Upper Thames Autumn Head

A very full trailer departed for Upper Thames Autumn Head and returned with boats unscathed and at least one medal each – in many cases, two. A clean sweep of all events entered, and there were quite a few. We somehow failed to win the Victor Ludorum though we did win the Sutherland Bowl for fastest time of the day.

Notably, the novice 2x of Tom Jeffrey and Ant Lester, 6 and 7 respectively of the Thames Cup A boat, made the top 10 on their first run and 13th on their second. To beat most eights and fours bar our own and a handful of strong opposition is remarkable. The ‘novice women’ (mostly in the intermediate squad but with no points) dead-heated for their win with Great Marlow School.

Also the steering of our crews was second to none, with only UTRC and one or two local schools keeping anywhere near the bank. Even though there was no stream – every little helps!

The women’s fours looked long and controlled, as did the men’s eights. Clearly some more gears to come for the Fours Head but an encouraging start.