![[Malcolm Spencer]](../../rsarchives/mt06/rsmt062b.jpg)
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After two terms of disruption the hope was for clear skies and green flags! We achieved both, though still found the problem of finding enough bodies for the boats a difficulty at time. Nevertheless whether training in Eights, Fours or Doubles any water time was put to use.
In the few weeks available before Summer Eights the squad enjoyed notable success in both City of Oxford Bumps and Bedford Regatta. Utilising the training enjoyed in IV's, blades were achieved in City Bumps, aided in no small part by the addition of three college OUBC trailists, and then again in the novice coxed fours category at Bedford.
It was in the final week before Eights when both M1 and M2 could come together to undertake an intense week of training as a crew. Last minute lineup changes brought two boats of rowers with potential but untested, while M3, the returning Rugby Boat would again been a vocal presence at the boathouse making up for any lack of experience with great dress sense and a dogged enthusiasm.
It was an eventful week of bumps in the end. Comparisons with last year were unavoidable before racing kicked off, but each crew knew they would be rowing on their own terms after the difficulties faced all year. In the end it became a process of consolidation for most of the boats, M1 and M2 placed high in their respective divisions faced a lot of strong boats between them, while M3 having qualified with relative ease, would still enjoy a battle with Keble through the week.
All thats left to say is congratulations to all crews and my thanks to the committee and coaches. It has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding year and having handed over the Captaincy to my successor I wish Tim and next years committee the best of luck.
![[Bianca Rautenbach]](../../rsarchives/mt06/rsmt062c.jpg)
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After the disappointment of not being able to compete in Torpids, the women^Òs squad was eager to get our training for this term started as soon as possible. The term commenced with a training camp, joint with Pembroke College, a week before term started. With newfound determination we settled into a jam packed training regime.
We entered two fours into the City of Oxford Bumps races on Saturday of 1st week (28th April). Although our A bout was surrounded by strong competition and unfortunately was unable to secure a bump, our more novice B boat, lower down in the divisions had great success, bumping twice that day. We rejoined as an eight and continued our training preparing for Bedford regatta, on the 12th of May. We entered into both the College and S4 divisions, and due to a minor coxing in the College event were out after the first race. In the S4 division we beat Trinity Hall Cambridge, but subsequently lost to Bedford High School in a very exciting race. It was a great day of racing and we all enjoyed the excitement of competing outside of Oxford.
Summer eights came quickly, and both our 1st and 2nd VII, were eager to get on the water. The 2nd VII, composed of mostly novice rowers truly put up a valiant effort, despite moving down three places. They succeeded in experiencing rowing at its most fun, and all had a memorable time. The vast amounts of enthusiasm and determination were simply not enough to propel our first boat to success. We moved down three places over the first three days, and on Saturday managed to easily fend off University College passed the finish line.
This term has been a great success, despite the results. The team spirit and drive from the girls was admirable, and I thank them for making my last term as captain such a pleasure. I would also like to thank the committee, Rob and Anu for their time and eagerness in running the club. Being a part of SCCBC has been an absolute joy and I thank everyone for that opportunity.