Our rowing session 1949-1950 shows striking contrasts in the credit sides of the balance sheets of the second and first Eights respectively. In the School Leagues, our second Eight rowing against Westminster, St. Paul's School, U.C. School and Emmanuel lost their first three races, and won the last-named by half a length. Thus they failed to redeem the early promise displayed on March 18th, when they beat five out of six rival crews in the Schools Head of the River Race, a very meritorious achievement.
This term our first Eight have lost only one event to U.C.S. in the five races rowed against crews from Haberdashers, Owens, St. Paul's and Westminster Schools. Three weeks ago Vesta Rowing Club decided to enter our first Eight to represent them in the Junior Eight's section of the Metropolitan Regatta at Putney. This three days' Regatta - the biggest of the Thams annual fixtures - takes place after Henley week on July 11th, 12th and 13th, and the selection by Vesta R.C. of our affiliated club to represent them in a major event is perhaps the finest tribute ever paid to the quality of our rowing.
The outgoing members of our Eight will leave gaps in our ranks difficult to fill. Lack of space in our collective thanks and farewells to them, limits us to singling out for individual mention - Eric Taylor - a high-grade and aggressive stroke, James Megennis, a vigorous Vice-Captain, and Patrick Flanagan, our experienced and indefatigable Captain of Boats. Finally, Boat Club members and staff will greatly miss Mr. Waters, to whom Form V oarsmen are especially indebted for his active interest and Tank-house and Towpath coaching.
P. B. Bradley
Rowing Colours: Re-awards: P. A. Flanagan (capt.), J. H.
Megennis (vice-capt.), J. R. Findlay, E. L. R. Taylor, M. P. Grubb, J. Beckley.
New Awards: J. E. Stollery, P. R. Wyatt, W. Thompson, J. Campbell.
Source: Gaytonian, July 1950