Tennis

Term, and in the main the personnel stayed the same. The exceptions were that Blackford and Bowe changed sides, and that G. F. Hardman improved so remarkably that finally and somewhat unluckily M. A. Town lost his place.

The season opened in promising fashion with a win against Lancaster R.G.S. Before the next race against Durham School, illness obliged us to make a change in the crew, and we then lost 'by 1.1 lengths. Thereafter the VIII split into Bow and Stern IVs for virtually •the remainder of the season. The 2nd IV developed steadily, combining at Nottingham with the 3rd N to lose by three feet to King's School, Peterborough, 1st VIII (who later went to Henley), and then rowing well at Leeds and at York, where they won their first cup. The 1st IV, however, though always beating the 2nd IV by small margins in practice, showed poor form at Nottingham and York, and were unconvincing at Leeds. Repeatedly they were beset by nerves well before the race, seemed almost weary at the start, and were stiff when rowing. This was most exasperating, for they clearly knew, and their practice •times showed, that they were as fast as most School 1st IVs. However, they mastered themselves for Durham Regatta, where their first race was easy, and where they then returned the fastest time in both races which followed. They had been getting fitter and fitter, almost without realising it, and now allowing themselves to row well, they were producing some remarkable performances. Their best rows were against Newcastle University Medicals, at Durham, and against Nottingham High School 1st IV, at Newark. In both they were level after ten strokes, a length up after thirty, and won by the same margin. They were in fact an average 1st IV, but capable of producing twenty strokes at 43 where they excelled themselves, and which were a joy to watch.

The 2nd IV were a uniform and controlled crew, lacking the high rating of the 1st IV, but probably more efficient and very strong. They won two cups at York and Durham in five races, never letting their opponents within three lengths.

The 3rd and 4th IVs were coached by Mr. Bolton and enjoyed a good season, winning one cup each. The 5th and 6th IVs had some success, but for their ability ought to have done better in regattas. Mr. Nixon coached the Colts VIII, who though knocked out of the Lancaster Colts Regatta, won their other four races. Their stern IV in particular are promising and did well as a N at York Regatta, where they lost the final to St. Peter's 4th IV. N. J. Smith sculled at Leeds, York and Newark Regattas, and in each case was beaten only by the eventual winner.

The School Regatta was contested keenly, the standard of the crews being more uniform than in recent years. There were two divisions : the VIIIs and the Novice IVs, most of whom started rowing this term.

The House Races were among the most exciting we have held, for as the results show, only half a length separated five of the House VIIIs. If anybody, Manor were favourites, but they won only after three close races. The House Junior IVs have shown the improvement we expected, for the standard has been low during the last two years. Races were closer than usual and the event was won by The Grove, certainly the neatest crew.

The rowing season was as usual brought to a close by the Commemoration Races. It seems each year that as there are more spectators, so there are fewer Old Boys willing to row a two-minute refresher course. Next year we hope for fewer reluctant Leanders. The Old Boys' 1st VIII still appears to be formidable, but perhaps fortunately for us has little or no time to practice.