Cheltenham College's First Coxed Four came fourth in the country at last week’s National Schools’ Regatta Final, out of a field of 24 other schools’ top Fours. This national accolade comes on top of their wins at Evesham and Thames Ditton.

Their achievement is doubly impressive given their relative inexperience in the boat. While their opponents have rowed in Fours throughout the year, the College crew has only just moved to Fours, having rowed in Eights last term. In fact, the crew of Emma Beresford, Tom White, Josh Baldwin, James Kirkpatrick and Ryan Edwards are multi-talented young people. Emma plays hockey for the school first team and violin in the school orchestra. Tom plays water polo and rugby for the school, Josh is captain of water polo, a chorister and in the school swimming team, James is a cellist, chorister and scholar, and Ryan has been in the school's successful first XV rugby team.

The crew now have Henley in their sights, having swapped their sweep oared blades for sculls in their campaign for success. Meanwhile of course, they will all be working hard in their exams so good luck to them on all accounts.

If you would like to come and watch the crew at the famous Henley regatta on 29 June, I am sure they would appreciate the support.