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The Summer Eights at Oxford commenced last evening in fine but boisterous weather. Considerable interest was manifested in the race, and there was a large attendance at both divisions.The second division boats started in the following order :— Exeter, Worcester, St. John's, Keble, Pembroke, Corpus, Lincoln, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Wadham, and Oriel. Worcester succeeded in overtaking Exeter opposite the red post; St. John's were hard pressed by Keble for some distance, and, after an exciting struggle, the bump was effected under the willows, Keble having themselves escaped by a few feet only from Pembroke. Corpus proved themselves unequal to the task of avoiding Lincoln, who made their bump at the Worcester barge; and St. Catherine's had to lower their colours to Jesus near the Free Water-stone.
In the first division the order of starting was :— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, University, Christ Church, Brasenose, Hertford, Merton, Queen's, and Worcester. Magdalen gained considerably on New at the start, and near the Long-bridges only about a quarter of a length separated the two boats, and, amid a scene of great excitement, the boats overlapped at the boathouse; but the leading boat at this point drew away, and ultimately passed the post a quarter of a length to to good, half a length separating Magdalen from Balliol. Brasenose were unfortunate through one of the crew catching two crabs, and had to give way to Hertford in the Gut. Worcester distinguished themselves by making the second bump by overhauling Queen's in Iffley Reach.
The annual May races at Oxford commenced yesterday in fine weather. There was a large attendance to witness the racing, which was of an interesting character, despite the high wind. New College started head of the river, and maintained their position, though not without a struggle, as Magdalen overlapped them near the boathouse, but failed to make the bump. Balliol proved themselves a fast crew, but did not cause Magdalen any anxiety. Trinity finished four lengths behind Balliol. University and Christ Church kept their respective distances apart. Hertford lowered the colours of Brasenose, and Worcester, who in the second division had already defeated Exeter, made their second bump by catching Queen's in Iffley Reach. In the second division, besides the bump already mentioned, Keble defeated St John's at the Worcester Barge, where also Lincoln caught Corpus, whilst Jesus caught St. Catharine's at the Freewater stone.
Rain fell heavily yesterday afternoon and evening and considerably interfered with the comfort of the visitors and the men taking part in the summer eight-oar races at Oxford. In spite of the unfavourable weather, however, there was a good attendance.The second division boats started in the following order :— Queen's, Exeter, Keble, St. John's, Pembroke, Lincoln, Corpus, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Wadham, and Oriel. After a keen struggle, Exeter caught Queen's opposite the Cherwell, Keble at the time being about three-quarters of a length behind Exeter. St. John's were unable to escape Pembroke, who made their bump at the Long Bridges. Corpus were hard pressed by Jesus, and the latter had some difficulty in keeping away from St. Catherine's, who got within a quarter of a length towards the finish.
The order of starting in the first division was :— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, University, Christ Church, Hertford, Brasenose, Merton, Worcester, Exeter. There was a splendid struggle between the three leading boats. Balliol at the outset put in a very fast stroke, and gained considerably in Iffley Reach, while Magdalen in turn drew on to New College, and got within half a length of them at the boathouse. From this point, however, New College spurted, and easily held their own. An exciting race ensued between Magdalen and Balliol, the former passing the post a few feet only to the good. Brasenose, who lost a place to Hertford on Thursday owing to a mishap, recovered their position under the Willows. Merton did their utmost to avoid Worcester, but were compelled to give way at the Corpus barge.
The races were continued yesterday in wet weather, but still there was a large attendance. Four bumps were made, two occurring in each divison, all being effected below the Cherwell. In the second division Queen's lost the headship to Exeter, and St. John's succumbed to Pembroke in the Long Reach. Some very keen racing was provided among the remaining boats, but no further bumps took place. In the first division a fine struggle was witnessed among the leading boats New, Magdalen, and Balliol. The head of the river crew did not appear to exert themselves unduly, but Magdalen and Balliol had a hard race, and only about four feet separated them at the finish. Brasenose, who lost a place the previous night through a mishap, regained their position by re-bumping Hertford. Worcester caught Merton at the Corpus Barge.
The summer eights were continued yesterday in the presence of a large crowd of spectators in anticipation of a keen race for the headship. The race between the leading crews, however, was somewhat [?] as Balliol did not maintain their form. New and Magdalen had another big struggle, but, although the latter came up strongly at Saunder's Bridge, New maintained their position at the head of the first division. Christ Church gained on University but failed to overtake them, whilst the former were also pressed by Brasenose, thus showing that their form in practice could not be relied upon. Worcester made their fourth bump since the commencement, catching Hertford before reaching the Gut, this being the only bump registered in the first division. In the second division Keble, although hard pressed by Pembroke, succeeded in catching Queen's at the Free Water, Exeter thus having an easy task before them to maintain their position as leaders of the division. St. John's had again to strike their colours, this time to Lincoln at the Willows. St. Catherine's who in the first night, owing to the breaking of an oar, had to succumb, regained their position by catching Jesus at the Crossing; whilst Oriel got to within a length of Wadham.
Although no rain fell during the progress of the University summer eight-oar races at Oxford on Saturday, the weather was far from favourable, a strong south-westerly wind prevailing. The city is very full of visitors, and the attendance was more numerous than on the preceeding days.The Second Division started in the following order :— Exeter, Queen's, Keble, Pembroke, St. John's, Lincoln, Corpus, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Wadham, and Oriel. Exeter were indulged with a row over, as Queen's, whose colours they lowered on Friday, soon showed their inferiority to Keble. Going off at a fast stroke, Keble gained rapidly, and made the bump just before reaching the Long Bridges. Pembroke, who displayed capital form at the time, were only a quarter of a length behind Keble. Continuing on their way without relaxing their exertions, they were within three lengths of Exeter at the finish. St. John's from the outset were hard pressed by Lincoln, and were compelled to acknowledge defeat at the Willows. St. Catherine's were unfortunate on Thursday, as one the crew broke an oar, and they were consequently overtaken by Jesus, but after a hard struggle they recovered the position opposite the New Cut. Oriel gained on Wadham, about a length separating them at the finish.
The order of starting in the First Division was :— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, University, Christ Church, Brasenose, Hertford, Worcester, Merton, Exeter. A splendid race again took place between the three leading boats. Magdalen gained nearly a length in Iffley Reach, and were themselves driven along by Balliol, but the latter went rather wide at the Gut, and lost the advantage they had obtained. As the barges were approached Magdalen, amidst great excitement, drew gradually nearer to the top boat, and were dangerously close to them at the Cherwell, but New College spurted gamely, and passed the post about a quarter of a length in front. Balliol were rather more than a length in the rear of Magdalen. A good race was witnessed between University, Christ Church, and Brasenose, and at the finish only about a quarter of a length separated them. Worcester succeeded in making their fourth bump in three nights by lowering the colours of Hertford in Iffley Reach. Exeter gained slightly on Merton soon after the start, but failed to maintain the effort. Should the weather prove fine to-day, an enormous attendance may be expected, and there is almost certain to be an exciting struggle amongst the leading boats.
There was a slight improvement in the weather for the continuation of these races on Saturday, but a strong wind prevailed. In the second division, Exeter had no necessity to exert themselves to maintain their position at the top, as Queen's succumbed to Keble at the Freewater stone. St. John's fell victims to Lincoln at the Willows, and St. Catherine's, who lost their place to Jesus on Thursday through the breaking of an oar, recovered their position at the Cut. In the first division a fine race was witnessed between the leading boats, New and Magdalen, the latter being about a quarter of a length way at the finish. Balliol were several lengths ahead of Trinity. Christ Church just failed to reach University, the former also being pressed by Brasenose. Worcester made their fourth consecutive bump, catching Hertford in Iffley Reach, this being the only bump in the division.
There was a great improvement in the weather yesterday evening, when the University summer eight-oar races were continued at Oxford. The change was very much appreciated after the heavy downpour of rain on the preceding day. As had been expected, the attendance was enormous, thousands of visitors flocking to the riverside. It is five years since the races last took place in Whit week.The second division started in the following order :— Exeter, Keble, Queen's, Pembroke, Lincoln, St. John's, Corpus, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Wadham, and Oriel. An exciting race ensued between Exeter and Keble. The latter had gained considerably before half the course had been covered, and at the boathouse were overlapping. A fine spurt, however, saved the bump, and a severe struggle resulted in Exeter's passing the post about a yard in front. Pembroke overtook Queen's just before reaching the Free Water Stone, and Corpus early vanquished St. John's. Wadham lowered the colours of Jesus near the Red Post.
The order of starting in the first division was :— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, University, Christ Church, Brasenose, Worcester, Hertford, Merton, Exeter. New College were not so hard pressed as previously, and the day's rest which they enjoyed on Sunday had evidently proved beneficial. They displayed excellent form throughout, and finished rather more than a length in front. Balliol gained steadily on Magdalen in Iffley reach, and although Magdalen improved their position through the Gut Balliol were coming up fast along the Willows, when one of the crew unfortunately caught a crab, and Magdalen were able to get a length's advantage at the boathouse. Along the wall Balliol drew up again, but they never recovered from their mishap, and Magdalen passed the post a quarter of a length to the good. Trinity finished nearer to Balliol than on any previous occasion, but were still a long way behind. University were half a length behind Trinity, and were themselves pressed by Christ Church, who were three-parts of a length to the bad at the finish. Brasenose were their distance behind Christ Church, and three-quarters of a length ahead of Worcester, who thus received a check to their victorious career; and Merton recovered one of their lost places by bumping Hertford, after a severe struggle, at the Cherwell.
Although rain fell in the morning, delightful weather prevailed at Oxford yesterday when racing was resumed, the attendance on the towing-path being exceptionally large. Some capital racing was witnessed in the Second Division, but the First did not provide such good sport. Magdalen, who had been expected to make a good struggle with New, failed to do so, and, as a matter of fact, Balliol had almost reached Magdalen at the Willows, where a 'crab' quite spoilt them, although they eventually finished within a quarter of a length. Trinity improved on their previous form, and gained on Balliol. Worcestershire [sic] received a check, for at the close Brasenose were three-parts of a length to the good, and with Hertford in front, Merton partially recovered their position. In the Second Division, after a grand race between Exeter and Keble, the former retained their position by a bare yard. Pembroke caught Queen's before reaching the Gut, Corpus vanquished St. John's before reaching the free water stone, and Jesus succumbed to Wadham at the crossing.
Despite the showery weather and high wind which prevailed at Oxford yesterday, there was again a large attendance at the University summer eight-oar races.The second division started in the following order :— Exeter, Keble, Pembroke, Queen's, Lincoln, Corpus, St. John's, St. Catherine's, Wadham, Jesus, and Oriel. After the exciting struggle on the preceding day between Exeter and Keble, a very close race was expected, and the result fully justified the anticipations. Keble were within half a length at the Green Barge, and although Exeter made a desperate effort to avoid defeat they were unsuccessful, and Keble were victorious at the Cherwell. Pembroke had gained on Keble at the Freewater Stone, but from this point they fell behind. Queen's, who had been bumped every day, were unable to stem the tide of ill-luck, and were overtaken by Lincoln in Iffley Reach. There was a splendid race between St. John's and St. Catherine's, the struggle continuing until within a short distance of the finish, when St. Catherine's made a grand spurt and effected the bump opposite St. John's barge. Jesus were hard pressed by Oriel, who after a long and determined effort lowered their colours soon after passing the boathouse.
First division, order of starting :— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, University, Christ Church, Brasenose, Worcester, Merton, Hertford, and Keble. There was no diminution in the interest taken in the keen contest between the leading boats. New College went off in taking style, and held their own to the Willows, where Magdalen, somewhat improved their position, but were never really dangerous, and New College finished rather more than a quarter of a length in front. Balliol were fully a length behind Magdalen when they passed the post. A good race resulted between Trinity, University, and Christ Church, and only a quarter of a length separated the two last-named at the University barge. Worcester succeeded in making their fifty bump, displacing Brasenose, at the Cherwell. Keble, who were the sandwich boat, made a great effort to overtake Hertford, but their exertions in the earlier races told their tale, and Hertford passed the flag a quarter of a length in front.
Boisterous and showery weather was associated with the continuation of these races yesterday, but still there was a very large attendance, and some capital racing was witnessed. Four bumps were recorded in the second division. After a desperate struggle Exeter were deprived of the headship by St. John's [? presumably Keble], who caught them at the Hertford barge. Queen's, again, went down, Lincoln defeating them in Iffley Reach. After a fine struggle, St. Catherine's bumped St. John's two lengths from the winning-post, whilst Oriel beat Jesus at the Cherwell. In the first division New maintained their position at the head of the river, finishing easily a quarter of a length ahead of Magdalen. Trinity lost ground to University, whilst Christ Church were only a quarter of a length behind University at the finish. Brasenose, to the general surprise, were beaten by Worcester at the Cherwell, this being the only bump recorded in this division.
The unfavourable weather which has almost throughout attended Oxford University summer eight-oar races this year continued this evening, when they were brought to a close, a heavy downpour prevailing as the boats went to their stations. In view of the unfavourable conditions the attendance each evening has been remarkable.The second division started in the following order :— Keble, Exeter, Pembroke, Lincoln, Queen's, Corpus, St. Catherine's, St. John's, Wadham, Oriel, and Jesus. There were three bumps in the division. After a severe struggle Pembroke overtook Exeter opposite the barge of the latter. Lincoln had gained on Pembroke and were within half a length of them at the boathouse. Corpus displaced Queen's in Iffley Reach. St. Catherine's had an easy task, as St. John's were caught by Wadham early in the race.
The order of starting in the first division was New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, University, Christ Church, Worcester, Brasenose, Merton, Hertford, and Keble. Magdalen went off at a fast stroke, and at the Long Bridges were within half a length of the top boat. From this point to the boathouse New College held their own. Magdalen again spurted, but it was fruitless, and New succeeded in passing the post a quarter of a length in front. Balliol gained slightly on Magdalen at the outset, but failed to maintain their advantage. University were hard pressed by Christ Church, and only a quarter of a length separated them at the finish. Hertford had to give way to Keble at the boathouse, this being the only bump in the division. [article then lists start and finish order]
New College has thus finished at the head of the river for the fourth year in succession, and it is a remarkable fact that no change has occurred in the first six boats. Worcester heads the list of successes, making five bumps in the six nights, and is followed by Keble with four and Pembroke and Lincoln with three each. Queen's and St. John's were unfortunate enough to lose a place on each of the six nights.
Unsettled weather has prevailed throughout the races, and they were brought to a conclusion yesterday in a downpour of rain. Still, there was a large attendance, and again some exciting racing was witnessed. In the first division New maintained their position at the head of the river, although Magdalen chased them home each night. Balliol, for a crew containing five blues, were disappointing, but the positions of the first six boats remain unaltered. Hertford had to acknowledge defeat to Keble at the boathouse after a good race, this being the only bump recorded in the first division. In the second division, Keble, who caught Exeter the previous night, maintained their place. The latter again had their flag lowered, although Pembroke failed to catch them until the Exeter barge was reached. Queen's had another reverse, Corpus bumping them at the Long Bridges, whilst Wadham defeated St. John's at the Weirs Bridge.
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