Oct 1955

THE BOAT CLUB As was foreseen, the large number of boaters who left last year caused a hiatus in the Boat Club, and in consequence our Senior crews this year have not won any cups. This might not have applied to the 1st IV had not the Captain of Boats been a Senior oar and thus compelled the crew to enter only for senior events in regattas.

However, the three School crews made excellent progress in their rowing, and this fact, combined with the emergence from the lower end of the Boat Club of some very promising oarsmen, holds more than a little hope for better results next year. Indeed, if it were required to find some simple expression to cover the term's rowing, it would be to comment on the enthusiasm displayed by many of the younger members.

The 1st IV met some fine senior crews in their races, and these proved too good for them, but only against Leeds University in a 10 furlong race did they lose by a heavy margin. A criticism which has been justly made about the 1st IV has been its lack of staying power. Time after time they have obtained a lead, only to lose the race by a considerable amount. This was particularly noticeable against Durham School and against the Old Peterite 1st IV. In the latter race the crews were well matched as far as Scarborough Bridge, and yet the O.P. crew won by 11 lengths at Marygate.

This is a disturbing feature and one which must be eradicated.

In all probability it is due to an inability to reduce the rate of striking after a start in order to let the rowing settle down into a powerful pull with a reserve of energy for the finish. The lesson which has to be learnt is how to pull a strong stroke after an easy swing forward.

In this the 1st IV has not yet been successful.

The 2nd IV was by no means polished but, nevertheless, did very well in the Maiden event at York Regatta and were one of three crews any one of which might have won the event, which did, in fact, go to St. John's College. The 3rd IV made excellent progress and lacked only the weight and power which is essential when competing with mature crews.

Our races with Durham School did not go the way we would have liked, and we look forward to next year to have our revenge.

The visit of a Shooting VIII to Bisley makes a boater think of the time when St. Peter's will be represented at Henley. There are many obstacles to be overcome in order to realise this dream, including the dates of examinations, the state of our boats and, of course, the heavy costs. But these difficulties can be overcome. What we must concentrate on, however, is to produce a Boat Club with such a high standard of rowing that we shall have a crew worthy of racing at Henley, then we shall be able to consider ways and means.

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