Writes Xander M. (L6ths)
On Wednesday last week, over 40 students and Heads of Houses gathered for the inaugural House Rowing competition. The atmosphere was incredible; everyone was excited to get out on the water and work in the ultimate team sport to win points for their Houses. Looking around, there was a great balance of older pupils who have been rowing for years and younger students where this would be their first time doing a timed row. The format was to race two boats at a time while recording the time over 500m to compare between teams that did not directly compete.
Once everyone had assembled, safety briefings and instructions were given out before Hilles and Manor were instructed to take seats in Predatoar and Swift respectively amidst cheers from the supporting Houses.
I raced as hard as I could, managing to comfortably beat Manor and setting a benchmark time for future Houses. Spenser then took the Swift and Mulcaster took the Predatoar. Mulcaster finished ahead of Spenser (to the delight of Mr Waterhouse and the many Mulcaster spectators).
Next was Raphael and White, where I walked down by the lake to watch the start. After a short delay due to a damaged blade, the race was underway, where Raphael beat White in a close race. After returning, for a final bout, Walter and Andrewes took their seats in the boats and I went on the water again to cox for Walter. After another fast-paced race, Walter finished ahead of Andrewes, which was followed by a short break where the reserve rowers for all houses got an opportunity to go out on the water.
Overall, the event was incredible and the constant support for the different Houses from pupils and teachers alike made not only participating but watching the competition great fun. I have to thank Mrs Scott, Mr Vernice, Mr Cummings, Mr Shirley and the other staff who were out on the water and on land providing support and helping make sure the event ran as smoothly as possible.
Later that evening, times and positions were revealed: Hilles coming first, Mulcaster coming second and Walter finishing third.
- Hills: 1:25.46
- Mulcaster: 1:39.86
- Walter: 2:01.11
- Manor: 2:02.54
- Spencer: 2:17.02
- Raphael: 2:17.65
- White: 2:34.47
- Andrews: 2:57.69
