Results and reports by Event

All in all, an interesting set of races. Starting in 4th place meant there was very little time to build it up before passing under the bridge, and I think our start reflected that - it was a little panicky and rushed. Once we were onto Plough Reach we definitely picked it up a touch, but the final build into the finish still didn't translate into a gain in boat speed. A satisfactory race, then, but by no means our best work.

After what was a surprisingly short wait, given the number of boats on our division, we started the upstream leg, thereby putting the 'to Head' in 'Winter Head to Head'. The extra time to build it up - at least 15 strokes - meant that the acceleration out of the start was a good deal smoother. We then followed this up by gaining slightly on Emma, while also stopping Pembroke from gaining on us as they had done coming downstream. Responding to the pushes, we steadily worked up the cover over the race, and finished feeling much better about our performance than we had after the first race.

There's still plenty to work on this term, especially making sure that we don't shorten up at higher rates, but all in all this felt like a solid platform on which we can build. With the restrictions in the number of outings in place this term, we really need to make every second of water time count between now and Newnham Short Course, but I'm confident that we'll do exactly that.

Uploaded Saturday 25th January, 11:17