Rugby

for a rowing shell. In two or three more lengths we would have been in it. We were forced to summon all our skill and energy and back down against six knots of tide. We had been on the water since six that day; now it was 8 o'clock.

The County Hall steps offered the only possibility of a landing. The approach was made through the farthest arch on the opposite shore. A sudden stop in our headlong approach opposite the steps—the stern swung out and downstream as the shore party caught us. Slowly, one by one, we were pulled ashore as the Pirelli nudged into us and warps were put out to both craft. Somebody muttered they were glad to be alive. Another said he felt 'reborn'. In the flashes of Press cameras the journey was ending—we had done what we set out to do. Dick must already be reporting that he was bent on his 'two or three days in bed ...'

A cold hour and a half intervened before arrangements for Celia's safe delivery to Putney could be made with Thames River Police. We took leave of the shadows of Big Ben at about 9.45 and drove to Thames R.C., our final hosts. Celia was towed in at midnight and we summoned the last of the days' strength for the final lift out. Thirteen willing, spirited and friendly people flaked into sleeping bags on the floor of the spectators' balcony and somewhere in the dark background a whisky bottle was emptying.

R.J.C.

EASTER TERM 1971

Both Junior teams enhanced further their Christmas term reputations, and a term of continuing successes was enjoyed. A rare and notable double was achieved when both teams visited Ampleforth and returned with victories under their belts .

Results of matches were as follows: — `Under 15' XV Feb. 3 v. Hymers College Feb. 6 v. Pocklington School Home Away Won Won 22— 3 6— 0

Feb. 10 v. Ampleforth College Away Won 11— 9 Feb. 13 v. Ashville College Feb. 20 v. Archbishop Holgate's G.S. Away Home Won Drawn 9— 3 0— 0 `Under 14' XV Jan. 23 v. Archbishop Holgate's G.S. Home Cancelled Feb. 3 v. Hymers College Home Won 20-18 Feb. 10 v. Ampleforth College Away Won 11— 9 Feb. 13 v. Ashville College Away Won 5— 3 Feb. 27 v. Pocklington School Away Cancelled Mar. 6 v. Scarborough College Away Won 19-11 RUGBY FIXTURES 1971 1st XV Saturday 18th September, Headingley R.U.F.C. Eaglets XV ... ... Home. Saturday 25th September, Harrogate R.U.F.C. Colts ... . Home Wednesday 29th September, Headingley Wanderers XV Homer 32