The 2nd VIII started the term with a bang at Champs Eight, winning their category and beating many 1st VIIIs.
After a chonky (and very set!) row up to marshalling, including some impressive roll ups with pauses at ¼ slide, we span. Grace skilfully manoeuvred us around the swans and we started the race strong with an impeccable line around Ditton. Hitting the Reach, we settled into our stride, at a comfortable but higher than planned rate 35. With a little help from Cat/Ed/Gemma on the bank to remember the crew order, Grace perfected crew calls and we stormed into the bridge.
Despite Ed later admitting he thought we were going to fade (we love his confidence), we proved him wrong and kept synched up and chonky into the finish.
What better way to celebrate (note the very strong sarcasm) than to clean the inside of the boat – funnily enough it was quite grim!
With our tankards in hand, the 2nd VIII is looking forward to the term ahead – bring on bumps!!
-Rebecca Sproston