Race Reports
M3 May bump?
After an incredible start we surged towards a surprised Wolfson II. However, despite our far-reaching ambitions and last minute German power-sub, flown in specially from America, after about 200m our fitness (or lack of) got the better of us. Our power subsided and a seasoned King's II cruised merrily into our stern. Highlights included shocked faces as we earned our first whistle and our cox missing the bank stepping out our boat at station. Her desperation as she clinged helplessly onto the bank, semi-submerged in the murky water, an apt metaphor for our struggle, 10 minutes later, as we tried to stave off a hungry King's. Tomorrow should hold a better result for the Selwyn men of M3.
W1 row over with plenty of room to spare
We were chasing Pembroke II and being chased by Darwin for the first race of May Bumps. We suspected Darwin wouldn't be a problem but we knew we had a touygh race on our hands with Pembroke.
Our row up to the start was tidy and strong. Our practice start was quick and quite neat considering the inevitable first day nerves. The rowing was powerful with us focussing on getting a good ratio and keeping the technique. We spent much of the row up showing off wonderfully sat pauses right up behind Darwin as they rowed ahead of us.
Matt's Little Adventure
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.
Stroke by stroke report of day 1
A confident row up involving some of the best steady state we had done all term set up as well as did the new hair-do of stroke aiding to lighten the mood.
So it came to the start and the hard work went down on every stroke:
1. Good connection on the first draw and finishes held through set us up.
2. Not as rushed as usual but still as quick.
3. A very slight wobble.
4-5. Two quick wind strokes saw the rate get up to 42 our target, higher than we normally reach.
6-7. Again, two strong strokes really helping the boat pick up speed.
8. The final draw stroke, again a slight wobble.
9-10. Into the lengthens the rate at 42, flying along nicely now, Corpus at station.
W2 go down
W2 set out hopeful on this rainy first day of bumps, everyone ready to give it their all. We knew we had a tough race ahead - we were being chased by Christs W2 who were powerful and knew it, and with 3 of our crewmembers new to bumps the usual pre-race nerves were supplemented by the anticipation of something completely new. Yet we also knew that we had developed a lot over the course of the term, that our start had over the past few weeks begun to feel more and more powerful, and that we were chasing Emma W3, a much weaker crew who we had a real chance of catching. It was going to be a short race and we were determined to come out as the winning team.
