After many years of trudging up to Nottingham in order to get eliminated in the early stages of Friday's racing I decided that the junior crews would not have the dubious pleasures of this regatta in 2009. My decision also meant that I could attend a function in Herefordshire in the knowledge that the crews would be in the safe and capable hands of the other coaches.

Mr Poynter wrote a note for assembly after the regatta saying that "the First Eight produced an excellent performance. The team beat crews from Monkton, Winchester, Kings Worcester, Reading Blue Coat, Oundle and Welbeck to qualify for the semi-final. It was the first time that the crew has beaten many of these crews this season. The semi-final was an exciting race with The Oratory in second place after 250 m and remaining in contention for the top three qualifying places all the way to the line. They narrowly missed out on making the final in the last 500 m of the race. The finish saw them neck and neck with Canford School and close to Tiffin, two crews whom have been strong performers over the course of the season." 

Mr O'Sullivan was also happy with the J15 coxed four who like the senior eight also managed to get through the eliminator round and qualify for the semi-final. Although neither crew progressed beyond the semi-final stage our performance proved to be fast enough to secure entry to Henley Regatta later on during the term.