Due to the severe weather and the pulsing rivers in the south west the two teams decided to have an ergo competition at Monkton Senior. However, due to the number of social events being held at Monkton there appeared to be a lack of indoor floor space available, until there was a very unique offer – the use of the best room in the School, courtesy of Reverend Dietz. After a short discussion and some broad smiles, Director of Rowing, Matt Wells, made the announcement that the competition would take place in Chapel! With some minor adjustments Monkton’s Chapel made a perfect venue for the event. Added to that the Reverend used his natural ability to hold an audience by providing some fantastic commentary for the first few events, which set the tone, for what would be a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable day.
The races were held over 1000m (which is half the Olympic distance). There were heats for each age group with over 30 ergo’s being used at once. The quickest 10 times in each event progressed to the finals.
There were some fantastically close races in the heats and the competition was fierce in all categories, but it was Monkton who were successful taking out 5 of the 6 events. Between the successes of both teams at different stages all agreed that it was a great day of competition for all involved.
Following the finals the 160 competitors, organisers and spectators were all treated to a Monkton crew tea. Girl of the match went to Monkton’s Charlotte Griffiths and the boy of the match went to Monkton’s Henry Pope.
As the teams departed all looked forward to the time that the weather changes so that the two Schools can repeat the event on water, rather than in Monkton’s Chapel.