Results and reports by Event

Day 1:

C: Phil S, S; Pete, 7: Josh, 6: Sava, 5: PJ, 4: Jon, 3: Phil J, 2: Jiali, B: Michal

PJ reports:

Spirits were high when the City of Clare crew assembled at the boat house. As our stroke Pete highlighted, many of us had been 'recovering' for about a year, so we knew we were fully ready to bump the intermediate men of Cantabs 7. The row down felt good, with us sensing there was enough power to compensate for what we lacked in fitness. The monstrous fart one of us unleashed unto the unsuspecting residents of Chesterton during marshalling reminded us all of the volume of the starting cannon that would soon send us off. Our race plan was simple: bump. Quickly, ideally. Our start was good and before tiredness had a chance to kick in, we got our whistles and managed to bump Cantabs on first post corner. All in all a great first day - excited for the week ahead.

Day 2:

C: Phil S, S; Pete, 7: Michal, 6: Sava, 5: PJ, 4: Jon, 3: Phil J, 2: Jiali, B: Seb

Jon reports:

In a spectacle that will go down in the annals of rowing lore, the City of Cambridge Men's 7th boat, affectionately known as the "City of Clare", took to the water today in a display of grit, tenacity, and a hint of geriatric splendour.

The pre-race ambiance was electric, with our seasoned oarsmen paddling to the start line with the poise and precision that comes from decades of experience – and a second training session that has worked wonders. With Mr. Rees Senior orchestrating the countdown from the bank like a maestro conducting his magnum opus, the stage was set for an unforgettable showdown.

As the clock ticked down, anticipation crackled in the air. Positioned under the bridge at 7th, the cannon's thunderous boom reverberated through our bones, giving us a jolt that made every grey hair stand on end. But our nerves were quickly channelled into a blistering start, catapulting us to an astonishing 42 strokes per minute. The City of Clare was off like a herd of stampeding turtles!

We swiftly transitioned into a robust, chunky rhythm, cutting through the water with a grace that belied our years. Despite our Herculean efforts, the youthful vigor of the City of Cambridge 8th boat proved insurmountable, as they bumped ahead, leaving us to our destiny.

With much of the division bumping out, the course was clear, and we seized the opportunity for an uninterrupted row. The crew behind, perhaps cowed by our formidable reputation or merely dazzled by our luminous lycra, never posed a threat. We cruised down the long reach at a leisurely yet commanding rate of 24 strokes per minute, each stroke a testament to our seasoned mastery of the oar.

As we crossed the finish line, not a bead of sweat marred our brows. The City of Clare was fresh, invigorated, and ready for more. Tomorrow beckons with the promise of another epic chapter in our rowing saga. Until then, we rest, recharge, and dream of the glory that awaits.

Stay tuned, dear readers, for the tale of the Geriatric Gladiators is far from over!

Day 3:

C: Phil S, S; Pete, 7: Josh, 6: Sava, 5: Michal, 4: Conlan Ellis, 3: Phil J, 2: Jiali, B: Michal

Phil reports:

We were ready for it. Yesterday bumping wasn't to be for us, with all six crews ahead bumping out by First Post. Today, however, we smelt blood. We were stationed behind Cantabs Poachers, and with a whole year to bask in the glory of our bumping them last year we were ready for round two. After quickly reminding Conlan how to row, we headed down. We set ourselves an ambitious aim for how many strokes to bump within, and by Grassy there were several looks of surprise and concern as our rigorous training programme had failed to prepare us for more than a minute or so hard chase. We dug deep and pushed out of Grassy, determined to not reach the Reach, and sure enough we closed in for the bump, only about 100 or so strokes later than planned. Rowing home we three-cheered Cantabs, who looked confused, and pointed out we'd cheersed the wrong Cantabs boat. We found our foe and repeated the proceedings.

Tomorrow we go again, for one last run.

Day 4:

C: Phil S, S; Pete, 7: Michal, 6: Sava, 5: Lotte Hondebrink, 4: Issei Kuzuki, 3: Phil J, 2: Jiali, B: Michal

Phil reports:

The final day and spirits were high! Super-subs Lotte and Issei joined us for their glorious returns to rowing, providing fresh legs and added hype. It was the hottest day yet but like the committed athletes we are we warmed up on the ergs none the less. We set off in glorious sunshine for our final run and had a very chunky row down. Things were feeling good. Having bumped yesterday we were now starting at the outflow. With Jon, Josh and Toby on the bank we were well equipped for a decent push off; the canon fired and we were off! We gained steadily towards Champs, and whilst Cantabs behind rowed well they were no match, and we closed the distance considerably around First Post and made contact in the gut! Adorned with willows we rowed back to the P&E, where Pete took over the coxing and I stroked the boat home - probably more stressful than the race itself! We ended the week on a proud +3, and our celebrations continued at the boat house and on to the City after party. Until next year!

Uploaded Sunday 11th August, 20:32