time. Although the squad is going to be kept fit over the Easter Holidays, it will also give the crew the opportunity to hit the ground running in the short build up to the regatta.

There are many people that deserve mention of thanks, but there is not sufficient space to do everyone justice. However, I would particularly like to take this chance to thank Rory for all of the hard work he has put in, not only into coaching but also into the working of the boat club behind the scenes. There have been many times where he has gone above and beyond what is required of him and his enthusiasm is inexhaustible.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the new committee upon their election to their roles. You are a very promising group of people and I have the confidence that you have the potential to do well.

At the top of Women's Div I Magdalen managed to hold off a strong challenge from Wadham to maintain their Headship. Both Hertford and L.M.H. rose 7 places to finish 7th and 21st respectively.

Of the 36 participating boat clubs, St John's was the most successful overall, their 4 boats gaining a net 14 places, while, at the other end of the table, Exeter's 3 crews lost 19 places. Catz were 29th, with a net loss of 7 places. While Catz managed to boat 4 crews, another 10 colleges managed 5 and Jesus and Wadham both had 6 crews competing.

Pete Collini (M.84)

Having fallen off my mountain bike 2 years ago I have been getting a bit bored cycling round the block so last week Julie let me take my stabilisers off and now she thinks I am ready to try the slightly longer ride from Land's End to John O'Groats. I would really appreciate some sponsorship for the very good causes we're supporting.

Heading out on March 21st, and hoping to return on 3rd April, my friend Nick Curson (M.84) and I will be cycling 1600~km in 13 days to raise money for two charities. Valence School is our local charity based here in Kent; we are both keen to support sporting activities in schools and Valence is an extra special school where we have seen how they give disabled children real opportunities to experience the benefits of sport. The second is Cancer Research, our national charity, which is a charity close to my heart as we begin our challenge on the anniversary of my dad's death from cancer.

Our fundraising target is over \pounds5,000 but all donations however small (or large!) are welcome. Nick and I are covering all the costs for this trip so every pound of sponsorship goes straight to the charities and is split equally between them.

You can sponsor us via our Virgin Money Giving website, which went live this week or if you have a business that can sponsor us then company donations can also be made on the same website:

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/NickandPetesLEJOGcycle2012

Anu Dudhia (email: dudhia@atm.ox.ac.uk )