Thames retains the Vernon Trophy

On a perfect March day the men's 1st 8 successfully defended the Vernon Trophy at the Head of the River. Thames A finished 13th overall, clear of all other non-funded clubs, to retain the prize for the fastest Tideway crew.

The rest of the results were good too and are testament to the winter miles put in by the men's squad.

Thames C finished 16th, just 5 seconds ahead of Thames B in 22nd, claiming second and third places respectively in the battle for the Vernon. Thames D made it four in the top 40 with 37th, and Thames E were agonisingly close to finishing in the top 50 - but a result of 52nd is excellent.

At the Vesta Veterans' Head of the River the following day conditions were somewhat rougher. Four Thames crews and two composites raced, taking two pennants. A crew of veteran-eligible rowers from the men's senior squad won men's A 8+, although they were pipped to the overall title by a veteran B crew from Molesey.

Annamarie Phelps, racing as Thames in a Lea/Yare/Thames composite, romped home with the women's C 8+ pennant. The crew was also the fastest women's boat of the day.

The women's masters B crew were 2nd in their category after a good row. Pauline's mixed F composite finished third on adjusted time after an eventful race including a clash of blades with a crew they were overtaking. The men's A crew of recently-retired rowers finished sixth overall, and the men's C 8+ was sixth in a very competitive category.