Vote of Thanks

The first and second VIIIs have had a terrific trip to SA. Highlights for me included spending a day with the Nemato rowers at Port Alfred, the trip to the Diamond Mine at Cullinan and the fantastic lake at Elgin, CT. I'm sure that the VO2 max testing was an enduring memory for the boys, as some found new levels of pain only dreamt of before!

Finally, I must thank all those that have helped us. There have been so many, but special thanks must go to: Sean Tangney at St Benedicts, Harold Hobson (St Andrews) and Jan Bloom (Nemato) at Port Alfred, Brian and Adam and all the crew at Stellenbosch uni - we look forward to hosting you at Eton for Henley. Lastly, thanks to Martin and his team at Sport Tours SA for all he has done for us. Without his help we would have been in very deep water.

ABH

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Aquilla Reserve, 8th April. An early start was rewarded by a hearty breakfast and interesting game drive at the reserve. Rhino, Elephant, Hippo and Lion were the highlights, as well as a spot of something sparkling to end the trip.

Maties, Ikeys, Rugby!

All the boys and coaches went to watch the final of the Varsity Rugby at the Stellenbosch University grounds. A capacity crowd of over 30,000 attended, and most of the boys had to watch unofficially from the hill at the back of the stadium. After a terrifically exciting game the Maties triumphed over the University of Cape Town's Ikeys 16-10.

Match v. Stellenbosch University

Match with Stellenbosch Uni, 7 April. After the disappointment of the cancellation of the Western Cape Championships as consequence of a single day of very poorly timed South African winter wind and rain, an informal race was arranged for the following afternoon and when an Eton VIII prevailed against a technically proficient crew from Stellenbosch University at Elgin.

No Pain, No Gain?

"The VO2 max testing will be an enduring memory for the boys, as some found new levels of pain only dreamt of before!"