The Davies Centre was alive with energy on Thursday 12 February as students from across the College gathered for this year’s highly anticipated House Ergo Competition. With the River Thames surging just outside—flooded, fast and decidedly unforgiving—our rowers were relieved to be working hard on ergos rather than battling the currents in an octo.
As always, the event delivered a fantastic mix of determination, teamwork and house spirit. Students from every year group took to the rowing machines for their one‑minute challenge, giving everything they had to cover as much distance as possible for their house. The noise was electric, with teammates rallying behind each other and filling the Davies Centre with cheers of encouragement.
House One Minute Challenge
The event opened with the fiercely competitive One Minute Challenge, where every metre counted toward each house’s total. This year’s race produced one of the closest finishes the competition has ever seen:
- 1st – Bur: 3510m
- 2nd – Welsh: 3507m
- 3rd – Everett: 3301m
- 4th – Orchard: 3233m
- 5th – Skipwith: 3161m
Bur secured victory by just three metres, edging out Welsh in an incredibly tense finale that had the whole room holding its breath.
A standout highlight of the afternoon was seeing older students step up to coach the younger years—offering quick technique tips, calling out pacing advice and showing exactly what makes Shiplake’s rowing culture so strong. It was collaboration, competition and community all rolled into one fast‑paced, high‑energy event.
2km House Ergo Relay
The excitement continued to build during the 2km House Relay, with both Junior (Years 7–9) and Senior teams giving everything to bring home crucial points for their houses.
Junior Relay Winners
- 1st – Bur: 7:24
Senior Relay Results
- 1st – Welsh: 5:52.3
- 2nd – Everett: 5:57.6
- 3rd – Skipwith: 5:57.9
The Senior race delivered yet another nail‑biting finish, with just three‑tenths of a second separating Everett and Skipwith in the fight for second place.
Overall Relay Standings
Once scores from both Junior and Senior relays were combined, the final standings were announced:
- Bur
- Everett
- Skipwith
- Welsh
- Orchard
After a brilliant display of grit and house pride across all elements of the competition, Bur were crowned this year’s overall champions, securing the top spot through consistent, determined performances throughout the afternoon. It was clear from the atmosphere—and the celebrations—that Bur put in an exceptional collective effort.
The event reached a thrilling finale in the relay, with rowers charging through their final distances at full throttle as crowds lined the floor to shout them home. The enthusiasm never dipped, and every competitor crossed the finish to well‑earned applause.
Director of Rowing Mr Currie commented on the success of the event saying: “As always, the House Ergo Competition was a brilliant opportunity for students to come together, challenge themselves and support one another. The atmosphere in the room was vibrant throughout, with cheering, encouragement and a strong sense of House identity on display.”
A fast, fun and fantastic event from start to finish, this year’s House Ergo Competition once again showcased the talent, camaraderie and determination of our students. Congratulations to every student who took part—and especially to Bur, our 2026 champions!
