Results and reports by Event

Beat Pembroke by 3/4 length

With 40 mph winds being forecasted we knew we were in for a tough day. Looking at the results of the winter head to head and Newnham short course, we knew our race against Pembroke would be close (in both instances we were just behind in speed). However, in this race we finally had our full complement of rowers (for once!), and off the back of a solid weeks training, we felt confident we could beat them. Sitting over on meadow side, our start was scrappy, the wind pushed the two crews together and from the off we were threatened with a blade clash. Some quick thinking manoeuvring from Basma got us straight and we could get racing. We settled into our rhythm well and quickly moved up a couple of seats on Pembroke. Coming into 500 metres we had gained another seat or two and there was a sense of calmness about just tapping it along. We probably settled into a rate 33, and coming under the bridge Basma made a call to keep the hands spinning to keep the rate up into the head wind. At the bridge Pembroke put in a huge push (who were down by 3/4 length by this point), taking up the rating to ~36 and shortened the distance to half a length. We were completely unfazed by this however, and were very comfortable that we could absorb them and stride away after their push. We could have taken it up another gear or two to respond, but that was not needed, finishing 3/4 length up. All in all, a solid first row.

Lost to Downing by 1 and 1/2 lengths

We knew Downing were quick given their results from previous races, and in hind sight we gave them that advantage too much prior to the race. Whereas our legs were a race old, Downing's were fresh as they had a by in the first round. This time situated on tow path side, our start was a lot crisper and more solid. The draws and winds were punchy and the boat was moving nicely. We strided out onto our rhythm and for the first 400-500 metres we were roughly neck and neck. Further down the reach Downing started to pull away, slowly gaining seats on us. We kept our heads in the boat, didn't panic, and focussed on producing a really solid rhythm, which translated really well through the head wind. When Downing got to about a length ahead, we should have responded more aggressively (or when they got to half a length ahead) and I think mentally we gave the race to them at this point. That all said, it was a good row (especially into a head wind), and out of the two, was the better performance. This puts us in a really strong position for bumps. If we can keep with Downing (currently one of the fastest on the river) for our start we know we can cause some scare for the boats we are chasing. Cave Adsum.

Uploaded Sunday 7th February, 10:12

It is the prerogative of the last sub standing to detail the events of rows past and races lost...It was a gloomy (very early) morning when we pushed off to combat the elements of nature (40 mph wind slight rain-excellent conditions) in our finest (mis-)matching lycra attire. Previous results from winter head to head were hinting to a matched race to be, and the overall mint-blue colours average in their boat could scare the faint of heart but our attitude was great, cake was to be had and despite our sub extravaganza, the plan was to make the best of the outing ahead, stand our ground and practice that finely tuned start. After a bumpy marshalling with a mean-girls display from Homerton, a close encounters bump with Xpress and our 5th attempt at banking, we were ready to go. Sitting on towpath side, with the wind pushing everyone on the bank, the call was given and we went on our merry way. The start was solid, three draws and we had gained a bit on Girton, lengthening to a beautiful rate 36-37 (the Holy Grail) we were matched for the first full minute. However Girton was calling the shots and we were never able to really settle into our own rhythm. We had the rate but a minute and a half in, our oomph fizzled out, while they responded better to their power calls and gained half a length. Basma tried to call for a change, but the response was not as decisive as it should have been. We held it till just before the railway bridge, they had the better line and increased the gap. We finally got our mojo back and went for a push from the bridge to the line...however too late. That all said a solid race against the wind, a good practice for mental preparation, two amazing subs...and a cake to die for!! For all the fans out there, behold cake :)

Uploaded Sunday 7th February, 15:10

Even though we had to get up early on a Saturday morning, we were excited for our first race together as a full crew. Not even the yellow flag conditions could discourage us. We got to the marshalling area well on time and banked up. As other boats were showing off by trying to tap-turn (in a not very successful manner), we decided to bring in some of our own intimidation tactics. Our attempts at bouncing the boat must have looked very impressive in particular. After a long wait it was then finally our turn to race. Thanks to Anton’s instructions we managed to get a decent start without the wind pushing us around too much. We quickly settled into a good rhythm and started to pull away from Pembroke slowly. However, after the first 500m the power started to drop and our technique got a bit messy. This was also when the knee injury of our stroke started to play up. She showed real commitment however and kept going despite the pain. But as the rate dropped down quick, we fell behind on Pembroke considerably. Although we finished 2 lengths behind Pembroke, we weren’t too discouraged by the result. We knew we hadn’t been able to give it our all and just considered it a good practice for bumps. As our stroke demonstrated, the commitment is definitely there. In the next two weeks we just have work on keeping the places early and the power on. Bring on Bumps!

Uploaded Thursday 11th February, 10:46

Key stats:

Average height (wowside): 5 ft 6

Average height (jokeside): 7 ft 2

Boat pulled round by: wowside (definitely)

Average hair length: 1 ft shorter than last time due to shearing of 2-man (finally we can tell the evil twins apart)

Faff time: >1 hour (new PB)

Average travel distance to boathouse: 500 miles but it was the one living 500 metres away who was an hour late

Weather: reports of 100mph headwind were not exaggerated

Kit status: clean (CTW was abroad) and less offensive than current M1 kit

Tears of De Burgh shed by: Alice McNamara

Distance before Stu had to shout at another crew: 15 metres from the boathouse

Sightings of mushroom cloud: around 500m into the first race

Injury status: one forced to switch sides because 'injury inflicted by 3 year old son prevented me from rowing bowside'

Zinc oxide tape used: roughly 75 metres (solely by 3-man, reportedly aiming for mummification)

Best coxing manoeuvre: parallel park in 50 mph crosswind at Chesterton (thanks also for assistance from WaGs)

Official post-race food: De cake followed by De burgers

Special thanks to: Nigel for arguing the insurance company into submission, Anton for looking after our treasured Roger Heise and Stephen and M1 for letting us crash the rugby

--Black tears and yellow fire--

Uploaded Wednesday 10th February, 11:39