[thbc-news] THBC Newsletter

[S.G. Hardy]

Dear Supporters of THBC,

The term is now over and I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on 
the progress of the Club.

THBC had four boats on the river for the Lent Bumps, two men's boats and 
two women's boats. A third men's boat also trained, but did not get on.

On the women's side, W2 had trouble getting a crew together, but the 
dedication of everyone who joined the crew never wavered. By getting 
together a crew they will hopefully have done enough to retain their place 
on the river. They will benefit from returning rowers in the Mays to ensure 
that they have a consistent crew throughout the term, which will greatly 
improve their chances. W1 are still suffering from the departure of many 
senior rowers at the end of last year. However, the novices who have joined 
the crew learned quickly. They did well to avoid going down 4 with such an 
inexperienced crew.

Going into the Bumps M2 were looking strong. They displayed this on the 
first day when they got their bump before Grassy Corner. On the second day 
their rudder cable snapped early in the race. Unable to take the corners 
they were quickly bumped. The crew's confidence never really recovered from 
this. On the third day they failed to get a row over after the crews in 
front bumped out, lacking the confidence needed to carry on rowing hard 
with nothing to chase. In a stronger performance they rowed over on the 
final day. M1 improved greatly throughout the week. On the first night they 
rowed well below their potential and were bumped. The second night was much 
more promising until the very end of the race. At that stage the crew's 
rhythm was disrupted as the chasing crew closed and they were bumped just a 
few strokes from the finish. Learning from these experiences, M1 rowed much 
better on the final two nights and held off the chasing crews (including a 
strong St. Catherine's crew chasing blades on the last night), as well as 
closing on the crew which they were chasing.

Full race reports, as well as videos of several of the races, can be viewed 
on the THBC website.

THBC relies on its supporters, whether alumni or friends of the Club. I 
would like to thank those who have supported the Club this term: your 
continued support is essential if THBC is to be successful.

Looking ahead to next term, the first boats are planning to enter several 
external races to give themselves valuable experience against strong crews. 
It currently looks like there will be fierce competition for places in 
those crews and this means that we can look forward to stronger crews being 
fielded next term. If they can build on the work done in Michaelmas and 
this term then they can look forward to a successful campaign in the Mays.

Row Hall!

Sam Hardy
Overall Captain, Trinity Hall Boat Club