SCCBC - Captains' Reports TT2008

Women's Boat Club

Lucy Rowland, Women's Captain

Trinity term got off to a good start with our usual training camp which most of w1 attended. The good weather allowed six to seven water sessions a week, which really consolidated all of the hard work W1 have done all year. This was especially helped with the occasional sessions from the blues coxes Colin and Dane. Part way through the term we took part in Bedford regatta. This gave us some great experience; we did really well, but unfortunately were knocked out by Reading University in final of the novice event. W1 have worked really hard this term and this really showed on the first few days on summer eights. Unfortunately a second set of blades was denied by a crash on the last day due to the wind.

W2 have also had a great term and have proved they were one if the strongest second boats on the river. The first three in eights they managed to bump well before Donney bridged, but were denied blades by the four crews in front of them dropping out on the last day. However they still put in a good fight closing the gap to the crew in front to 1 boat lengths despite the huge gap. This term the Catz women, managed to get a third boat or ‘cocktail boat together. Despite being unable to qualify for eights they put in loads of effort and had great fun whilst rowing.

I am very proud of all the girls who have rowed at catz this term and owe them all massive thanks for making my captaincy a great experience. I am also sure that many of these girls will continue to do great things for rowing at catz next year.

Men's Boat Club

Tim Monger-Godfrey, Men's Captain

The term started with the successes of Torpids fresh in the mind of the crews, and training began immediately after the Easter break. A varied mix of land-based and on the water training sessions ensured that the men's 1st and 2nd VIIIs were able to build upon the work that had been put in over the past two terms, and the crews strength and technical abilities improved rapidly. M1 was fortunate to be joined by three Blues rowers, Jan Herzog, Martin Walsh, Anthony Mullin, and a blues Cox, Dane van den Akker. This line-up gave M1 a huge boost, and the presence of the Blues rowers enabled everyone in the crew to perform their best. M2 was also joined by two Blues, Nick Brodie and Colin Groshong, who rowed in M2 (despite being coxes)!

By the time Summer Eights arrived, we were able to field four men's VIIIs, including the beer boat. Unfortunately, M4 did not qualify (but seemed to enjoy themselves immensely), and M3 had a tie with Hugh's M3 for the last qualifying place. A side by side race was deemed the only fair decider, and Catz M3 dominated the race, taking over 3 lengths during the course of the race. Unfortunately, that was the most successful race of Summer Eights for M3, who had four days of tough racing against much more experienced crews. M2 held their place, racing exceptionally well, coming close to bumping on several of the days. M1 were able to bump Keble rapidly off the start on Wednesday, resulting in a chase for Univ each day after. We were unfortunately unable to catch them during Summer Eights, but managed to hold off a very fast Hertford Boat, moving up once place overall.

In what has been a very successful year for SCCBC, it is with great pride that I hand over the position of captain to Toby Smyth, who I am sure will carry on the successes we have achieved. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity, and would like to thank all the crews, coaches and support that has helped me over the past year. I wish Toby, Catherine, and the rest of the SCCBC committee the best of luck for the upcoming year.