A tight race between Cambridge and UL

On a lovely day for rowing the water was spoiled by the usual Saturday morning wash. Our eight lined-up at the University Boat Race stone against what was a large Cambridge trial eight. Donald Leggit (Cambridge stalwart and umpire) gave them their expected head start which was extended to three quarters of a length by the end of the boats. As expected a much more drilled Cambridge crew was able to rate higher and get the advantage off the start. Cambridge settled at 37 while we were at a stronger 34 set by our lightweight duo in stern pair. We then started to move our way through and by Barnes Elms the difference was half a length. At this stage with more experience we could have put the boot in. We kept challenging until the Mile Post losing by quarter of a length.

On the start of the second piece Donald apologised for the head start, and offered to leave the lining up to Rusty. Who being the charitable man he is gave Cambridge an even greater lead exacerbated by Cambridge getting two full stroke in prior to us finishing our first. After 30 sec of racing Cambridge had almost a full length but as we had the inside of the bend we stuck to our guns. Again Cambridge rating 37 started losing seats to our 34. Going under Hammersmith Bridge we had moved to a quarter of an length lead. Taking another half a length by the Dove Pier. At this point Old Father Thames decide to throw up an obstacle of a tree trunk and we lost our fin. The impact lost a bit of speed but the greater factors were stability and steering. The water became really challenging and our crew looked as though they were rowing in treacle Cambridge took away our entire lead and added three quarters of a length.

In summary: We have a number of athletes training well an moving well in the Gym. It is now beginning to be transferred to the eight. While this is not Cambridge’s Blue Boat it will be at least half. This morning we had another two eights training hard and a number of high calibre athletes out with injuries. At Quintin Head last year a more settled and drilled UL first eight lost to both Goldie and the blues. This year I couldn’t see that happening. 

By ULBC in Uncategorized on December 10, 2011