The Norwich School Boat Club 1st VIII pre-qualified once again this year off the back of a 3rd place at Marlow Regatta and some good performances at Notts' City Regatta and Ghent Regatta.
The crew comprising of Alex Stoner, Jack O'Shea, Will Stoner, Oli Udy, Harry Hook, Will Tremelling, James Brook, and Joe Burrell coxed by Rory Cruikshank drew the seeded, St. Albans School crew from the USA. Knowing that the crew from the US was 2 stone per man heavier, a quick start was required in order to stay in the race early on. A fantastic start saw the NS VIII lead to the end of the island and remain in contact with the US crew to the barrier. Support for our boys was immense by ONs, parents and current boat club members but it was not enough to overturn a massively strong St Albans.
With two thirds of the crew returning next year we can build on this year's fantastic experience to come back bigger, stronger and faster.
You can see the race in full by following the link below:
Mention must also be made of ON Alex Turner (08-14) for being the first ON to win a Henley Medal coxing a Newcastle University coxed four to victory in the final of the Prince Albert Challenge Cup, a fantastic achievement.