MONMOUTH School travelled to London on Saturday to compete in the Hampton Head of the River.
This was based at the new Millennium Boat House shared by Hampton School and Lady Eleanor Holles School for Girls.
On a crisp, dry and sunny day the Monmouth 2nd VIII acquitted themselves well, finishing sixth in class and 16th overall.
The 1st VIII excelled and with good steering and excellent motivational calls from their new cox, finished fourth in class and fourth overall, behind surprise packet Bedford Modern, the much vaunted Hampton School and the tough St Paul's School. There were only seven seconds covering the first four crews, illustrating an exciting race on a fast flowing Thames.
For Monmouth to come within five seconds of defeating the Hampton 1st VIII and a mere two seconds off taking the scalp of St Pauls is extremely promising and augurs well for the season.
For the loyal band of Monmouth supporters to see such enthusiasm and commitment from the crew is extremely heartening and the crew has yet to realise its full potential.
The Monmouth squad now move on to the Henley Schools' Head, on Saturday, February 10th, where they hope to consolidate the early season form.