Eights 1933Eights 1933
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The College CrewsThe Summer Eights crews at Oxford last year were a good deal better than they had been for some years. This year the standard is on the average just about the same, but the crews are by no means so level. Usually there are only three crews in what may be called the first class. This year there are six of much about the same degree of merit and they are not confined to the First Division. Indeed the better boats in the Second Division are very much better than usual.
In contrast there are many crews in the First Division which are very much slower than what one expects to see there and some of the crews in the lower divisions are less well together and less well grounded in the rudiments even than they were in former years. This is perhaps not surprising when one considers that nearly half as many crews again are rowing now. It is expected that 55 will start in the five divisions.
College rowing at Cambridge unquestionably suffered last year through indifferent crews trying to ape the light paddling of the Jesus crews. Light paddling can be a valuable exercise to an experienced crew; nothing is more calculated to develop balance and watermanship, but the crew must be experienced, and they must always keep the beginning of the stroke crips. Otherwise the light paddling degenerates into "slumming," and too much slumming is now affecting Oxford rowing to as serious a degree as it affected Cambridge rowing last year.
The Magdalen Crew
Magdalen start head of the river, and it seems probable that they will retain their position. They are a well-balanced crew, they are pretty well together through the boat, although stroke and No. 6 are not quite so long as No. 7 and No. 5, and No. 4 is not quite with the rest of the crew at the finish. They row very hard, however, command a high rate of striking, and they make good use of their swivel rowlocks. They never bounce the boat at all. They have for the most part a fine racing record behind them, and they should be able to keep the place that the stern three won. Sackville-West, though a short-bodied man, is rowing extraordinarily well at No. 5, and to his exceptionally fine natural swing the crew owe a great deal.
The only crew they need to fear are Oriel, who have been well coached by Mr. R. C. Sherriff. They are a typically "Metropolitan" crew. Unlike Magdalen and Exeter, who have combined swivel rowlocks with a more or less orthodox style in other respects, Oriel are no respectors of tradition, but in their own way they row very well. They are beautifully together, and their boat, unlike those of some colleges who rely upon leg-work alone, never seems to check. They are supposed to be the fastest crew in Oxford, but though they will almost certainly bump Brasenose and Worcester, they seem scarcely fast enough to catch Magdalen, who will have the considerable advantage of clear water. Reid is rowing very well indeed at No. 7.
Neither Brasenose nor Worcester is a particularly fast crew, though Worcester, with Migotti, the University Secretary, rowing at No, 7, are better together and faster than Brasenose. Brasenose are very indifferently together. Holdsworth, the University stroke, is rowing steadily and with good rhythm at stroke, but the rest of the crew do not follow him, and they cannot row at more than 32 or 33 strokes a minute. The excitement of the races will be to see whether Christ Church can catch New College. At one time New College were the fastest crew on the river. Ellison, the new President, is at No. 7. and Hogg, the University No. 5, rows in the same position in his college crew. There is, too, a very useful No.6, Hope. The crew are well together, quick on to the beginning, and their sliding and wristwork are good, as was the case with all Dr. Bourne's New College crews, but the blades do come out of the water before they should, and in the past week the crew has not come on as fast as was expected at one time.
Christ Church
Christ Church have no fewer than three Blues rowing — Erskine-Crum, the ex-President, at No.5, Bankes, the University heavy-weight, at No.6, and Couchman at No. 4. It is unusual so soon after the Putney race to find all the Blues rowing well, but these are. The crew in fact looks very like the Oxford crew. Prichard gives them good rhythm and they are well together, excepting in the bows. They do not seem to get quite the pace out of their boat that their form promises, but they are definitely a good crew and are almost certain to improve their position, even if they have to wait till next week to do so. Bankes is rowing well and is gaining the steadiness that he lacked in the University crew.
University College, who start seventh, are a disappointing crew. They work very hard, but more against than with each other, and are therefore far slower than many weaker and less hard-working crews. Not all the efforts of Currie, a very solid oarsman, at No. 5, and Tomlin, at No. 7, can prevent them from being ponderous, and Balliol seem likely to bump them. They are a neat, lively crew, well together, very obviously built around Thomson, at No. 6, who is rowing well, even if he is inclined, in common with far more Oxford oarsmen than would have been the case 10 years ago, to bend his arms too early.
Trinity are a dangerous crew. Until Tuesday Duntze, of the winning Shrewsbury Ladies' Plate crew, was stroking them. Now he is at No. 7, Mosley the Blue, at stroke, and Freeman at No. 6. They have length and stride and are likely to improve more than most crews in the racing. Duntze has given them rhythm, and, with Mosley's well-known capacity for sudden spurts, it would not be surprising to see them get their four bumps before the racing finishes. St. John's, the Sandwich boat, look like improving their position. They have a good stride and are a powerful crew, rowing in very much the same style as Shrewsbury. Pembroke, who start just above them, have, as usual, been very well coached by Mr. Pazolt, but they have not quite the neatness of former years.
Exeter, who start head of the Second Division, are a really good crew. They have the best beginning of any crew on the river, although they are rowing with swivel rowlocks, commonly supposed to detract from the beginning. They might easily improve their position every night.
For the rest of the Second Division, Jesus are quite a neat crew in the style of Jesus College, Cambridge, but Keble, who start fourth, are, after Exeter, the best crew in the division. Stroked by Edwards, the younger brother of the Blues, they have splendid rhythm, are excellently together, and should hold their position near the top of the First Division if need be. Lincoln also have a turn of speed and Hertford, who start at the very bottom of the division, have the best crew for several years.
Order of Starting
Fifty-five crews will compete in the Summer Eight-oar races, which will be begun to-day at Oxford. This is one more than last year. The river is at summer level and the weather outlook is encouraging.
Magdalen, who finished at the head of the Torpids last term, start head of the river, and even if they have not an unusually fast crew they may succeed in retaining their position. Opinions are divided as to their ability to do so. Corpus are restricting their energies to one crew on this occasion. Christ Church, Pembroke, Keble, Brasenose, and Wadham are all dispensing with a third crew, and there will be no college represented by a fourth crew. Hertford, however, are putting on a third as well as a second, and other new entries are from St. Peter's, who will be represented by a second crew, and Jesus, New College, Trinity, and Queen's, who will each have a third.
The following is the order of starting:— [...]
Start of Summer Eights at Oxford To-DayImproved Magdalen Crew Likely to Retain Leadership
The Summer Eights begin at Oxford to-night, and for once there is promise of brilliant weather, which will show the old city at her best.
Disappointment in the result of the boat race does little to diminish the ardour of the undergraduate, and once more last year's high peak in the number of entries is equalled, for though half a dozen crews have "taken off," six more have taken their place.
It cannot be said that the quality of the rowing is equal to the quantity, especially in the higher grades. The shortness of the time available for practice has a good deal to say for this, combined with a praiseworthy desire on the part of most colleges to row a much higher rate of stroke than usual. The result is that "bucket" is more pronounced than usual. Against this one has to chronicle a more powerful use of the legs, for which Brig.-Gen. J. H. Gibbon has to be thanked.
Outlook Very Open
The outcome of racing in the first division is more difficult to forecast than usual. Conditions of wind have changed so much from day to day, and even from hour to hour during the last week that times have been of very little value in estimating the comparative pace of the crews.
A week ago it looked as if Magdalen, who gained the headship on the second night of last year and so nearly lost it on the last, were bound to go down during the week, but they have, under Mr. MacCulloch, come on very rapidly and are now well together. They have but two trial eightsmen, and apart from their coxswain no Blues, but they have learned better than most how to use their swivels, are fairly long in the water, and are all really hard workers. These factors and the great advantage a head boat has in clear water to row on should carry them through.
Brasenose, in spite of the fact that they are stroked by Holdsworth, have little chance of maintaining their place. They alone of the first division crews seem to have entirely lost the art of leg-work, and the penalty is likely to be severe. They look like falling early to-night to Worcester. Worcester are as pretty a crew as any on the river. At the end of last week they could, however, only row a very slow stroke, and their chances of success looked small indeed. With one day's coaching from Mr. G. O. Nickalls they brought their rate up from 32 to 42 without loss of uniformity.
For how long they will be able to keep it up remains to be proved, and on that will depend whether they can keep away from Oriel, who during the last week's practice have been rather disappointing. A week ago they were very much faster than any other crew on the river, but since then they have failed to improve their pace, while the others have come on. They have by no means such an easy task ahead of them, as they had last year, when they went up every night.
If they do not catch Worcester to-night before the latter catch B.N.C., they will be after them on Saturday night, and a splendid race should be seen up the Green Bank. If they are successful then, as they should be, they will have three nights to attack the head boat.
New College, with the president, G. A. Ellison, at seven and Hogg at five, have come on very fast under Col. J. L. Philips, and are a dashing type of orthodox crew. They should drive Oriel at the start, but I doubt whether they are fast enough to do more than that.
Christ Church's Failing
Christ Church, who have reverted to fixed rowlocks this year, are a very attractive crew to watch, but, for some reason which is not easy to determine, do not get real pace out of their boat, in spite of their three Blues. It will be interesting to see what they do when it comes to racing.
University, I fear, will continue the downward course which they have started last year, for they have much faster crews behind them.
If there are no outstanding crews at the head, the quality of those below, right down into the second division, is most encouraging and is well above the average. Balliol have more drive than they have possessed for years. Trinity, with Morley [Mosley] going back to stroke two days ago are a a very snappy crew. Further down, Exeter have made remarkable progress, and should go far towards regaining the places they lost last year. Below them come several good crews who should provide splendid rancing in the second divison.
[order of starting]
The First DayIn unusually favourable conditions the Summer Eights racing was begun yesterday. The weather was fine, with a moderate stream running, and the crews had a light following wind to help them. There were 55 crews in the five divisions, one less than last year.
The Second Division only provided three bumps, but there was, nevertheless, some exciting racing. St. John's, who started at the top, had another slice of bad luck, and it came as a surprise to those spectators above the Boat House to learn that they had lost a place to Exeter as they were well ahead of them when another crab brought disaster at the Cherwell. Wadham and St. Catherine's had a splendid struggle. St. Catherine's flattered their supporters by getting within a few feet after passing the Cherwell, but Wadham had just enough reserve energy to hold off their final challenge, and only a foot or so divided them at the finish.
In the First Division Magdalen did not have to extend themselves to escape Brasenose, but Brasenose had a trying time of it with Worcester, being driven on by Oriel. They were, however, saved further anxiety when Worcester fell to Oriel at the University Boat House, and it looks as though the head of the river will devolve into a duel between Oriel and Magdalen. New College, without having to extend themselves, finished much more than their starting distance ahead of Christ Church, and their race with Worcester tonight should prove an interesting one. University College were quite out-paced by Balliol, and Magdalen II found little difficulty in overhauling Queen's, while Exeter, in spite of their hard row in the previous division, easily accounted for Pembroke by bumping them before reaching the Gut.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Jesus III, Hertford II, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Trinity III, Queen's III, Hertford III. Jesus got away very slowly and gaining rapidly from the start Hertford II caught them at the commencement of Iffley Reach. New College III were hampered by the Hertford eight and St. Peter's Hall gained considerable way, but after coming through the Gut New College drew away and finished a couple of lengths in front. A good race was seen between Trinity III and Queen's III for although Trinity held their own until reaching the Long Bridges from this point Queen's gained steadily and made their bump just opposite the Hertford barge.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Brasenose II, Magdalen III, Exeter II, Merton II, Balliol III, Jesus II, Oriel III, University College III, Queen's II, Worcester III, St. John's III, Hertford II. A fine race resulted for the head of the division between Trinity II and Brasenose II. Brasenose II were within half a length coming out of the Gut, and half that distance divided the two boats at the Boat House. Trinity held them for a while along the Wall, but Brasenose came again and the issue was in the balance until Trinity succeeded in passing the post with a few inches to spare. Exeter II had the measure of Magdalen II in Iffley Reach and made their bump as the boats were coming out of the Gut.
Merton paddled up. Balliol III were bumped by Jesus II at the Freewater Stone. University College III made a much better start than Oriel III, and gaining ground rapidly overtook them at the Weirs Bridge. Queen's II and Worcester III came up with wide gaps separating the two boats, but St. John's III quickly experienced disaster as Hertford II, who had come up from the Fifth Division, overtook them after rowing little more than a minute.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, Oriel II, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, New College II, Keble II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, University College II, Pembroke II, Lincoln II, St. Catherine's II, Trinity II. Hertford paddled over and were well away from Oriel II when Oriel fell victims to Balliol II just after the boats came out of the Gut. New College II made a lot of ground on St. Peter's Hall in Iffley reach and, although St. Peter's Hall held them for a time, they failed to sustain the effort and were compelled to give way opposite the Keble College Barge. Keble II easily maintained their position in front of Christ Church II, but St. John's, who followed, had bad luck. They were well away from University College II along the Green Bank, but nearing the Boat House one of their oarsmen caught a crab and, quite failing to get going again, University College II caught them. Unfortunately Pembroke II, who followed, were unable to get clear of the two boats and Lincoln II rowed past them. Trinity, notwithstanding their previous exertions, proved much to good for St. Catherine's II and bumped them at Saunder's Bridge.
Second Division Order of Starting.— St. John's, Exeter, St. Edmund Hall, Jesus, Keble, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Merton, Corpus, Wadham II, Worcester II, Hertford. Exeter gained on St. John's, but there was a good margin between the boats as they passed the Boat House. Half-way along the Wall, however, another crab brought disaster to St. John's, and Exeter caught them just opposite the Cherwell. St. Edmund Hall paddled up. Jesus, after losing a lot of ground before reaching the Bridges, fell to Keble under the Willows. Wadham and St. Catherine's had a close race. After being a quarter of a length behind at the Wall. St. Catherine's steadily but surely reduced the deficit, and at the Brasenose Barge only a foot divided the two boats, but St. Catherine's just failed to maintain their effort, and a final spurt by Wadham brought them home with two or three feet to spare. Lincoln and Merton also had a hard race and Merton finished within a quarter of a length while Wadham II gave way to Worcester II at the Free Ferry.
First Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen, Brasenose, Worcester, Oriel, New College, Christ Church, University College, Balliol, Trinity, Queen's, Magdalen II, Pembroke, Exeter. Magdalen were never compelled to extend themselves and, showing capital form, passed the post quite three lengths in front of Brasenose, who had to row their hardest to escape Worcester. Worcester were being hard pressed by Oriel, and finally succumbed to them opposite the University Boat House. New College were never in any danger from Christ Church, who [sic] finished more than their starting distance ahead. Balliol came up fast in Iffley Reach and after being close at the Ferry bumped University College coming through the Gut. Trinity in consequence rowed over, but Queen's after a short struggle fell victims to Magdalen II at the Ferry, and near by Exeter scored their second success during the afternoon by bumping Pembroke at the end of Iffley Reach.
No Change in Leadership on First DayOxford University summer eights began in delightful conditions yesterday, fifty-five crews competing, one fewer than last year. Magdalen kept their leadership. The bumps during the day are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
The Second DayFine weather farvoured yesterday's racing in the Summer Eights at Oxford, and, although a fairly strong southerly wind was blowing, it was following the crews all the way up-stream from the Long Bridges to the winning-post.
The disputed bump between Pembroke [II] and Lincoln II was decided by the Boat Club Committee in favour of Lincoln II, who had rowed past when Pembroke II were blocked, and St. John's were fined £5 for causing an obstruction. This brought the total of bumps on the opening day to 18.
The Fifth Division racing was not without excitement, as Queen's III and Trinity III had a rare set-to all the way up from the Long Bridges. Trinity were right on to Queen's at Saunders Bridge, but just as a bump seemed certain their efforts slackened and Queen's, drawing away again, reached home with a comfortable space in hand. St. Peter's Hall II looked like getting New College III at the start, but New College saved themselves further anxiety by overtaking Jesus III, after which St. Peter's Hall made a gallant effort to secure an overbump, and St. John's III had to row all out to escape them. St. Catherine's II were never in any danger of losing the headship of the Fourth Division and paddled over after Brasenose II had been caught by Exeter [II] along the Green Bank. Magdalen III and Oriel III both went down again, and there might have been a disputed bump between Oriel and Queen's II if Queen's had not gone on again before reaching the Free Ferry.
The Third Division was uninteresting as there was not a close finish and only two bumps were made. Hertford and Balliol II at one time promised some excitement, as Balliol were well up at the Boat House, but they failed to start home [sic] and Hertford finished with nearly a length in hand. Pembroke II made a fine effort to recover the place they had lost to Lincoln II the previous night through their boat being unable to get through, and after a prolonged struggle overhauled Lincoln, appropriately opposite their own barge.
The racing in the Second Division was as unproductive of bumps as the third, but the spectators were treated to a couple of fine finishes. St. John's made a big effort to recover the head of the division from Pembroke, but without success. At the Cherwell they came up fast, but Pembroke were well handled, and the St. John's cox gave nothing away. St. John's made another desperate effort at the Old University Barge, but to no purpose, and Pembroke scrambled home by the narrowest of margins. Wadham and St. Catherine's also had a rare set-to, and at the Cherwell St. Catherine's looked like accomplishing their purpose, but Wadham came again and finished with two yards in hand. Keble made their second bump at the expense of St. Edmund Hall coming through the Gut, and Hertford scored a win over Wadham II in the early part of Iffley Reach, and so made themselves secure in the Second Division.
In the First Division Magdalen did not extend themselves to escape Brasenose, who, however, were in difficulties with Oriel soon after the start, and Oriel overtook them before coming out of the Gut. Great interest will be taken in to-night's First Division racing, as the issue of it is pretty certain to decide the headship of the river. Magdalen are a more or less unknown quantity, as they have not been extended so far, but with an advantage of 130ft. Oriel will have to be extraordinarily fast to catch them. New College justified anticipations by bumping Worcester, but many were surprised when Christ Church had to haul down their colours to Balliol just after passing the Cherwell. Balliol are a stylish crew and may add more scalps to their belt before the racing is finished. Queen's were no match for Exeter, who followed up Thursday's double with a third bump under the Willows.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— St. John's III, Jesus III, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Queen's III, Trinity III, Hertford III. St. John's III kept their place at the head of the division, but not without an effort, as St. Peter's, who were gaining on New College III when New College bumped Jesus III near the Weir's Bridge, went in hot pursuit of the leaders, but, although making up a lot of headway, failed to achieve their purpose by a length. There was a fine race between Queen's III and Trinity III, who were right up at the Boat House. Queen's were only a few feet ahead nearing the Cherwell, but Trinity failed to maintain their challenge, and Queen's, drawing away again, finished a length ahead.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Magdalen III, Merton II, Jesus II, Balliol III, University College III, Oriel III, Queen's II, Worcester III, Hertford II, St. John's III. St. Catherine's [II] paddled up, although they had to row pretty hard to keep clear of Brasenose II. At the start Brasenose, however, were always losing to Exeter II, who were right up to them coming out of the Gut and eventually made a bump halfway up the Green Bank. Merton II soon had the measure of Magdalen III, and making a great spurt coming through the Gut caught them opposite the Long Bridges. Jesus II, Balliol III, and University College III followed wide distances apart, but Oriel III were overtaken by Queen's II at the second attempt near the Weir's Bridge, while Hertford II made short work of Worcester III and bumped them before reaching the Free Ferry.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, Oriel II, New College II, St. Peter's Hall, Keble II, Christ Church II, University College II, St. John's II, Lincoln II, Pembroke II, Trinity II, St. Catherine's II. Hertford had to row hard to escape Balliol II, who were within a quarter of a length of them at the Boat House. Going up the Wall, however, Hertford improved their position and finally passed the post three-quarters of a length to the good. New College II gained fast on Oriel II after passing the Ferry and coming up well in the Gut made a bump opposite Tim's Boat House. The next five boats maintained their positions, although at one time University College II had gained considerably on Christ Church II Pembroke II regained the place they lost to Lincoln II the previous afternoon at the Boat House. There was a substantial gap between the boats, but after passing Saunders Bridge Pembroke put on a fine effort and made their bump opposite the Pembroke barge.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Pembroke, St. John's, St. Edmund Hall, Keble, Jesus, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Merton, Corpus, Worcester II, Wadham II, Hertford. St. John's made a great effort to recover the head place in the Division which they had lost the previous afternoon. Pembroke held their own fairly well until reaching the Green Bank when St. John's made up a lot of way. St. John's continued to reduce the leeway, and at the Cherwell less than a quarter of a length separated them. From this point a desperate struggle ensued, and in the result Pembroke got home with no more than a yard to spare. Keble went in hot pursuit of St. Edmund Hall at the start, and although St. Edmund Hall struggled gamely they were eventually overtaken coming through the Gut. Jesus came up well clear of Wadham, who had a hard struggle with St. Catherine's all the way up, but finally reached the post less than a canvas ahead. Lincoln, Merton, Corpus, and Worcester II rowed through at wide intervals, but Wadham II were no match for Hertford, and had to give way before reaching the Ferry.
First Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen, Brasenose, Oriel, Worcester, New College, Christ Church, Balliol, University College, Trinity, Magdalen II, Queen's, Exeter, Pembroke. Magdalen had little better than a row over, as they were well away from Brasenose when Brasenose were overtaken by Oriel coming through the Gut, and it was almost at the same spot that Worcester fell to New College. There was a splendid race between Christ Church and Balliol. Balliol gained fast after coming through the Gut, and were within a couple of yards at the Boat House, but Christ Church were by no means beaten. They came away again along the Wall, and were absolutely rowed out when Balliol eventually caught them opposite the Oriel Barge. University College, Trinity, and Magdalen II came up some distance apart, but Queen's failed to shake off the attentions of Exeter, who bumped them at the Willows.
Oriel Oust Brasenose from Second PlaceThere were thirteen bumps in the Oxford Summer Eights races yesterday, four in the first division, two in the second, two in the third, four in the fourth, and one in the fifth. Magdalen retained the leadership, but Oriel went up into second place at the expense of Brasenose. Thus there may be a keen fight for the leadership to-day.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Oriel at the TopThe fine weather continued for Saturday's rowing, although there had been an unfavourable forecast. There was a large attendance of spectators at the races in the later divisions. The conditions for rowing were not quite so favourable, as there was a strong south-westerly wind blowing upstream and the river was somewhat bumpy in places.
Bumps were far more numerous than on the preceding days, and in the Fifth Division the bottom boat, Hertford III, was the only one to row through. New College III went up into the Fourth Division and there gained another success at the expense of Worcester III. Exeter II got to the head of the division and made a second bump by catching Trinity II in the Third Division. They thus emulated the performance of their first crew, who made two bumps on the opening afternoon. Queen's II, Jesus II, and Hertford II also gained a place. Hertford II, who are undoubtedly very fast for their position, caught Oriel III before a quarter of a mile had been covered.
Wadham II lost the head of the Third Division to Balliol II, and St. Peter's Hall made amends for their bumps on Thursday by catching Oriel II and so recovered the place they had lost. Four bumps were made in the Second Division, in which St. John's deprived Pembroke of the head of the Division. Pembroke were making a hard fight of it, but coming through the Gut in order to avoid fouling the Oxford shore they came across the river, and St. John's, being well placed, bumped them without further difficulty. St. Catherine's, after two futile effrtos earlier in the week, at length took the measure of Wadham, and after another good race caught them opposite the University Boat House. A broken rudder-line brought Merton to grief at the start, where they fell easy victims to Corpus. Unfortunately the way was blocked for Worcester II, who were unable to get clear and were in turn caught by Hertford, leaving Balliol II to row over.
Interest in the First Division centred in the race for the head place, and, although Oriel had the reputation of having done the fastest time over the course, there were many who believed in the ability of Magdalen to keep their place. The result was, in consequence, somewhat disappointing, as Oriel soon took the measure of Magdalen up Iffley Reach and bumped them coming through the Gut. Oriel have shown great keenness on the river of late years, and no one will grudge them the highest place, which they last held in 1842.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— St. John's III, New College III, Jesus III, St. Peter's Hall II, Queen's III, Trinity III, Hertford III. The racing was uninteresting, though six of the seven crews changed places. Hertford III, the bottom boat, alone rowed through. New College III at once began to gain on St. John's III and caught them just before reaching the Free Ferry. St. Peter's Hall II gained rapidly from the start and bumped Jesus III at the Weir's Bridge, and Trinity III, starting much better than their predecessors, caught Queen's III just before reaching the Free Ferry and so recovered the place they had lost on the opening afternooon.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's II, Exeter II, Brasenose II, Merton II, Magdalen III, Jesus II, Balliol III, University College III, Queen's II, Oriel III, Hertford II, Worcester III, New College III. There was a good race for the head of the division. Exeter II got well up on St. Catherine's II in the Gut, and, although St. Catherine's held their own for a time after reaching the Green Bank, Exeter II eventually bumped them under the Willows. Merton II were soon gaining on Brasenose II, but Brasenose kept ahead until they came out of the Gut. They were bumped at the Long Bridges. Magdalen III and Jesus II had an exciting race. Jesus II were well up on them coming out of the Gut, and only a quarter of a length separated them at Saunders's Bridge. From that point Jesus gained again and eventually made a bump opposite the Magdalen Barge. University College III again lost a place, for Queen's II, soon after drawing close at the Ferry, bumped them. Oriel III were quickly bumped by Hertford II just after passing Haystack Corner. Worcester III were bumped by New College III coming up the Green Bank.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Wadham II, Balliol II, New College II, Oriel II, St. Peter's Hall, Keble II, Christ Church II, University College II, St. John's II, Pembroke II, Lincoln II, Trinity II, Exeter II. Wadham II lost another place and the head of the division to Balliol II just after coming through the Gut. New College II rowed over. Oriel II fell to St. Peter's Hall just after passing Weir's Bridge. Keble II came up a length in front of Christ Church II. University College II fell victims to St. John's II at the Long Bridges. Pembroke II finished two lengths ahead of Lincoln II, and Exeter II followed up their previous success by catching Trinity II a short distance above the Free Ferry.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Pembroke, St. John's, Keble, St. Edmund Hall, Jesus, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Merton, Corpus, Worcester II, Hertford, Balliol II. St. John's gained a lot on Pembroke in Iffley Reach and half a length separated them on coming out of the Gut. The Pembroke cox was hugging the Oxford short too closely and had to come out at a wide angle, and St. John's, shooting across, caught them at the bottom of the Green Bank. Keble kept well away from St. Edmund Hall, who in turn finished a length and a half in front of Jesus. Wadham, after a hard race up the Green Bank, were compelled to give way to St. Catherine's at the University Boat House. At the start Merton had bad luck as one of their rudder-lines broke, and after going a short distance they were caught by Corpus. Worcester II were unable to clear Corpus and were bumped by Hertford, while Balliol II rowed on.
First Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen, Oriel, Brasenose, New College, Worcester, Balliol, Christ Church, University College, Trinity, Magdalen II, Exeter, Queen's, St. John's. Oriel went off in splendid style and, gaining steadily all the way up Iffley Reach, caught Magdalen coming through the Gut. New College also had the pace of Brasenose, and in spite of a determined effort by Brasnose at the Ferry New College caught them at the Freewater Stone. Worcester held their own against Balliol without being unduly pressed; Balliol were about half a length behind at the finish. Christ Church, University College, and Trinity finished well away from each other, but Magdalen II were bumped by Exeter coming through the Gut, while St. John's overtook Queen's at the Willows.
Oriel's Success at OxfordMagdalen Deprived of the Leadership
The Oxford summer eights were continued in fine weather on Saturday, and there was the usual large week-end crowd present, many of whom had been attracted by the prospect of an exciting tussle for the leadership between Magdalen and Oriel.
The race between these two crews was very keen. Oriel going to the head of the river for the first time since 1842, 91 years ago. They bumped Magdalen in the Gut.
New College caught Brasenose at the same spot, and to-day's racing should be interesting, as New are reputed to be as fast as Oriel.
There were twenty-one bumps in all, which are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Conditions were again delightful when the Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday. There was a mininum of stream and not enough wind to unfurl the flags on the college barges.There was little interest in the Fifth Division, which, however, provided two bumps. Jesus III, who had gone down regularly since the start, lost their fourth place to St. Peter's Hall II. St. John's III, who had started in the Fourth Division, fell to Trinity III, both bumps being made before coming out of the Gut.
Three bumps were the record for the Second Division, the headship of which was recovered by Pembroke when they caught Queen's coming through the Gut. They may account themselves distinctly lucky as, almost simultaneously with making their bump, they were themselves bumped by Keble, the second occasion during the racing that the latter have experienced bad luck. St. Catherine's made a second bump by getting Jesus at the Boat House, so that on balance they are one up [?]. Merton made some amends for their ill-luck on Saturday, when they lost a place to Corpus through a broken rudder-line, and succeeded in rebumping them coming through the Gut. The only exciting race was that between Worcester II and Balliol II, the latter pressing hard all the way up. At one time they were actually overlapping, but lay too wide to shoot, and had their cox exercised more restraint they would probably have made their bump. As it was Worcester got home with two yards to spare.
In the First Division New College bumped Magdalen just after passing the University Boat House. Brasenose and Worcester had a magnificent race, which terminated in favour of the former by the narrowest of margins after it had looked odds on their being overtaken. Balliol, in the meantime, had been hotly pressing Worcester, who only escaped them by two or three yards. Christ Church nearly got away from University College, reaching the University Barge before they had to strike their colours. Exeter scored their fifth success when they overtook Trinity at the New Cut. St. John's went up again with a victory over Magdalen II in Iffley Reach.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Worcester III, St. John's III, St. Peter's Hall II, Jesus III, Trinity III, Queen's III, Hertford III. Worcester, who had come down from the Fourth Division, easily maintained their position at the head, but St. John's III were soon in difficulties with St. Peter's Hall II and had to strike their colours soon after getting into the Gut. Jesus III continued their downward career, by falling victims to Trinity III, and Queen's III came through, twice their starting distance ahead of Hertford III.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Trinity II, St. Catherine's II, Merton II, Brasenose II, Jesus II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Queen's II, University College III, Hertford II, Oriel III, New College III, Worcester III. Trinity II, who had secured the headship from St. Catherine's II on Saturday, paddled over but St. Catherine's II, after being hard pressed at the top of Iffley Reach, were caught by Merton II at the Long Bridges. Brasenose II had a hard business to escape Jesus II, who were well up along the Green Bank, but along the Wall Brasenose held them, and finally finished a third of a length ahead. Magdalen III rowed over for the first time. Balliol III, who followed, had to give way to Queen's II at the Weirs Bridge. University College III provided Hertford II with another victim, the latter catching them at the Launch Works. New College III, dashing away at the start, bumped Oriel II at Haystack Corner.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Balliol II, Wadham II, New College II, St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Keble II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, University College II, Pembroke II, Lincoln II, Exeter II, Trinity II. Balliol II rowed over at the head of the division, but Wadham II again went down to New College II coming through the Gut. St. Peter's Hall held their own against Oriel II, finishing a length and a half in front. Nearly twice that distance separated Oriel II from Keble II, when the latter had a hard race with Christ Church II, who at one time were within half a length. They drew away again along the Wall and had a length to spare at the finish. In the meantime Christ Church II had shown a clean pair of heels to St. John's II, who were four lengths behind at the finish. Pembroke II overhauled University College II at the Free Ferry. Exeter II further improved their position by bumping Lincoln II just after passing the Weirs Bridge.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Queen's, Pembroke, Keble, St. Edmund Hall, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Wadham, Lincoln, Corpus, Merton, Hertford, Worcester II, Balliol II. Pembroke went away in capital style and, after drawing well on to Queen's at the Ferry, caught them near the Freewater Stone, being driven on by Keble, who were within a foot or so when Pembroke made their bump. St. Edmund Hall finished a length behind Keble and were some distance away from Jesus when the latter were caught by St. Catherine's at the Boat House. Wadham kept well clear of Lincoln, but Corpus succumbed to Merton coming through the Gut. After a fine race all the way up, Worcester II escaped Balliol II by two yards.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, Magdalen, New College, Brasenose, Worcester, Balliol, Christ Church, University College, Trinity, Exeter, Magdalen II, St. John's, Queen's [? Pembroke]. Oriel paddled up, but there was some exciting racing between the four following boats. New College appeared to have the measure of Magdalen as the boats came out of the Gut, and, gaining steadily all up the Green Bank, bumped them just after passing Saunders' Bridge. There was a great race between Brasenose and Worcester; the latter were only a quarter of a length behind coming out of the Gut, and at the Boat House actually overlapped. A most exciting finish followed, first one and then the other gaining a trifling advantage. In the end, after a magnificent struggle, Brasenose got home by two or three yards. In the meantime Balliol had been hotly pressing Worcester, but with the same result. There was another exciting race between Christ Church and University College, which resulted in the downfall of the former about 40 yards from the winning-post. Exeter bumped Trinity at the New Cut, and St. John's made short work of Magdalen II by catching them at the Free Ferry.
Fight for Leadership at OxfordNew College, as expected, bumped Magdalen in the Oxford summer eights racing yesterday, and to-day they will challenge Oriel for the Headship of the River. It was a great race between Magdalen and New College, the latter bumping their rivals opposite the University boathouses. Oriel will have to row hard to-night, as New College are, in the opinion of many good judges of rowing, as fast as the present leaders.
The racing yesterday took place in the warmest weather experienced at Oxford this summer. Sixteen bumps were recorded. Two crews, Exeter II and Hertford II have now gained five bumps each.
The bumps yesterday are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Oriel still at the HeadThe Summer Eights yesterday were fortunate to escape the heavy thunderstorms which were hanging about in and around Oxford, and the racing was again carried on in favourable conditions. The wind had been due East in the morning, but veered round to a north-westerly quarter, and for the first time the crews found both wind and stream against them.
In the Second Division there was a magnificent race between St. Edmund Hall and St. Catherine's. At one time St. Edmund Hall looked like getting away, but St. Catherine's came up strongly and, their coxswain showing excellent judgment, they made a bump at the Cherwell. Jesus went down again when they were caught by Wadham half-way up, and Hertford and New College II both improved their position, New College II leaving the unenviable position of Sandwich boat to Worcester II.
The First Division was watched by a great crowd in anticipation of a keen race between Oriel and New College for the Head of the River, but it turned out to be disappointing, as at no time were Oriel in any danger of being caught. New College started for all they were worth, and certainly gained considerably in Iffley Reach, but Oriel came out of the Gut with a lead of about a length. From this point they kept at that distance apart, and Oriel reached the winning-post still with a length in hand.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Worcester III, St. Peter's Hall II, St. John's III, Trinity III, Jesus III, Queen's III, Hertford III. Worcester fell behind rapidly in Iffley Reach, and although they made a good effort at the Ferry St. Peter's Hall II gradually gained on them and made a bump at the Gut. St. John's III came up a long way ahead of Trinity III, but Jesus III, after holding Queen's III until they came out of the Gut, were bumped at the end of the Green Bank.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Merton II, St. Catherine's II, Brasenose II, Jesus II, Magdalen III, Queen's II, Balliol III, Hertford II, University College III, New College III, Oriel III, St. Peter's Hall II. Trinity II lost the head of the division to Merton II, who got away well at the start and bumped them half-way through the Gut. St. Catherine's II were soon being overtaken by Brasenose II, who overtook them at the Gut, and Jesus II paddled over. Magdalen III held their own until they were coming out of the Gut, where they fell victims to Queen's II. Hertford II were well up on Balliol III at the Long Bridges, but they had to take a wide course to clear the boats in front of them and Balliol III struggled on to the Crossing before they had to give way. University College III continued their downward career, and were bumped by New College III along the Green Bank. St. Peter's Hall II made their second bump of the afternoon by catching Oriel III at the Free Ferry.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Balliol II, New College II, Wadham II, St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Keble II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, Pembroke II, University College II, Exeter II, Lincoln II, Merton II. New College II deprived Balliol II of the head of the division by bumping them as they came through the Gut, but Wadham II could not get away from St. Peter's Hall, who bumped them before coming out of Iffley Reach. Oriel II and Keble II had a good race over the early part of the course, but, coming through the Gut, Keble drew up rapidly and made a bump at the start of the Green Bank. Christ Church II finished well away from St. John's II, but St. John's II had a desperate struggle to escape Pembroke II. St. John's were a quarter of a length in front at the Boat House, but Pembroke put in a fine spurt along the Wall and just overlapped them at the Cherwell. St. John's, however, came again and after an exciting finish passed the post nearly a quarter of a length to the good. Exeter II continued their upward career, but had a bit of luck as one of their men caught a crab at the start. They still managed to get away again, gaining steadily and caught University College II just before getting into the Gut. There was a sharp and short struggle between the last two crews. Merton II got smartly off the mark and caught Lincoln II at Haystack Corner.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Pembroke, Queen's, Keble, St. Edmund Hall, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Wadham, Lincoln, Merton, Corpus, Hertford, Worcester II, New College II. Pembroke paddled up after seeing Queen's overtaken by Keble just after passing the Weirs Bridge. A fine race followed between St. Edmund Hall and St. Catherine's. St. Edmund Hall fell behind in Iffley Reach, but were still well away on coming out of the Gut. From this point, however, St. Catherine's drew up rapidly, and with a fine spurt along the Wall made a bump opposite the Cherwell. Jesus were bumped by Wadham under the Willows. Lincoln and Merton followed a wide distance apart. Hertford overtook Corpus after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach as the boats were coming through the Gut. Worcester II fell to New College II, who had previously reached the head of the Third Division, after passing the Ferry.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Brasenose, Worcester, Balliol, University College, Christ Church, Exeter, Trinity, St. John's, Magdalen II, Pembroke. New College gained on Oriel in Iffley Reach, but Oriel were rowing well within themselves. At the Long Bridges Oriel were leading only by a length, but from that point New College were unable to make any further impression and Oriel finished a clear length to the good. In the meantime Magdalen had fallen away and were four lengths behind New College at the winning-post. Worcester improved on their previous performance and caught Brasenose coming through the Gut. University College were faster than Balliol, but Balliol finished with a length in hand, and Christ Church, after pressing University College, fell away again, and University College got home three-quarters of a length ahead. Exeter had their upward career checked by Christ Church, who passed the post two lengths ahead. Trinity fell to St. John's in the Gut, while Magdalen II and Pembroke finished their starting distance apart.
Oriel Maintain their LeadNew College made a gallant effort to catch Oriel in the Oxford Summer Eights yesterday evening, but failed to get up to the leaders, who finished barely a length in front.
Oriel appeared to be rowing easily, and were not unduly worried. Their prospects of retaining the headship appear bright.
So far there have been twenty bumps in all. Exeter II and Hertford II have now made six each. Bumps yesterday are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Oriel finish Head of the RiverThe Summer Eights at Oxford were concluded yesterday after six days' racing in in unusually favourable conditions. There were without question a few good crews, but, on the other hand, the standard of some of those in the lower divisions was very poor, and outside the First Division the crews had not found their levels.
Oriel, as had generally been expected, secured the position of the Head of the River. Their success was immensely popular to judge by the cheers of the crowd as they rowed up last night. They must be one of the lightest crews who have left off Head of the River, for they only averaged 11st. 2¼lb. and the heaviest man in the boat was under 12 st.
New College were also a good eight and there is no doubt that the week's racing left the two best crews in pride of place. Oriel have thus, after a lapse of 91 years, regained their supremacy on the river. Exeter II carried off the week's honours with seven successive bumps in the six days, and if time had permitted they would have probably gone higher still. New College II, Merton I., and Hertford II [also New College III] all gained six places, and the most successful crew in the upper divisions was Exeter, who had five bumps to their credit.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Oriel III, Worcester III, St. John's III, Trinity III, Queen's III, Jesus III, Hertford III. Oriel III lost the Head of the Division to Worcester III, who were well on to them coming through the Gut and made a bump half-way up the Green Bank. St. John's III were well clear of Trinity III when Trinity were caught by Queen's III opposite the Willows. Jesus III came up a long way ahead of Hertford III.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Lincoln II, Trinity II, Brasenose II, St. Catherine's II, Jesus II, Queen's II, Magdalen III, Hertford II, Balliol III, New College III, University College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester III. Lincoln retained their position at the Head of the Division without much effort, and at half-way Trinity III looked like keeping clear of Brasenose II. Brasenose, however, began to draw up rapidly after passing the Boat House, and with a determined spurt along the Wall made a bump at the Cherwell. St. Catherine's fell victims to Jesus II on coming through the Gut. Queen's II kept well clear of Magdalen III, but Magdalen had a trying time of it with Hertford II, who had drawn well up to them on coming out of the Gut. Not more than a foot or so separated them at the Boat House. Magdalen managed to retain their advantage and passed the post two or three yards to the good. New College III had the measure of Balliol III from the start, and after overlapping at the Long Bridges made a bump at the Crossing, while University College III fell to St. Peter's Hall II at the Free Ferry.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Worcester II, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Wadham II, Keble II, Oriel II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, Pembroke II, Exeter II, University College II, Merton II, Lincoln II. Worcester II rowed through, but they had to go very hard at the finish to escape Balliol II. Balliol were a length behind at the Boat House, but coming up the Wall they gained a lot. They were, however, much too close in shore, while Worcester were in the middle of the river, and in spite of a splendid effort by Balliol from the Cherwell home Worcester succeeded in passing the post a bare quarter of a length to the good. Balliol in the meantime had drawn clear away from St. Peter's Hall. Wadham II fell victims to Keble II at the Ferry, and when the Wadham boat swung round across the river Oriel II had to take a very wide course and were overtaken by Christ Church II just before entering the Gut. St. John's II paddled over. Pembroke II were bumped by Exeter II half way through the Gut. University College II, after a short struggle, gave way to Merton II near the Weirs Bridge.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Pembroke, Keble, Queen's, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham, Jesus, Lincoln, Merton, Hertford, Corpus, New College II, Worcester II. Pembroke lost the Head of the Division to Keble, who were right up with them at the Freewater Stone and made a bump at the Long Bridges. St. Catherine's gained another success as Queen' had to give way to them in the Gut, where Wadham looked very much like catching St. Edmund Hall. They got within a few feet under the Willows, but from that point St. Edmund Hall drew away again and finished with a substantial lead in hand. Lincoln gained on Jesus very fast after passing the Boat House, and eventually caught them opposite the Hertford College Barge. Merton and Hertford rowed through, but Corpus were soon in difficulties with New College II, who made their sixth bump of the races near the Free Ferry.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Worcester, Brasenose, Balliol, University College, Christ Church, Exeter, St. John's, Trinity, Magdalen II, Keble. Oriel were never in any danger of losing the Head of the River, for, although New College gained somewhat before coming out of the Gut, after passing the Willows Oriel held their own without unduly exerting themselves, and eventually passed the post with a length and a quarter in hand. New College finished their starting distance in front of Magdalen, and there was a wide gap between Magdalen and Worcester. Brasenose were soon losing ground to Balliol, but they kept away until after passing the Red Post, where they were bumped. University College, after a hard race, escaped Christ Church by three-quarters of a length, and Christ Church, after being hotly pressed by Exeter along the Green Bank, drew away again, and finished more than a length ahead. The remaining boats followed wide distances apart.
The following are the names and weights of the Oriel crew who finished Head of the River, of New College, and Exeter College second crew, who made seven bumps in the six days' racing :— [as below]
Oriel Head of the RiverFirst Success for over 90 Years
The Summer Eights at Oxford were concluded last night after a brilliant week's racing, with Oriel head of the river for the second time in their history. The last occasion was over ninety years ago.
In the last five years they have forged their way 20 places up the river, and they fully deserve the crown they have just won.
Splendidly grounded by Mr. Page and finished by Mr. Sheriff, they row in the modern metropolitan style, but with more than a touch of the old Oxford tradition, especially at the finish of the stroke. They owe much of their success to the tenacity of Cunningham, their stroke, who was splendidly backed by Reid and Crum, at 7 and 6. They are one of the lightest head of the river crews for many years, their names and weights being [as in the list from The Times, below, except that Moore's weight is given as 12st 6]
New College did very well in their traditional style. On Tuesday, with a head wind, they gained a lot on Oriel, but last night, in calmer weather, they were not able to make up more than a few feet.
Magdalen were disappointing in racing, and lost their heads with Oriel behind them on Saturday. They and Worcester, as indeed all the first division crews, seem to have found their right places. B.N.C. fought very hard every night, whilst University, whom I had thought would go down, raced splendidly and kept their place. Christ Church when it came to racing were very poor, and were lucky to escape last night from Exeter, who had made five bumps.
New College III's Great Week
There was a fresh north-west breeze blowing down stream when the fifth division started last night. Worcester III bumped Oriel III along the Green Bank, and became sandwich boat. Queen's III caught Trinity III at the same place. In the fourth division Jesus II bumped St. Catherine's II in the Gut. New College III completed a glorious week by catching Balliol III at the Red Post, whilst St. Peter's Hall II bumped University III at the Free Ferry. Hertford II just failed to make their seventh place.
In the second division Keble caught Pembroke in the Gut to become sandwich boat. St. Catherine's completed Queen's discomfiture early on. Wadham got close to St. Edmund's Hall up the Green Bank, but failed to press home their advantage. Lincoln made their first bump by catching Jesus at the Worcester barge, whilst New College II gained their sixth place when they caught Corpus.
By the time the first division started at six o'clock the wind had dropped considerably. New College never made any impression on Oriel, whilst Magdalen kept well away from Worcester. A fine race was seen between University, Christ Church, and Exeter. The last-named almost made a bump just past the boathouse, but an unlucky crab spoiled their effort and they fell away. Balliol bumped B.N.C. at the Willows, but for the rest the crews rowed over their distance or more apart.
The Final Positions
The following table gives the final order of crews, the figures in brackets denoting the positions they occupied at the start of racing: [...]
Sir, — in your description of the Oxford Summer Eights you mention that Oriel "must be one of the lightest crews who have left off Head of the River, for they averaged only 11st. 2¼lb." The Jesus crew who rowed over Head of the River at Cambridge in 1884 averaged only 11st. 0¼lb.; and the crew which in 1885 won the Grand at Henley averaged 11st. 3⅓lb. The success of these crews was stated at the time to be due to the introduction of long slides (13½in) by S. Fairbairn. He was well above the average weight, but was the inspiration and backbone of both crews. May the light Oriel crew be encouraged — if necessary — to go to Henley and do likewise.
J.W.D.
Sir, — With reference to the letter from J.W.D. in your issue of May 31, I write to say that the Magdalen College eight which left off Head of the River in 1880 averaged 10st. 12¼lb. There was no 12st. man in the crew.
Yours faithfully,
M.C.B.C.
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