Last Saturday, two eights from Belmont Hill School scrimmaged Exeter at home on the Squamscott River. Belmont Hill School, located just outside Boston in Belmont, MA, produces some of the fastest junior fours in the country, having won five straight N.E.I.R.A. Championship titles (2003-2007) and three Youth National Championship titles (2003, 2006, 2007) in the last five years.

Despite giving Belmont Hill school the inside of the turn each time, the Exeter boys first boat led Belmont Hill’s first eight for 6/8 of the 2.5 minute pieces. Co-captain Tim Moore ’08 said “We had some good strokes and some not-so-good strokes, so consistency is something we’ll definitely be working on. Either way, it’s really nice to race so early in the season so we can have something to build off of.” Moore also noted “We’ve gotten pretty comfortable taking strong strokes, though we need some more work on bladework and technique as well as more practice rowing at higher ratings.”

The Exeter boys second boat made great improvement during the scrimmage, winning two of the last three closely contested pieces after trailing for the first five. Stroke Andrew Weinstein ’09 said, “There were times the boat felt pretty good–but other times where we lost some speed.” Weinstein added, “Once our lineups are set we’ll definitely get faster as we practice together more.”

In the past few years, Exeter crews have scrimmaged Belmont Hill on the last day of the spring training week in March. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the crews were unable to race on the Charles this year.

Both boys varsity boats as well as boys JV, girls varsity and girls JV are preparing for their first races of the season on April 19th against Andover, St. John’s, NMH and a few other schools. Races will take place in the afternoon at Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, MA. Stay tuned for updates as this date nears.

Race Photos