SCBC

Selwyn M1 had come on a lot this term, particularly in the last few weeks. A reliable start that wound us to low fifties, and brought us out at a fast-paced low forties meant we could choose to settle wherever we liked for the race. We had two plans. If Matt thought the bump was on quickly, we were settling to 40, if not 38.

Our row up felt strong and prepared; it was good to have the full crew back again, even if James H had decided to bring his own war-paint along.

The start was fast, coming out around 44. The call came from Matt, settle it down to 40. This meant we'd done what we'd wanted. Half a length taken off the start, and the bump was on, we picked the boat up, and started to reel it in. Round first post, two whistles, we were still moving into Peterhouse M1. Downing II behind who'd only lost a few feet off the start began to fall away, falling to around 2 1/2 lengths. Around grassy came three whistles; we were a canvas off and still driving round. Apparently Peterhouse bow caught a crab at this point, quickly putting an end to what seemed, in hindsight, inevitable.

Then begun the carnage... Having gone into Peterhouse a quite considerable distance before the concession, there was a significant amount of overlap when we held it up, and conflicting instructions from the umpires brought about a collision from Downing II into us. Matt was quick enough to duck as bow's blade passed above him, but then unfortunately, bow decided to take the stroke, carrying Matt out of the boat with him.

Tomorrow is our turn at an LMBC II boat which must feel lucky to have been saved from Peterhouse today, given that I gather Peterhouse had several whistles on LMBC II at one point. We shall not underestimate LMBC IIs ability to slow our advance, or Peterhouse's thirst for revenge, but we're going to go out and do the same again... without losing our cox again!