all their training at Henley, so they have not been seen alongside their opponents. But they are certainly above the standard of recent Oxford eights. It is possible, on the eve of the races, to see them as potentially the fastest crew on the Isis", and "it was also fitting that 1959 should herald a new crew at the head of the river, from a college which has never before held that honour. St. Edmund Hall have worked hard, and thoroughly deserved their success. Their pace was obvious, but some questioned their staying powers. Probably those underestimated the ability of C. W. Holden, who was able to spurt again and again, although backed by a fit and strong crew, he rowed Christ Church down just above the pink post. The Times also noted that "St. Edmund Hall II made five [bumps], to finish in the second division, the highest second boat on the river, a clear indication that their first boat's success was no flash in the pan. At the end of the 1960 Summer Eights, The Times concluded that "As expected, St. Edmund Hall had no difficulty in retaining their position at the head of the river in the Summer Eights, which finished at Oxford on Saturday. Even without their three Blues they were able to boat two senior and three junior trial caps, or four of the crew who went head last year. It is impossible to say how fast they were, since they were never extended. They will need a stronger finish if they are to do themselves justice at Henley, but their performance was impressive nevertheless." As it turned out, The Times rowing correspondent was right, as the joint SEH/Lincoln College VIII were the losing finalists in the 1960 Stewards' Challenge Cup. Having successfully retained its headship in 1961, The Times said of the 1st VIII "It is rare indeed for an Oxford college to be in the fortunate position of having to make only one change in the composition of a crew which rowed head of the river in the preceding year, and that the inclusion of a Blue in place of a mere trial cap. In these circumstances it was to be expected that St. Edmund Hall would stay head without difficulty, and it may be said that they fully lived up to expectations. Rough, and perhaps short at the finish, they nevertheless had