Results and reports by Event

Lily reports:

Autumn Head was the first race of the new term, 2.6 km from the motorway bridge to the Green Dragon, and having had the whole summer off this seemed a long way! However with pre-season and two good weeks of training behind us, the Clare women entered two matched crews. W1a were the first of the two to row over the start line. We aimed for rate 28 but managed to keep it at 30 for most of the race with our cox Qing keeping us motivated. After many sets of power 10s and some tight corners we almost caught the boat ahead of us, despite the choppy water that greeted us on the Reach. It didn’t hurt our energy and enthusiasm though and W1a managed to clinch first place in our division! The whole club then headed to spoons for a hard-earned brunch.

Uploaded Sunday 11th December, 13:52

Alex Freeman reports:

To say the least the Clare M2 VIII crew had a tough start to the day, multiple substitutions were required, and spirits were low, but thanks to the heart-warming efforts of our captains, and some early risers, all the seats were filled in time. Spirits were lifted seeing some rare members of the boat club, but a challenge awaited us on the river, and it proved to be a big one.

On the paddle down there was much to be desired in our tech, but there was certainly speed locked deep within us. And with the expertise of Gripper and Sam that power slowly began to be unleashed.

The race awaited. The boat sat in silent but stern anticipation, “heads down boys”. We began with a rolling start, effortlessly increasing the rate to 32 and we were off. By something akin to a miracle, the boat felt good! These band of mavericks had come together to make CBC proud.

Molly certainly pulled her weight too; I don’t think I’ve seen better cornering in F1! With a few fantastic racing lines, we were quickly gaining on the boat in front and by the reach we were right on them. A tactical shove from Molly was all that was needed for them to relinquish the open water. There is little better in life than passing another boat, even if it is a slightly older crew (Champs VIII).

“Once more onto the ‘Reach’ dear friends, once more!” (Gripper probably). Open water was not wasted on us as we pushed off the corner and soon we were at the bridge where the home straight awaited. Even now the tech had not faltered much beyond a few crabs and gusts of wind.

In the end we brought the boat in to finish what felt like a respectable effort considering the new crew. We clocked in at 10:53.7 which put as in 4th out of all the M2 VIII crews, not bad at all for the first race of the season.

Uploaded Sunday 11th December, 13:33

Tom reports:

​​The furious 4 took to the water with only one outing, which hadn’t quite gone to plan, to take on the Autumn Head. After a strong start, we began to gain on the Pembroke women’s eight in front, while being chased by a strong Queens’ four. Although there was a strong headwind, which crushed our split, we managed to catch up with Pembroke down the reach. Despite our best efforts pushing off the railway bridge (and their lack of conceding even with Phil’s best efforts), we failed to overtake, costing us precious seconds, which I am sure would have improved our last place finish. The furious 4 is looking forward to future (and higher finishing) races!

Uploaded Sunday 11th December, 13:34