This weekend, the Men’s Development Squad took an eight up to Cambridge Winter Head.  Kindly hosted by Magdalene College Boat Club, a moderately scratched crew braved enemy waters.  Using a borrowed shell, the fearless men of eight powered up to the start, with impeccable technique and strength, impressing the marshals so much that they moved the boat up 50 places in the start order.  A powerful, light and rapid start sent the boys flying through the timing post, pulling an impressive time through the 1k timing point.  The Cam’s narrow and twisty bends were no challenge for the crew, and they stormed through the infamous 90 degree ‘gut’ with absolutely no trouble.  As they passed the half way mark, the boys tired, but thanks to the incredible willpower and quick catches, they soldiered through, all the way to the end, finishing the course in an impressive nine minutes and fifty seconds, coming 44^th out of 236 and only being beaten by the local headship contenders and university squads.  A solid start to the season that shows the boys can do some damage this year.