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Caroline Dobbin reports on the progress of the 2009-2010 squad:
It’s hard to believe that over two months have gone by since we began our training for the 2010 Boat Race against the Cambridge Lightweight Women. This year the squad consists of 13 rowers and 2 coxes, with several athletes returning from the year before, two of whom rowed in the winning Blue Boat last season. So far we have mostly been training in small boats, including a lot of work in quads, doubles and singles, giving athletes the chance to master sculling, which for many was an unfamiliar discipline. The technical precision required in sculling has been invaluable when returning to a sweep boat and has been helpful in terms of developing boat speed.
The first race of the season took place at a very windy and rainy Upper Thames Head, on the Henley Reach. As we boated it quickly became apparent that we would not be setting any course records! Nevertheless there was a strong performance from all crews which this year included several sculling boats, with the Senior double consisting of Miriam Höner and Caris Marsh and the Novice double of Georgie Baines and Hannah Kaye winning their divisions. The IM1 quad took second place, and the IM1 coxed four and Novice double of Juliet Zani and Lottie Stables both achieving third place in their respective races. The results were promising, and the day, although more about surviving adverse conditions than anything else, also got our heads firmly back into the racing mindset.
Sadly our hopes for success at the Fours’ Head of the River were unfulfilled due to the cancellation of the race as a result of adverse weather conditions. The club had entered both sweep and sculling events, reflecting the fact that our training had been split between the two disciplines. Both the elite lightweight quad and the coxed four which were set to compete had put a large amount of time and effort into preparing for the race, and expectation had been high for highly competitive performances from both crews. The lack of a race was frustrating, although something of a relief given the size of the waves and the gale-force gusts of wind being experienced on the Tideway!
Focus is now on Wallingford Head, due to happen on the 6th of December. The club has entered several boats into both divisions, and hopefully a combination of focussed preparation and knowledge of the home stretch on which the race is to be held will pay off come race day.
As always, the 2009/10 season has brought with it challenges both mental and physical, all of which we have faced as a squad, supporting each other through good times and tough alike. The intensity of training is stepping up now, and along with the decrease in temperature and daylight a lot is being asked of all the athletes. However, the attitude of determination and solidarity has meant that everyone has tackled the training to the best of their abilities, and improvements are constantly being made. Three weeks of training remain before we head to Marlow for a 4-day training camp to notch up some serious mileage and to round off the year, after which we will be heading home for a much deserved Christmas break!
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