Eights 1934Eights 1934
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Summer Eights Prospects at OxfordThe Summer Eights will be begun at Oxford to-morrow. Fifty-four crews have entered, and this will necessitate the rowing of the races in five divisions, as was done last year, when the entries were 55. Wadham and St. Catherine's have not been able to prepare a second crew, University College, Trinity, and Hertford each have taken off their third eight. However, St. Edmund Hall are putting on a second crew and Brasenose, Christ Church, and Exeter are entering a third crew. The four new crews will start at the bottom of the Fifth Division, in an order which will correspond to the comparative positions of their first eights on the river.
Oriel are Head of the River. It seems extremely probable that they will remain there. They have only a few of their last year's crew in residence. These who have remained have been successful in retaining in the present crew much of the cohesion and a good deal of the leg-drive that made Oriel the swiftest crew at Oxford last season. They may not be so fast as last year, but, considering the material they had at their disposal, they have made the most of it.
A No Man's Land
It is difficult to become enthusiastic on the subject of Oxford rowing. It seems as though Oxford wet-bobs were languishing in a no-man's land of oarsmanship. Many of the colleges have discarded fixed tholes for swivels, but many of them have failed to take advantage of the smoothness and ease which swivels can convey. Others who, a year or two ago, were ardent supporters of the new style have veered back to the old style, with the result that there are hybrid combinations. The more conservative of the rowing colleges who have remained faithful to the idea of fixed tholes have exaggerated the old style. They have become stiff, formal, and inelastic, and this has resulted in their rowing becoming ponderous.
A year ago at Oxford one was able to pick out promising college eights, typifying both the old style and the new style. This year the rowing is less distinctive and probably less distinguished. It is quite possible that this year we shall see fewer bumps recorded in the First Division than ever before. In fact, in the matter of pace there seems little to choose between the first five boats. Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Worcester and Balliol.
New College, with Hogg, the old Blue, rowing a No. 5, seen from certain flattering angles appear to be a good crew. They have the decided rock, or swing, from the hips insisted upon by old-style coaches. They are well together, and it is only when one has been following them for some distance that it is realized that conventional coaching has bound, and constricted, them to a terrifying degree. Magdalen, with Irvine and Sackville-West among their old choices, appear to be a crew that ought to go quite fast. They seem to have an excellent stride, and the fact that they finish together gives their boat a good send which should keep her running between the strokes. Their times in practice, however, while comparing favourably with their rivals have disappointed them. They appear to have all the assets and qualifications of a really fast crew, yet the secret of pace up to the present time has eluded them.
Worcester's Form
Worcester start immediately behind Magdalen. They are under the captaincy of Lee, a younger brother of the a former winner of the Diamond Sculls, whose rowing has improved enormously during the last year. Migotti, who has rowed in the Oxford crew for the last three years, is at No. 7. He has seldom shown better form. Worcester rowed their last course in 6min. 37sec., to the 6min. 40sec. of Magdalen on the following day.
Balliol have two Blues, Thomson and Lascelles, rowing at stroke and No. 6 respectively, With the two other stern oarsmen they complete the quartet which won the University Fours last autumn. This crew, which appears rather ponderous when paddling, gives a much better account of itself as soon as it settles down to a row. Balliol are hardly likely to be bumped, though it is doubtful whether they will be able to get within striking distance of any of the four crews which start in front of them.
Brasenose are hardly a happy combination, though the Rev. R. H. Owen, who rowed in the victorious Oxford crew of 1910, and who has recently taken up an appointment at the college, has been doing his best to give them a little pace. It seems hardly likely that they can retain their present position. University College, who are behind them on the first night, may run into them. Christ Church, who start behind University College, last Saturday were carrying out some grim and secretive trials below Locks, under the tutelage of Mr. H. R. Barker. They are without the services of either of their Blues, Couchman and Bankes, but they are making good progress in a rather formal sort of way.
Exeter, who come next, are an attractive crew, rowing with good rhythm. Trinity have the President and Secretary of the O.U.B.C. rowing at No. 7 and stroke, with no one else to give them much support. Sutcliffe is impressive at stroke, while Mosley is backing him up most efficiently. If Trinity are at all successful it will be a great tribute to these two keen oarsmen in the stern.
Jesus start 20th on the river. They are rowing whole-heartedly in the new style and with a dash and zest that are most heartening. Mosley, the new President of the O.U.B.C., has been on the towpath every afternoon following different crews in an endeavour to discover possible material for next year's Boat Race. Mosley has sound and decided views on many matters, and with the cooperation of the college captains he may go a long way towards initiating a revival in Oxford rowing.
The Oxford summer eight-oared races will be begun this afternoon, the Fifth Division starting at 2 o'clock and the other four divisions at one-hour intervals. The entries are one fewer than last year, when 55 crews competed. Wadham II, Lincoln II, University College III, St. John's III, Trinity III, and Hertford III having retired. The new-comers are Jesus III, Christ Church III, Brasenose III, St. Edmund Hall II, and Exeter III.The starting order is given below :— [...]
Oriel may keep HeadshipHigher Standard of Rowing
Promise of Exeter
The Summer Eights commence at Oxford to-day and will continue until next Wednesday afternoon. A fortnight ago it appeared that the crews engaged were not of a very high class, but since then a great improvement has been shown in the rowing and I think that by the end of next week it will have been proved that their standard is above average.
It is encouraging to be able to say that, as a whole, there is a much greater evidence of leg-work than usual, and as this is the bedrock on which good oarsmanship is founded we can hope for still better things next year.
The early low standard among the higher crews may in some measure be attributed to the fact that there are four Blues in residence who are not able to row for their colleges: Ellison, who is still advised by doctors to rest, and Holdsworth, Bankes and Couchman, who find that work for examinations has the first call on their time.
There are many more lesser lights who might, in their last year, have been of great use to their crews, but who are similarly debarred. For instance, B.N.C. have a crew in which there are no fewer than six freshmen. It is barely possible that so young a crew can uphold the high prestige of their college of recent years, but, coached by Mr. R. H. Owen, late headmaster of Uppingham, they show promise for the future.
Oriel's Meteoric Rise
Oriel, who start head of the river, are lucky to find Cunningham once more available. He is largely responsible for their recent meteoric rise. Reid again rows seven behind him, and though they have changes forward they had at the end of last week very considerable pace. With such an experienced stroke there seems to be no reason for anticipating their failure when it comes to racing, and I expect to see them retain the headship throughout.
Below Oriel come a number of crews all of much the same quality as regards pace in practice. New College, with Hogg at five, have a feather-weight stroke in Hay, who has capacity to drive his crew with a hard, though rather short, finish. Magdalen are a little sluggish, and, therefore, disappointing, but will only show their best when it comes to racing.
Worcester, with Migotti at seven and Lee at five, are a very lively crew and have pace. Balliol, with Thomson at stroke and Lascelles at six, show great promise when paddling, but when rowing are apt to lose their rhythm. University are better than last year. Christ Church, coached by Mr. Barker, are a very young crew.
Exeter should Advance
Exeter, with May at six, are the first crew on the list who should once more materially improve their position. Coached by Mr. Coghill, they have length and drive and power. St. John's have not fulfilled their early promise, but Trinity, with Mosley, the new president, at seven and Sutcliffe at stroke, with the assistance on the bank of Sqdn.-Ldr. P. C. Livingston, the old Cambridge Blue, should be able to snap up anyone that Exeter may send down to them.
In the second division St. Edmund Hall, who have put on a second boat, should continue their upward progress, but the most promising crew here are Jesus. Coached by Mr. Page, captain of Thames, with Oriel in the early stages, they have developed the good qualities of Metropolitan crews, and should have an easy six nights' racing. In all there are fifty-four crews, one less than last year.
[Order of starting]
The Summer Eights were begun at Oxford yesterday, when 55 crews took part in the five divisions, the places of the four crews that had fallen out since last year being taken by Christ Church II, Brasenose III, St. Edmund Hall II, and Exeter III. There was only a moderate attendance, a cold south-westerly wind blowing across the river from the Berkshire shore.The crews, however, had practically no stream to row against.
Keble had a narrow escape from losing the Headship of the Second Division to Pembroke, who were much faster at the start and had got well up to them coming out of the Gut. Pembroke then began to feel the effects of their previous exertion, and Keble, recovering a lot of their lost distance, had a lead of three-quarters of a length at the finish. St. Edmund Hall bumped Queen's just after leaving the Gut, and Lincoln, who appear to have a good turn of speed, bumped Wadham at the Free Ferry. Hertford gained a place at the expense of Merton in the Gut, and here again the coxswains failed to realize that there were other crews behind, and New College, but for having to go wide, might have escaped Corpus, who bumped them before reaching the Cherwell.
Oriel succeeded in maintaining their position at the Head of the River, but, contrary to general anticipation, they had great difficulty in doing so, New College getting to within half a length at the finish. At one point Oriel appeared to have an easy task before them, but apparently they had taken too much out of themselves over the early part of the course, and New College gained tremendously after passing the Boathouse. Balliol, who were credited with being a very fast crew, bumped Worcester when the latter where near the winning post, but Exeter disappointed their supporters and were bumped by St. John's, who thus had their revenge for the defeat of their second crew at the hands of Exeter in the Third Division.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— St. John's III, Queen's III, Jesus III, Christ Church III, Brasenose III, St. Edmund Hall II, Exeter III. St. John's were soon losing ground to Queen's III, and the latter made their bump half-way up Iffley Reach. Christ Church III rapidly overhauled Jesus III, and bumped them near the Ferry, where the Jesus cox allowed his boat to swing across the river, blocking the way for Brasenose III, who, as a consequence, were bumped by St. Edmund Hall II.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Brasenose II, Trinity II, Jesus II, St. Catherine's II, Queen's II, Magdalen III, Hertford II, New College III, Balliol III, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester III, Oriel III, Queen's III. A good race was seen between the the leading three boats, and after coming through the Gut less than a length separated the first two, while Jesus II were closely pressing Trinity II. Brasenose got away again, and eventually finished a long length ahead of Trinity, who, after a prolonged struggle, reached home by less than a quarter of a length in front of Jesus [no mention of other crews]
Third Division Order of Starting.— Worcester II, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Keble II, Christ Church II, Oriel II, St. John's II, Exeter II, Pembroke II, Merton II, University College II, Lincoln II, Brasenose II. Worcester held their own against Balliol until after passing the Willows, when Balliol made a big effort, and Worcester, unable to withstand their challenge, were bumped just after passing Saunder's Bridge. Keble were soon losing distance to Christ Church, who, in turn, had all their work cut out to keep clear of Oriel. Christ Church, however, escaped disaster by bumping Keble half-way along the Green Bank. St. John's gave Exeter a hard race until coming out of the Gut, when they fell away and Exeter bumped them under the Willows. Pembroke, after a short struggle, were bumped by Merton at the Free Ferry, and Lincoln were bumped by Brasenose in the Gut.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Keble, Pembroke, St. Catherine's, Queen's, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham, Lincoln, Jesus, Merton, Hertford, New College II, Corpus, Balliol II. Keble succeeded in retaining their position at the Head of the Second Division, but only after a very hard race with Pembroke. The latter made up a lot of distance in the Gut, where only two or three yards separated the crews. After this, however, Keble steadily improved their position, and eventually passed the post three-quarters of a length ahead. Pembroke in turn experienced difficulty in keeping clear of St. Catherine's, who gained steadily all the way up and finished within a third of a length. Queen's were easily bumped by St. Edmund Hall at the Long Bridges, and Lincoln, soon taking the measure of Wadham, bumped them at the Free Ferry. Hertford bumped Merton coming out of the Gut, and the two boats impeded the progress of New College II, who were bumped by Corpus near the Corpus Barge.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Worcester, Balliol, Brasenose, University College, Christ Church, Exeter, St. John's, Trinity, Magdalen II, Keble. Oriel had a hard race to keep their position, although they held their own without any great difficulty over the early part of the course and were a length and a half in front at the Boathouse. From this point, however, New College put in a spurt, and, gaining rapidly along the Wall, were only half a length behind at the finish. A wide gap separated New College from Magdalen, who were hard pressed by Worcester, who, in turn, had Balliol close up to them all the way up from the Bridges. Balliol putting in a hard spurt along the Wall, made their bump opposite the Christ Church Barge. University College gained appreciably on Brasenose, and were within a third of a length at the finish. St. John's came up very fast on Exeter after leaving the Gut, and finally bumped them under the Willows, while Magdalen II drove Trinity hard all the way, to finish within a quarter of a length.
Oriel Retain Place at Head of RiverThe Oxford Summer Eights were begun yesterday when fifty-five crews competed in the five divisions. The racing was more interesting than usual, a number of exciting finishes being witnessed.
Jesus III, in the Fifth Division, failed to get out of the way of the following boats, of whom Christ Church III [sic] and Brasenose III were bumped by St. Edmund Hall. Brasenose have lodged an appeal. Oriel started head of the river, and maintained their position, but only after a hard race with New College, who finished within half a length.
In the five divisions there were 18 bumps, which are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday in better weather. The wind, which was blowing strongly from the South, having lost much of its keenness, and there was a largely increased attendance. The disputed bump on Thursday in the Fifth Division was decided in favour of St. Edmund Hall II, who followed up their success by bumping Jesus III, who were fined for the previous afternoon's fiasco, half-way up Iffley Reach. Oriel III kept their place at the head of the Fifth Division without difficulty, but St. John's III and Brasenose III were again bumped.The Fourth Division provided five bumps. Lincoln II lost the Headship to Trinity II about half-way, the latter coming up very fast after leaving the Gut. Jesus II, St. Catherine's II, Magdalen III, and Balliol III each lost a place to Queen's II, Hertford II, New College III, and Worcester III respectively, the last-named owing their success to the bad watermanship in the Balliol boat, which resulted in a couple of crabs immediately after the start.
Balliol II were never in any danger of losing the Headship of the Third Division, as they were well ahead of Worcester II when the latter were bumped by St. Peter's Hall under the Willows. Oriel II, Merton II, and University College II all gained places, but Merton were a bit lucky as they were some distance behind St. John's when No. 2 in the latter boat caught a bad crab.
Keble and Pembroke had another hard race for the Headship of the Second Division. After being a length behind at the Bridges Pembroke drew to within half a length along the Wall. Keble stuck to their work, however, and holding off a determined spurt from Pembroke after passing the Cherwell reached home witha quarter of a length in hand. St. Edmund Hall gained another place at the expense of St. Catherine's, and Jesus improved their position with a bump over Wadham, being well in front of Hertford at the time. The most exciting race was between Merton and Corpus. The former, after being overlapped, reached the Hertford Barge before Corpus bumped them.
In the First Division those who imagined that New College would improve on their previous performance and bump Oriel must have been sadly disappointed, for although they got within a length at the Boathouse they made no further impression on Oriel, who, rowing well within themselves, finished their distance ahead. They may, however, have a harder task later on as Balliol, undoubtedly a very fast crew, bumped Magdalen at the half distance, and may very possibly bump New College this evening. University College made Brasenose row their hardest, getting to within half a length, but University College, Christ Church, and St. John's finished well away from each other. Exeter, however, again went down, Trinity bumping them along the Green Bank.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Oriel III, St. John's III, Christ Church III, Jesus III, St. Edmund Hall II, Brasenose III, Exeter III. Oriel got away well and were a long way in front of St. John's when the latter were bumped by Christ Church at the Free Ferry. Jesus, however, were soon in trouble, and were bumped by St. Edmund Hall opposite the Weir's Bridge. Brasenose held their own for a while against Exeter, but after passing the Ferry the latter caught up rapidly and made their bump coming out of the Gut.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Lincoln II, Trinity II, Jesus II, Queen's II, St. Catherine's II, Hertford II, Magdalen III, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Worcester III, Queen's III, Oriel III. Lincoln lost their place at the ehad of the Division, Trinity, after being well up coming out of the Gut, making their bump just before reaching the Red Post. Queen's and Jesus had a good race over half of the course, when Jesus fell away and were bumped at the end of the Willows. Magdalen failed to keep away from New College, who got away very smartly and made their bump before reaching the Ferry. St. Peter's Hall rowed through as Balliol, getting off badly, caught a crab before going 50 yards and another directly afterwards, and were bumped by Worcester at Haystack Corner.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Balliol II, Worcester II, St. Peter's Hall, Christ Church II, Keble II, Oriel II, Exeter II, St. John's II, Merton II, Pembroke II, University College II, Brasenose II, Trinity II. Balliol paddled over, Worcester, after a hard struggle over the first half of the course, being bumped by St. Peter's Hall at the Willows. Christ Church came up alone, Keble being bumped by Oriel coming out of the Gut. Exeter rowed over, as St. John's, who followed, were bumped by Merton on reaching the Green Bank. St. John's were well away as the crews came out of the Gut, but No. 2 in their boat caught a crab. Pembroke were completely outpaced by University College, who made their bump after going little more than 100 yards. Brasenose followed some distance in front of Trinity.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Keble, Pembroke, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall, Queen's, Lincoln, Wadham, Jesus, Hertford, Merton, Corpus, New College II, Balliol II. Keble and Pembroke had a hard struggle for the Headship. A length divided them coming out of the Gut, and Pembroke then gained considerably along the Wall. After passing the Cherwell Keble held them, and finished with a quarter of a length in hand. St. Edmund Hall were well up on St. Catherine's at the Ferry and made their bump coming through the Gut. Wadham were bumped by Jesus at the Freewater Stone, and, after overlapping Merton at the Boathouse, Corpus bumped them at the Hertford Barge.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Worcester, Brasenose, University College, Christ Church, St. John's, Exeter, Trinity, Magdalen II, Keble. Oriel lost distance to New College on the early part of the course, but they were never in any danger of being caught, and, after passing the Boathouse, held their own without difficulty to finish a length ahead. Magdalen gave Balliol a good race up to the Gut, from which point Balliol gained fast and made their bump under the Willows. Worcester kept well away from Brasenose, who were fairly hard pressed by University College, who finished well away from Christ Church. Exeter gained on St. John's, but were always losing to Trinity, who bumped them along the Green Bank.
Much improved conditions prevailed yesterday for the Oxford Summer Eights racing, and the crews had much assistance from the strong southerly wind.Balliol III had bad luck, two crabs at the start placing them at the mercy of Worcester III. In the Third Division a similar mishap gave Merton [II] an easy victory over St. John's [II] when the latter were well away from them.
Oriel again were head of the river, and although New College gained some ground, Oriel finished with plenty in hand. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables [...]
Oriel Still HeadOriel again finished at the Head of the River when the Summer Eights were continued at Oxford on Saturday, but they hardly gave so convincing a performance as on Friday, as New College at one point were within a quarter of a length, although a rather wider margin separated them at the finish. Worcester looked like catching Magdalen, but the latter rowed strongly at the finish and held on by a quarter of a length. Trinity had the only success in the Division, bumping St. John's in Iffley Reach, but Magdalen II made a big effort to overhaul Exeter and only failed by a narrow margin.
Six of the seven boats in the Fifth Division again changed places, Oriel III being deprived of the headship by Christ Church III in Iffley Reach. St. John's III and Jesus III were bumped by St. Edmund Hall [II] and Exeter III respectively, the longest opposition being offered by Jesus III, who reached the Ferry before being overtaken. Trinity II rowed up head of the Fourth Division, being well away from Lincoln II when the latter fell victims to Queen's II just below the Free Water Stone. Unfortunately Jesus II found their course blocked by the Lincoln boat and were in consequence bumped by Hertford II, and at the same spot New College III accounted for St. Catherine's II. Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, and Worcester III provided plenty of excitement after coming through the Gut, and in the end Worcester came out on top by catching the Hall near the Red Post.
Balliol II had to row their hardest to retain the headship of the Third Division, as St. Peter's Hall, going off very strongly at the start, were within a length coming out of the Gut. They reduced the deficit still further at the Boathouse, but along the Wall Balliol pulled away again and had a length in hand at the finish, Worcester following St. Peter's Hall some lengths in the rear. Keble had an easy task to retain the headship of the Second Division, Pembroke, who followed, providing St. Edmund Hall with their third bump when half the course had been covered. St. Catherine's made a plucky fight against Queen's, who appeared to hold the trump card as the boats passed the Boathouse, but St. Catherine's refused to be beaten and struggled home with a couple of yards to spare. Lincoln fell to Jesus, and then a sad disaster overtook Hertford, who, when overlapping Wadham, broke a slide and so fell victims to Corpus at the Willows.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Oriel III, Christ Church III, St. John's III, St. Edmund Hall II, Jesus III, Exeter III, Brasenose III. Oriel quite failed to maintain their position at the head of the division, Christ Church III being much smarter off the mark and making their bump half-way up Iffley Reach. St. John's III again experienced disaster, St. Edmund Hall catching them near Weir's Bridge, while Jesus III also went down again, Exeter III bumping them at the Ferry.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Lincoln II, Queen's II, Jesus II, Hertford II, St. Catherine's II, New College III, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester III, Balliol III, Queen's III, Christ Church III. Trinity II, who had secured the headship the previous afternoon, paddled over, Lincoln II, who followed, being caught by Queen's II coming through the Gut. They failed to draw into the bank and blocked Jesus II, who were, in consequence, bumped by Hertford II. The same fate befell St. Catherine's II, who succumbed to New College III at the same spot. There was an interesting race between Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, and Worcester III. They were close together coming up the Green Bank and Worcester III settled the question by bumping St. Peter's Hall II at Red Post. Balliol III rowed over as Christ Church III followed up their success in the previous division by catching Queen's III coming through the Gut. St. Catherine's subsequently lodged a protest against the bump by New College III [not upheld].
Third Division Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Worcester II, Christ Church II, Oriel II, Keble II, Exeter II, Merton II, St. John's II, University College II, Pembroke II, Brasenose II, Trinity II. St. Peter's Hall gained steadily on Balliol II over the first part of the course and at the Boathouse three-quarters of a length divided them. Balliol, however, drew away again and finished a length to the good, the two boats in the meantime having come right away from Worcester II. Oriel II had the pace of Christ Church II all the way up Iffley Reach and eventually bumped them coming out of the Gut. There was a splendid race between the next three boats, Exeter II, hard pressed by Merton, getting right on to Keble II at the start of the Green Bank. Under the Willows, however, Keble II recovered ground, but Exeter II failed to withstand the challenge of Merton II at the Red Post and were bumped at the Boathouse. St. John's II had to give way to University II as they were coming through the Gut, and at the same spot Pembroke II succumbed to Brasenose II.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Keble, Pembroke, St. Edmund Hall, St. Catherine's, Queen's, Lincoln, Jesus, Wadham, Hertford, Corpus, Merton, New College II, Balliol II. Keble came through without extending themselves, Pembroke, who followed, being unable to withstand a determined challenge from St. Edmund Hall after coming through the Gut. There was an exciting finish between St. Catherine's and Queen's for, although half a length separated them at the boathouse, Queen's steadily reduced the deficit along the Wall. St. Catherine's, however, struggled gamely to the end and reached home with two or three yards to spare. Jesus made ground on Lincoln from the start and eventually overtook them under the Willows. Corpus continued their victorious career, bumping Hertford coming up the Green Bank. A good race followed between New College II and Merton, the latter, after losing a lot of ground before reaching the Cherwell, passing the post with a quarter of a length to spare.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Worcester, Brasenose, University College, Christ Church, St. John's, Trinity, Exeter, Magdalen II, Keble. New College made a good effort to secure the Headship from Oriel and were within a quarter of a length at the Boathouse. After this, however, Oriel gained somewhat and were a third of a length ahead at the finish. Balliol gained on New College, but were never really dangerous, a length and a half separating them. Magdalen had all their work cut out to escape Worcester, who finished within a quarter of a length. Brasenose, University College, and Christ Church followed some distance apart, but St. John's were overtaken by Trinity before coming into the Gut. Magdalen II, after a determined effort, failed to overhaul Exeter, who had a quarter of a length to spare as they passed the post.
Oriel Resist Strong ChallengeThe weather was more favourable for the third day's racing at Oxford, although the crews were again troubled by a strong cross-wind.
Oriel maintained their position at the head of the river, but New College again pressed them hard and finished only a third of a length behind.
The fourth division provided the most exciting incident of the day, due to a mix-up in the Gut, in which six colleges were concerned.
When Queen's II caught Lincoln II the narrrow channel was blocked for the following boats, with the result that Jesus II and St. Catherine's II lost places. The latter subsequently lodged a protest, which will be considered by a captain's meeting.
By making two bumps Christ Church III brought their number of successes to four. St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Queen's II, Hertford II and Merton II each went up a third time. There were 16 bumps during the day, as against 18 on Thursday and 17 on Friday.
Bumps are shown by brackets in the following tables: [...]
Some Keen RacingWith the exception of Queen's III, the Head boat, all the crews again changed places in the Fifth Division when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued yesterday, and St. Edmund Hall II continued their winning sequence with a victory over Oriel III. St. John's III went down again, as also did Jesus III. Four bumps were again recorded in the Fourth Division, in which Queen's II deprived Trinity II of the Headship before half the course had been covered, this being the latter's fourth success. New College III had their upward career checked by Jesus II, who at one time were a long distance ahead. Along the wall, however, New College made up a lot of ground and got within three yards at the finish.
The Headship of the Third Division produced a strenuous race between St. Peter's Hall and Balliol II. After being well in the rear the Hall made a fine effort in the final stages. Rowing much the faster stroke they gained rapidly for a while, but they failed to sustain the effort, Balliol finishing strongly and getting home by a quarter of a length. Exeter II lost another place, University College II bumping them after passing the Bridge. St. John's II only just escaped further disaster after a gruelling race with Brasenose II, in which they got home with just two or three yards to spare. Queen's II marked their entry into the Division by bumping Pembroke II early on.
Keble were deprived of the Headship of the Second Division by St. Edmund Hall, and, after St. Catherine's had driven Pembroke home, Queen's, who had lost their No. 4 through a poisoned hand, and who were rowing an untrained man, fell victims to Jesus. Wadham provided Corpus, evidently a pretty fast crew, with another victim before coming out of Iffley Reach, but the following crews finished in their starting order.
There was a most exciting race for the Headship and, whether or not it was that Oriel felt the boisterous conditions more than their opponents, 200 yards from home they looked like being caught. The New College cox appeared to miss his mark, however, and Oriel got home by a very narrow margin. Balliol made a big effort to overhaul Magdalen over the early part of the course, but subsequently fell away and finished a long distance in the rear. University College gained a lot of ground on Brasenose and Christ Church were much faster than University College, but never looked like bumping them. St. Edmund Hall provided the only bump in the Division by catching Magdalen II, and so followed the example of Queen's II by scoring two bumps during the afternoon.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Queen's III, Oriel III, St. Edmund Hall II, St. John's III, Exeter III, Jesus III, Brasenose III. Queen's III rowed up at the head of the Division without extending themselves. Oriel III, who followed, soon being in difficulties to St. Edmund Hall, who, getting well away, eventually bumped them between the Weir's Bridge and the Free Ferry. St. John's III managed to reach the Freewater Stone before being overtaken by Exeter III, but Jesus III, losing ground from the start, succumbed to Brasenose III at the Ferry.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Queen's II, Lincoln II, Hertford II, Jesus II, New College III, St. Catherine's II, Magdalen III, Worcester III, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Christ Church III, Queen's III. Trinity II were well clear of Queen's II at the Launch Works, after which the latter went up very fast and made their bump coming into the Gut. Hertford II were soon gaining on Lincoln II and, although the latter drew away after passing the Ferry, Hertford came again and Lincoln had to give way coming out of the Gut. There was an exciting struggle between New College III and Jesus II. The latter led easily at the Boathouse, but fell away along the Wall, and New College were within 3 yards of them at the post.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Worcester II, Oriel II, Christ Church II, Keble II, Merton II, Exeter II, University College II, St. John's II, Brasenose II, Pembroke II, Queen's II. There was a fine race for the headship of the division between St. Peter's Hall and Balliol II. The latter led by three-quarters of a length at the Boathouse but St. Peter's Hall drew up along the Wall and, making a final effort after passing the Cherwell, were within a quarter of a length at the finish. Worcester II held their own against Oriel II until coming into the Gut, when they began to fall away and finally had to give in under the Willows. There was a keen struggle between Keble II and Merton II. The former were well in front at the Gut, from which point Merton continued to gain ground and made their bump just before reaching the Cherwell. Exeter II again experienced disaster, University II bumping them just after coming out of the Gut.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Keble, St. Edmund Hall, Pembroke, St. Catherine's, Queen's, Jesus, Lincoln, Wadham, Corpus, Hertford, Merton, New College II, Balliol II. St. Edmund Hall gained steadily all the way up Iffley Reach, and putting in a determined after passing the Bridges caught Keble at the Willows. Pembroke lost ground to St. Catherine's, and at one point the latter were very close, but after passing the Cherwell Pembroke held their own and finished with half a length to spare. Jesus were always going faster than Queen's and, although the latter spurted hard after leaving the Gut, they had to strike their colours half way along the Green Bank. Lincoln paddled up, Wadham being quite unable to withstand Corpus, who, going off strongly at the start, bumped them at the Free Ferry.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Worcester, Brasenose, University College, Christ Church, Trinity, St. John's, Exeter, Magdalen II, Keble. Oriel kept well away from New College at first, but then the latter came up steadily and at the Boathouse were less than half a length behind. They further reduced the deficit along the Wall and, passing the Cherwell, made a futile attempt to bump. Oriel got away and after a most exciting finish passed the post with two or three feet to spare. Balliol at one point had gained ground on New College, but fell away again and finished some distance behind. The next three boats finished some distance apart, but University College were well on to Brasenose at the Boathouse, although they subsequently fell away again, Christ Church in the meantime having gained materially on University College. Wide gaps also separated Christ Church, Trinity, St. John's, and Exeter, but St. Edmund Hall, following up their success in the previous Division, caught Magdalen II before coming out of the Gut.
There were fifteen bumps in the Oxford Summer Eights yesterday, but only one in the first division, in which Oriel retained the headship of the river. Details [division tables with brackets indicating bumps]
Oriel's Narrow EscapeRacing was continued in the Summer Eights yesterday, when, in place of the gale of the previous afternoon, there was a light, south-westerly wind blowing across the water which inconvenienced the crews very little. There was also a spell of brilliant sunshine. The racing was again very interesting, and in the five Divisions 18 bumps were made.
There were again some wholesale changes in the Fifth Division, six of the seven crews changing places. Queen's III, who had met with varying success, again lost the Headship which they had secured earlier, St. Edmund Hall II overtaking them at the Red Post. Exeter III also improved their position, and Brasenose III, who had fallen to the bottom, recovered to second place at the expense of St. John's. Five bumps were made in the Fourth Division, Pembroke II losing the Headship to Trinity II after a hard race at the Red Post. Lincoln II continued their downward career, falling to Jesus II, who thus recovered one of their losses. St. Catherine's experienced a further reverse when they were caught by Worcester III in Iffley Reach. St. Peter's Hall II regained their position by bumping Magdalen III, and St. Edmund Hall II followed their previous success in the Fifth Division by catching Balliol III quite early in the race, so they, like two or three more crews, may equal record. [?sic]
There were again four bumps in the Third Division, in which St. Peter's Hall, having hunted Balliol II hard on the two preceding afternoons, at length had their persistency rewarded in a bump. Oriel II, who had previously risen three places, failed to make much impression on St. Peter's Hall. Merton II continued their upward career unchecked at the expense of Christ Church II. University College also gained another bump, catching Keble half-way up Iffley Reach. Queen's II secured their sixth victim by catching Brasenose II near the Weirs Bridge. There was no change in the headship of the Second Division, which Magdalen retained without any great effort.
There was another exciting race for the Headship between Oriel and New College, the former of whom had just scraped home the previous night. Up to the Boathouse Oriel appeared to have every chance of getting home again, but along the Wall New College gained ground very fast and, after a futile shot at the Cherwell, they again drew up and the New College cox made another shot which apparently struck the Oriel rudder. The bump, however, was not acknowledged by the Oriel cox, and the subsequent claim of a bump by New College was disallowed by the O.U.B.C. Committee. Worcester gave Magdalen some cause for anxiety, but a third of a length divided them at the winning post. Christ Church at length took the measure of University College, after four unsuccessful attempts, at Talboys Barge, and St. Edmund Hall again went one better with a victory over Exeter under the Willows, this being their sixth bump.
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Queen's III, St. Edmund Hall II, Oriel III, Exeter III, St. John's III, Brasenose III, Jesus III. There was a good race for the Headship. Queen's III held their own until passing the Long Bridges, when St. Edmund Hall II put in a spurt, and gaining rapidly along the Green Bank made their bump at the Red Post. Exeter III were always going faster than Oriel III and overtook them coming through the Gut. Brasenose II, after a sharp set-to in Iffley Reach, caught St. John's III at the Freewater Stone.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Pembroke II, Trinity II, Hertford II, Lincoln II, Jesus II, New College III, St. Catherine's II, Worcester III, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, Christ Church III, Balliol III, St. Edmund Hall II. The Headship again changed hands, Trinity II, after a determined race with Pembroke II all up the Green Bank, catching them at the Red Post. Hertford II rowed through and were well ahead of Lincoln II when the latter were overtaken by Jesus II. Lincoln II were unlucky, as, coming up on the inside of Hertford II, they struck some of the oars of the Trinity crew, otherwise they might have escaped disaster. New College III paddled up, St. Catherine's II falling victims to Worcester III.
Third Division Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Worcester II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Keble II, University College II, Exeter II, St. John's II, Brasenose II, Queen's II, Trinity II. Balliol II held their own against St. Peter's Hall until coming through the Gut, when they fell away and the Hall, spurting hard at the Willows, caught them half-way along the Green Bank. Oriel II came up a long way behind St. Peter's Hall, but Christ Church II and Merton II provided an excellent race. The latter were held up coming out of the Gut and at the Boathouse were about a quarter of a length in the rear. Christ Church II then drew away slightly, but failed to sustain the effort and Merton bumped them at the Cherwell. University II went up again, catching Keble II before getting into the Gut, and, after Exeter II and St. John's II had rowed up, Brasenose II provided Queen's II with another bump half-way up Iffley Reach.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen II, Keble, Pembroke, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Queen's, Lincoln, Corpus, Wadham, Hertford, Merton, New College II, St. Peter's Hall. Magdalen II easily maintained their position at the head of the Division, finishing a length and a half in front of Keble, who had a tremendous struggle to escape Pembroke. Jesus overhauled St. Catherine's at the Green Bank, Corpus bumped Lincoln coming out of the Gut, Wadham fell victims to Hertford at the Free Ferry, and St. Peter's Hall caught New College II just above the Weirs Bridge.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Worcester, Brasenose, University College, Christ Church, Trinity, St. John's, Exeter, St. Edmund Hall, Magdalen II. Oriel held their own against New College up to the Boathouse, where a length separated the two boats. From this point New College came up rapidly and at the Cherwell appeared to be overlapping. They went a bit wide, but recovered and drew up again opposite the University Barge. The New College cox made a beautiful short which took his bows over the centre of the Oriel rudder. Oriel's cox, apparently, did not feel the impact and failed to acknowledge the bump and Oriel passed the post a yard or two ahead. Balliol gained on New College, but the latter were never in any danger of being caught. Worcester again caused a good deal of anxiety to Magdalen, who had only a quarter of a length to spare at the Boathouse, from which point, however, Magdalen recovered somewhat and finished a third of a length in front. Brasenose paddled through. Christ Church, after overlapping at the Boathouse, bumped University College opposite Talboy's Barge. Exeter had to strike their colours to St. Edmund Hall at the Willows.
Usually the question of the headship of the river is settled at this stage, but it would seem from yesterday's racing in the Oxford summer eights that there is still a possibility of a change.New College gave Oriel another fine race, and, in fact, twice shot for them. It was thought that the boats actually touched, but owing to the cleverness of the Oriel cox the head crew managed to reach the winning post without having to strike their colours.
There were eighteen bumps, bringing the total to 84.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
Three Crews make Seven BumpsThe racing in the Summer Eights was concluded at Oxford yesterday, when Oriel retained the Headship of the River. It was beautifully fine; the threat of a thunderstorm fortunately passed over. The attendances again were large.
In anticipation of another exciting race between Oriel and New College the towing path was packed with spectators at the First Division racing, but the result was a little disappointing after the brilliant effort of New College to secure the Headship on the previous evening. New College certainly proved themselves the better crew, but they hardly displayed the same dash on this occasion, and Oriel succeeded in maintaining their position with about a quarter of a length to spare. Magdalen ran Balliol to a third of a length, but the only other close race rowed above the Bridges was that between Trinity and University College. Trinity, after getting right on to their opponents, fell away again and were half a length down at the finish.
St. Edmund Hall continued their victorious career with a bump over St. John's in Iffley Reach and this completed a record in gaining seven bumps in the six days' racing. St. Edmund Hall have been steadily gaining a reputation in other branches of sport although they only number 120, but this is the first occasion on which they have ever made their way into the First Division. Not satisfied with this their second crew, which started bottom but one in the Fifth Division, also made seven bumps, which put them well into the Fourth Division, above Christ Church III. This remarkable achievement was equalled also by Queen's II, who, starting fourth in the Fourth Division, finished ninth in the Third.
The order of rowing in the first three crews of the First Division was:— [as listed below, actually the first two crews plus S.E.H.]
Fifth Division Order of Starting.— Balliol III, Queen's III, Exeter III, Oriel III, Brasenose III, St. John's III, Jesus III. Balliol III retained their position at the Head of the Division without much difficulty, being well ahead of Queen's III when the latter were bumped by Exeter III just before reaching the Cherwell. Oriel III managed to get through the Gut and then had to give way to Brasenose III, but there was a prolonged struggle between St. John's III and Jesus III. Jesus were within two yards at the Green Bank. Half-way along the Wall Jesus just overlapped, but St. John's got away again and, in a desperate finish, reached the post two yards ahead.
Fourth Division Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Pembroke II, Hertford II, Jesus II, Lincoln II, New College III, Worcester III, St. Catherine's II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Christ Church III, St. Edmund Hall II, Balliol III. Trinity paddled over, after Pembroke II had fallen victims to Hertford II coming out of the Gut. Lincoln II gave New College III a hard race until after passing the Willows, when the latter made ground rapidly and gained their bump a little above Saunder's Bridge. Worcester III, St. Catherine's II, and St. Peter's Hall II came up a wide distance apart, but there was a most exciting race between the next three boats. Magdalen III were only just clear of Christ Church III coming out of the Gut, with St. Edmund Hall II hotly pressing Christ Church. The latter looked like bumping Magdalen, but they missed their opportunity and a determined effort by St. Edmund Hall enabled them to bump Christ Church opposite the University Boathouse.
Third Division Order of Starting.— New College II, Balliol II, Oriel II, Worcester II, Merton II, Christ Church II, University College II, Keble II, Exeter II, St. John's II, Queen's II, Brasenose II, Trinity II. New College II retained the Headship by a wide margin, finishing two lengths in front of Balliol II. Oriel II, Worcester II, and Merton II all followed wide distances apart. University College II, however, drew well up to Christ Church II in Iffley Reach and bumped them coming out of the Gut. Exeter II made a big effort to overtake Keble II, being right up after leaving the Gut. At the Willows their cox shot and missed and he repeated the performance a little higher up. After this, however, Keble drew away again and eventually passed the post a third of a length ahead. Queen's II, bent on equalling a record, went off at high pressure to overhaul St. John's II, who were always rowing a losing race, and the latter were bumped between the Free Ferry and the Gut. Trinity II made up on Brasenose II, but the latter held them over the rest of the course and finished well away.
Second Division Order of Starting.— Magdalen II, Keble, Pembroke, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Queen's, Corpus, Lincoln, Hertford, Wadham, Merton, St. Peter's Hall, New College II. The Headship of the Second Division produced an interesting race between Magdalen II and Keble. Keble were within a length at the Long Bridges and had still further reduced the deficit along the Green Bank. On reaching the Wall, however, Magdalen held them and, holding off another determined attack by Keble, finished half a length in front. Jesus gained substantially on Pembroke in Iffley Reach and, going up very fast after leaving the Gut, ran them down half-way along the Green Bank. St. Catherine's finished alone, Queen's, who followed, being quite unable to hold a determined attack by Corpus in Iffley Reach. Queen's finally succumbed just before getting into the Gut. Hertford had the measure of Lincoln in Iffley Reach and, although the latter momentarily improved their position, Hertford came on again and made their bump coming out of the Gut, Wadham were quite outpaced by Merton, who, starting well, caught them at the Weir's Bridge.
First Division Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Worcester, Brasenose, Christ Church, University College, Trinity, St. John's, St. Edmund Hall, Exeter, Magdalen II. New College made up on Oriel in Iffley Reach, but not to any great extent, and Oriel were more than a length ahead as the boats left the Gut. From this point, however, New College steadily reduced the gap and were within half a length at the Cherwell. They gained more in the row in, but Oriel were never in any danger of being caught and rowed home a quarter of a length in front. Balliol followed a long way in the rear and had lost ground to Magdalen, who got to within a third of a length. Wide distances separated Worcester, Brasenose, and Christ Church, but there was a splendid race between University College and Trinity. After gaining steadily all the way Trinity actually overlapped near the Boathouse. They just failed to bump, however, and University College, getting away again, had half a length in hand at the finish. St. Edmund Hall soon got on terms with St. John's and scored their seventh bump when they overtook them at the Weir's Bridge.
Oxford Summer Eights EndSteady Advance of New College
A Serious Revival
The Summer Eights at Oxford were brought to a conclusion last night in fine weather. Oriel, after a very hard week's racing, retained the headship of the river. Each night New College had got closer and closer to them until, on Tuesday, they claimed a bump, which was disallowed.
Last night Oriel, splendidly stroked by Cunningham, kept their distance through the Gut, but then New College crept up slowly. At the Boathouse less than a length separated them. Off the New College Barge, Haig [Hay], their diminutive stroke, made a very fine effort and the gap closed quickly. In the end, however, they never got nearer than a third of a length.
Balliol were slightly up on New College at the Boat House, with Magdalen and Worcester their distances behind. The young B.N.C. crew, whom everyone had expected to fall to Christ Church, came up within their distance of Worcester and well away from the house. Mr. R. H. Owen must be congratulated on his first year's success with his new college.
University had a terrific race with Trinity, who overlapped them above the Boat House, but failed to press their advantage. St. Edmund Hall made their seventh bump by catching St. John's below the Gut and so made their place in the first division absolute.
In the lower divisions there was some exciting racing and a lot of bumps. Jesus made their fifth bump by catching Pembroke and Corpus their sixth when they caught Queen's. Both these crews were above average for their class.
Mr. P. Haig-Thomas to Coach
I do not think it can be said that the eights were of very high class this year, but efforts are being made towards a serious revival of Oxford rowing. Cambridge having dropped the pilot who has been so long connected with the success of their university crews, Mr. Peter Haig-Thomas, he has consented to take Oxford in hand and is starting work with his usual determination and is going to take an Isis crew to Henley. It is to be hoped that college boat captains will rise to the emergency and free such men as are needed.
The Oriel crew, whose success is so largely due to the invincible prowess of their stroke and No. 7, were seated as follows: Staines, Starling, Martin, Moody, Hadow, Sykes, Reid, Cunningham, and Lawrie, the coxswain. Final order:[...]
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