Eights 1939Eights 1939
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Eights Week — The Summer Eights began in dull weather at Oxford yesterday. This picture, taken by a staff photographer, shows the leading boats in the Third Division just after passing The Gut. Trinity easily maintained their position as the Head of the River.Actually the photograph shows the top of the division, led by Merton, entering The Gut and, in the background, the New Bridge — the concrete footbridge built in 1937 later to be replaced by Donnington Bridge.
Oxford College rowing this summer certainly reflects the defeat of the University in the Boat Race. It is never easy to produce a really fast and polished crew in little more than three weeks. This summer, however, the quality of the crews below the first half of the second division is poorer than usual, and many of the crews towards the top of the first division, though they may have fairly strong men in the stern of the boat, have very weak bow oarsmen. Again there is a general inability among the crews to row the really fast stroke that is so vital in bumping races, and swivel rowlocks have failed to bring with them the smoothness and ease that they should. Indeed, it looks as if there were far more freshmen from non-rowing schools participating in the races than in most years.Last year the Trinity College crew that rowed Head of the River was the best Summer Eight crew seen at Oxford since 1925 and possibly since the War. The crew that has succeeded it ought to stay Head of the River, but it is many lengths slower than last year's crew. Hillary is stroking. Furlong is rowing crisply and neatly at No.7, and Waldron and Stockton are rowing at No.6 and No.5 respectively. Yet the crew has little of the leg-drive and quick wristwork of last year's eight and, though very much shorter at the finish, the men are not together and therefore cannot row the same fast stroke. Stockton has fortunately recovered his form and is once more one of the best oarsmen at Oxford, but he alone cannot make a crew really fast.
New College, who start second, do not give the impression of being able to bump Trinity, though they are certainly better together and row their finish out more firmly. Bourne is stroking and stroking them well, but he is trying to set the crew a standard which all the men are not able to follow. Robinson, at No.7, is rowing a good firm blade and is backing Bourne up well. He has rowed well in this position in the Isis crew, and his blade belies a rather awkward wooden swing. Gieve, a trial eightsman, is rowing solidly at No.6, and Blair-Fish at No.5, yet the crew has not quite enough power and life. New College rowing is, however, plainly on the upgrade, for the second cew is nearly as stylish as the first and nearly as fast. It is, indeed, the only second crew which looks experienced and well-coached.
A Deceptive Crew
Balliol start third and, rowing in the same style as last year, once more they are a deceptive crew. Individually they are the least promising crew in the first division. There seems to be no potential trial eightsman, let alone a Blue, in the whole crew, yet they alone are well together, possibly because they have a very controlled swing and do not overreach forward. At any rate, their times in practice make it look as if they might retain a position, which they certainly would not do if strength and style were all that mattered.St. Edmund Hall, with Slemeck, the new President, rowing at No.7, have been coached by Mr. G. O. Nickalls, and with their fixed tholepins and straight backs are rather like a crew of 10 years ago. Matthew [Mathews], the stroke, learned his rowing at St. Edward's, the nursery of so many good oarsmen nowadays. He give the crew a good deal of life and certainly Slemeck is rowing better now than he ever has before. James, who rowed for Westminster in 1935 and 1936, is a hard working No.6. He and the crew generally, except Slemeck, row the finish rather light, but St. Edmund Hall are more likely to make bumps than any other of the first five crews. Magdalen should have been the best crew at Oxford, but unfortunately Forbes, the best oarsman, and Stewart, the hardest worker in the University crew, have both decided that they have no time to row. This has weakened the crew considerably and, as was the case last year, they are far from being together. Doughty, stroke of the 1938 Isis crew, is stroking with a good deal of steadiness, but without much elasticity. Garton, the ex-president, this year is rowing at No.6. Burnell, the other old Blue, is at No.5, but he is not giving the men behind him much length at the finish.
Magdalen, indeed, are in some danger from Oriel. Huse is rowing at No.7 with, perhaps, a shade too much length for the rest of the crew. Even Oriel have not had the luck to get quite together this year, and they rowed head for many years for this reason, yet they are one of the better crews and as usual their boat runs well. The same is true of Story, stroke of Christ Church, as of Huse. The men behind him leave him in the water at the finish and this makes it impossible to put much fire into a crew. Brasenose have been coached by Brigadier Gibbon, and, with Nelson-Edwards at No.7 and Baillieu, a promising freshman and son of an old Blue, at No.5, they are a lively crew. Exeter, behind them, are not a bad crew either. They know how to use their legs and have quite fair length in the water without being ponderous.
Corpus, without a Winser to stroke them, are in some danger from Pembroke, who have in Bingham, the University stroke, Winser's successor as a college stroke. Pembroke, one of the few crews still using fixed tholes, are not very well together behind Bingham, but he is a host in himself and he may be able to keep his light crew going long enough to make some bumps.
The best eight in the second half of the first division is unquestionably St. John's, who start bottom. This crew has a quick beginning and is well together. The men work hard and use their legs as they should do. It would be surprising if they do not make a number of bumps, and they deserve watching by those who choose next year's University crew. New College II are unlucky to lead the second division behind St. John's. Higher on the river they would do better, and the same is true of Worcester behind them. This is a crew that move their boat smoothly, and they have a fine heavyweight oarsman in Howard at No.5, who keeps the crew swinging. University are well stroked by Esplin, who stroked a trial eight.
Of the other crews in the second division, by far the best is Wadham. Robertson, their stroke, won the Wyfold Cup for London last year. His father and grandfather were Blues, and though he is very light he gives his crew a great deal of length. He is well backed up by Hendrie at No.6, another member of the London Wyfold crew, and the eight generally row with a crispness and polish rare so low on the river. Indeed, the crews between St. John's and Wadham, considering their position, are well up to the usual standard, if not above it, unlike the crews above and below them. It would appear that in the first division there will be fewer bumps than usual.
Standard Below the Average
The standard of oarsmanship exhibited in practice for the Summer Eights, which begin at Oxford to-day, is dismally low and, following the boat race thrown away, the outlook for the future is unpromising.It is true that two of the hardest working Blues, Stewart and Forbes, both of Magdalen, are not rowing this term, owing to the superior claims of reading, and that doubtless is the reason why their boat is well below its usual average. But that fact does not explain why practically all the other crews in the first division should also be below standard.
The fact is, I am afraid, that the average undergraduate now up at Oxford does not take the sport seriously enough. He pays far too little attention to diet, and training, as it used to be known, is a thing of the past.
Trinity, who went head of the river on the last night with a very fine crew, have at least five of that crew rowing for them again, but they are not now so brilliant, and when I saw them last Saturday they were not capable of the rate of striking which a head of the river crew should possess.
At the same time, I did not see a crew that appeared to have much chance of bumping them. New College, with R. M. A. Bourne stroke and three other first eights men behind him, have a good rhythm, but are hardly powerful enough.
Balliol's Task
Balliol are very rough and by no means together, but possess more pace than a cursory glance would suggest. They will, however, have to go their very best pace if they are to keep away from St. Edmund's Hall, who have the new president, Slemeck, rowing better than I have ever seen him row, at seven, with a promising freshman stroke [Mathews] in front of him. They are being coached by G. O. Nickalls, but they are hardly strong enough to make more than one place.Magdalen, though they have John Garton at six, R. D. Burnell at five and Doughty, who stroked the Isis crew in 1937, at stroke, are disappointing, and will do well if they can keep away from Oriel. With Flure [Huse] at seven and Whalley at stroke, Oriel are rowing in much more orthodox style than usual, and if their six was not rather immature would be good. They ought to improve their position.
Christ Church had a day off on Saturday, but I am told that they row in a boat of new design and are fast for a distance, but that then their pace falls off. B.N.C. are rough, but have a certain amount of pace over the second half of the course, a useful asset.
Pembroke, stroked by Bingham, are rather a one-man crew and not well together at all, but I think they will go up some places.
St. John's, who starts as Sandwich boat, are the first crew one comes to who possess the attributes of a really decent college crew for their position. They sit up to their work and drive their boat hard, and should have a prosperous week. Below, Worcester and Wadham also appear to be taking things seriously, which means that they should go up. Order of starting: [...]
The Oxford Summer Eights were begun yesterday. There was no sun, but the north-easterly wind had almost subsided and a normal stream was running.Trinity easily held their place at the Head of the River, finishing at least six lengths ahead of New College without exerting themselves.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Lincoln II, Wadham II, Corpus II, Pembroke III, Balliol IV, Exeter III, Queen's III, Trinity III, St. Edmund Hall III, Brasenose III, Trinity IV, Keble IV. Lincoln II held their own at the head of the Division until coming out of the Gut, when Wadham II gained rapidly and made their bump just before reaching the New Cut. Corpus II were soon losing to Pembroke III, who caught them near the Free Ferry. Balliol IV paddled over as Exeter III lost rapidly to Queen's III from the start and were caught just after passing the New Bridge. Trinity III were well up with Queen's III at the time, and as they were unable to get clear St. Edmund Hall III rowed past them, which is equivalent to a bump. The latter went on, however, and were caught by Brasenose III at the top of the Green Bank. St. Edmund Hall III claim that they bumped Trinity III and have lodged a protest against the bump by Brasenose. There was a brief struggle between Trinity IV and Keble IV which ended with the success of the latter at Haystack Corner.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, St. Peter's Hall II, Pembroke II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Hertford II, Christ Church III, Keble III, Worcester II, St. John's III, Jesus II, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Wadham II. The four leading crews were well away from each other coming out of the Gut, but along the Wall St. Peter's Hall II gained on Trinity II who, however, finished with a length and a half to spare. St. Peter's Hall II kept their distance ahead of Pembroke II, who had drawn right away from Magdalen III. Hertford II soon had the measure of Balliol III, overtaking them just before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Christ Church III rowed over, Keble II, who followed, being caught, after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach, by Worcester II coming out of the Gut. St. John's III were in difficulties soon after the start, Jesus II running into them at the New Bridge. Wadham II followed up their previous success by catching Oriel III a little higher up.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Merton, Lincoln, St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Catherine's, Christ Church II, Brasenose II, Queen's II, Exeter II, Keble II, University College II, Merton II, Trinity II. Merton maintained their position without much difficulty and finished nearly two lengths in front of Lincoln. There was a fine race between St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall II and St. Catherine's. The latter were well on to St. Edmund Hall II coming out of the Gut, but just failed to make their bump, after which they fell away. In the meantime St. Edmund Hall II had been steadily gaining on St. John's II and eventually, after a keen struggle, they caught them just after passing the Cherwell. Brasenose II overtook Christ Church II at the Red Post and, getting well away at the start, Exeter II caught Queen's II before reaching the New Bridge. Merton II, with Trinity II well on to them at the time, bumped University College II at the New Bridge and Trinity II, having the good fortune to get a clear course, then went in hot pursuit of Keble II. They made a fine effort along the Wall and made their bump opposite Talboy's Raft, thus gaining three places at the expense of Keble II, who fell to the bottom place in the division.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— St. John's, New College II, Worcester, University College, Keble, Queen's, Jesus, Wadham, Hertford, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Merton. St. John's were slower than New College II but were never in any immediate danger of being caught, a length separating the crews at the finish. New College II were two lengths in front of Worcester who, after being well away from University College coming out of the Gut, lost along the Green Bank. University College, coming up well under the Wall, were within a yard or two at the Cherwell, but Worcester struggled gamely to the finish and reached the post a few feet ahead. Keble followed four or five lengths behind University College, and well ahead of Queen's. Wadham, gaining rapidly after coming through the Gut, caught Jesus at the Willows and St. Peter's Hall bumped Balliol II just before reaching the Weirs Bridge. There was a fine race between Oriel II and Merton. Merton were well up coming out of the Gut but they caught a crab and Oriel II were able to recover some of the lost distance. Merton, however, came up again along the Willows and made their bump near Talboy's Barge.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, New College, Balliol, St. Edmund Hall, Magdalen, Oriel, Christ Church, Brasenose, Exeter, Corpus, Pembroke, Magdalen II, St. John's. The race for the Headship was not very exciting as from start to finish Trinity never had to extend themselves. They paddled in six lengths ahead of New College Balliol, who followed, proved no match for St. Edmund Hall, who caught them before reaching the Gut. Oriel, showing excellent form, bumped Magdalen coming up the Green Bank. Christ Church, Brasenose, and Exeter finished some distances apart, but Corpus went down to Pembroke at the Willows, and St. John's bumped Magdalen II at Haystack Corner.
Overbump and a Protest on First Day
The first day of Oxford University Summer Eights was favoured by fine weather and a large crowd, but the racing was poorer than usual, with the exception of the first division.Trinity had no difficulty in retaining the headship, but Balliol fell to St. Edmund Hall, one of the fastest crews on the river. Both Magdalen crews also went down in this division. An unusual feature of Division III was an overbump made by the Trinity second crew.
In the Fifth Division a protest lodged by St. Edmund Hall II will probably mean a re-row in the morning. Trinity III crew, in front, were impeded and St. Edmund Hall rowed past them, claiming a bump. They, in their turn, were bumped by Brasenose III higher up the river. St. Edmund Hall have objected to the B.N.C. bump and the matter will be brought before the O.U.B.C. to-night. Bumps are indicated in brackets in the following tables:[...]
The summer eights were continued at Oxford yesterday in delightful conditions. A light north-easterly wind was insufficient to unfurl the College flags and the sun shone throughout the afternoon.Trinity rowed over at the Head of the River without ever being in danger, but this evening they will have behind them St. Edmund Hall, who bumped New College. St. Edmund Hall have never before been so high on the river. The three crews in the fifth division who had been concerned in disputed bumps were ordered by the Committee to row yesterday in their original order.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel III, Lincoln II, Pembroke III, Corpus II, Balliol IV, Queen's III, Exeter III, Trinity III, St. Edmund Hall III, Brasenose III, Keble IV, Trinity IV. There was a good race for the headship between Oriel III and Lincoln II. The latter gained steadily all the way up Iffley Reach, but on coming out of the Gut, when they were on the point of overlapping, one of their crew caught a crab. Pembroke III paddled through, Corpus II, who followed, being caught by Balliol IV, who made their bump opposite the Launch Works. Queen's III were well away from Exeter III when the latter were caught by Trinity III. St. Edmund Hall III went down to Brasenose III coming through the Gut.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Keble II, St. Peter's Hall II, Pembroke II, Magdalen III, Hertford II, Balliol III, Christ Church III, Worcester II, Keble III, Jesus II, St. John's III, St. Catherine's II, Wadham II, Oriel III. There was a short struggle for the headship between Keble II, who had come down from the Third Division, and St. Peter's Hall II, which resulted in the success of the latter between the New Bridge and the Gut. Pembroke II paddled over, but Magdalen III fell to Hertford II before reaching the New Bridge. Balliol III were losing to Christ Church III from the start and were bumped near the Free Ferry. Worcester II, Keble III and Jesus II came up at wide intervals but there was an exciting race lower down between St. John's III, St. Catherine's II and Wadham II. St. Catherine's II, hard pressed by Wadham II, drew right on to St. John's III, and would have bumped them but for the over-anxiety of their cox. Wadham II took their chance, catching St. Catherine's II at the New Bridge.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel II, Lincoln, St. Edmund Hall II, St. John's II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Trinity II. Merton II, University College II, St. Peter's Hall II. There was a good race for the Headship between Oriel II and Lincoln. The latter gained rapidly up Iffley Reach, and coming out of the Gut only a few feet separated the boats. It then became a battle of wits between the two coxswains, which resulted in Oriel II reaching home with nearly a quarter of a length in hand. St. John's II and St. Catherine's had a keen struggle before St. Catherine's made their bump coming out of the Gut. Brasenose II, Christ Church II, and Exeter II rowed up at wide intervals, but Trinity II continued their upward career, and gained their fourth success by bumping Queen's II at Haystack Corner.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Magdalen II, New College II, Worcester, University College, Keble, Queen's, Wadham, Jesus, Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Merton, Oriel II. Magdalen II soon began to lose to New College II, who came up rapidly to the Launch Works and made their bump just before entering the Gut. Worcester, who had been hard pressed by University College on the previous afternoon, were a length down coming out of the Gut but passed the post with a length and a half in hand. A fine race followed between Keble, Queen's, and Wadham. The boats were close together coming out of the Gut. Wadham made a determined effort at the Boathouse and caught Queen's soon after passing Saunder's Bridge. Hertford followed up the success of their second crew by bumping Jesus along the Willows and Merton improved their position by overhauling Balliol II near the Weirs Bridge.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, New College, St. Edmund Hall, Balliol, Oriel, Magdalen, Christ Church, Brasenose, Exeter, Pembroke, Corpus, St. John's, [New College II]. Trinity paddled over and were never extended, but New College and St. Edmund Hall provided an interesting race. Coming out of the Gut less than a length separated the two boats. St. Edmund Hall continued to gain steadily all up the Green Bank, and made their bump near the Hertford College barge. Oriel, gaining rapidly up Iffley Reach, caught Balliol coming out of the Gut, and Christ Church, after an exciting struggle through the Gut, caught Magdalen at the Willows. St. John's bumped Corpus at the New Bridge.
St. Edmund Hall's Bid for Headship
Chief interest in the Oxford Summer Eights yesterday centred in the first division, and the possibility of St. Edmund Hall's catching New College. This they managed to do, after a gruelling struggle.Half a length separated the two crews along Green Bank and, judging their effort beautifully, St. Edmund Hall got their bump opposite the Corpus barge. They are now challenging Trinity for the headship and if they succeed in catching the leaders they will complete a fine double, having gone to the head of the Torpids two months ago.
At a meeting of the O.U.B.C. yesterday it was decided that the crews in the dispute in the fifth division race on Thursday should row in Thursday's starting order. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford on Saturday, when the weather was fine and there was a very large number of spectators. Most of the bumps occurred in the lower reaches of the river and the spectators on the Barges saw little to interest them.The race for the Headship proved uninteresting as St. Edmund Hall failed to make any impression on Trinity, who, without extending themselves, finished nearly three lengths in front. Each of the Lincoln crews made two bumps.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel III, Lincoln II, Pembroke III, Balliol IV, Corpus II, Queen's III, Trinity III, Exeter III, Brasenose III, St. Edmund Hall III, Keble IV, Trinity IV. There was a fine race for the Headship between Oriel III and Lincoln II. The former were well away along the Green Bank, but Lincoln II gained steadily along the Wall, were right up at the Cherwell, and made their bump opposite the Brasenose Barge. Balliol IV were soon gaining on Pembroke III, who were caught at the Free Ferry. Corpus II rowed through, Queen's III falling victims to Trinity III opposite the Willows. Disaster soon befell Exeter III as one of their men caught a crab and they were bumped by Brasenose III just before reaching the Launch Works. St. Edmund Hall III succumbed to Keble IV coming into the Gut.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall II, Keble II, Pembroke II, Hertford II, Magdalen III, Christ Church III, Balliol III, Worcester II, Keble III, Jesus II, St. John's III, Wadham II, St. Catherine's II, Lincoln II. St. Peter's Hall II paddled through, Keble II, who followed them, being caught by Pembroke II coming through the Gut. Hertford II came up alone, Magdalen III being bumped by Christ Church III just after passing the Launch Works. Balliol III again met with disaster, Worcester II overhauling them near the Weirs Bridge. Keble III also went down again, this time to Jesus II. At the top of Iffley Reach Wadham II gained their fourth success by bumping St. John's III below the New Bridge, and Lincoln II followed up their success in the fifth division by catching St. Catherine's II after another hard race just after passing the Cherwell.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel II, Lincoln, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Catherine's, St. John's II, Brasenose II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Trinity II. Queen's II, Merton II, University College II, St. Peter's Hall II. Lincoln soon gained on Oriel II and after getting to within half a length in the Gut, made their bump under the Willows. St. Edmund Hall II led St. Catherine's by no more than a length at the Gut, but from that point they held their own and finished with a length in hand. St. Catherine's were in turn pressed by St. John's II but passed the post with half a length to spare. Brasenose II, coming up well from the Boathouse, finished within a third of a length of St. John's II. Trinity II, getting well away at the start, bumped Exeter II at the New Bridge and at the same spot Queen's II were caught by Merton II. University College II and St. Peter's Hall II came up well away from each other.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— New College II, Magdalen II, Worcester, University College, Keble, Wadham, Queen's, Hertford, Jesus, St. Peter's Hall, Merton, Balliol II, Lincoln. New College II rowed over, Magdalen II, who followed, being bumped by Worcester half way through the Gut, University College being within a length of the latter. Wadham made their third bump when catching Keble half way along the Green Bank, and Hertford again improved their position by overtaking Queen's between the Ferry and the Freewater Stone. Jesus again met with disaster, St. Peter's Hall bumping them just before entering the Gut. Merton rowed through and Lincoln established themselves firmly in the division by bumping Balliol II coming through the Gut.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, New College, Oriel, Balliol, Christ Church, Magdalen, Brasenose, Exeter, Pembroke, St. John's, Corpus, New College II. Trinity retained the Headship of the River without an effort, finishing nearly three lengths in front of St. Edmund Hall, who were two lengths ahead of New College. The latter had to row hard to escape Oriel, but were never in imminent danger of being caught, a third of a length separating the crews at the finish. Balliol and Christ Church had a good race until coming through the Gut, when Christ Church moved up and made their bump at the Willows. Brasenose made a big effort to overtake Magdalen and were within half a length at the Bridges, but the latter held them after passing the Boathouse and passed the post with a quarter of a length in hand. Exeter rowed over, Pembroke being caught by St. John's near the Ferry. Corpus Christi were bumped by New College II in the Gut.
There were 22 bumps, bringing the total up to 59, on the third day's racing of the Oxford summer eights.Trinity had little difficulty in stalling off the challenge of St. Edmund Hall for the headship.
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday when, although the weather was fine, there was a much smaller attendance than there had been on Saturday.Trinity retained the Headship easily, finishing well ahead of St. Edmund Hall. Eighteen bumps were made during the afternoon, but only one of them was in the First Division, St. John's gaining their fourth place at the expense of Exeter.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Balliol IV, Pembroke III, Corpus II, Trinity III, Queen's III, Brasenose III, Exeter III, Keble IV, St. Edmund Hall III, Trinity IV. St. Catherine's II paddled up head of the division, Oriel III, who followed, being overtaken by Balliol IV after a brief struggle at the top of Iffley Reach. Corpus II were also losing to Trinity III from the start, and they were bumped just before the Gut. Queen's III only reached the New Bridge before being bumped by Brasenose III. Keble IV caught Exeter III a short distance above Haystack Corner.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall II, Pembroke II, Keble II, Hertford II, Christ Church III, Magdalen III, Worcester II, Balliol III, Jesus II, Keble III, Wadham II, St. John's III, Lincoln II, St. Catherine's II. The three leading crews maintained their positions, St. Peter's Hall II finishing nearly two lengths ahead of Pembroke II, who were three lengths ahead of Keble II. The last named got away badly and Hertford II were gaining on them all the way up Iffley Reach. After getting through the Gut Keble II drew away again and in the meantime Christ Church III were gaining rapidly on Hertford II. They overlapped along the Green Bank and appeared to make their bump at the Boathouse, but it was not acknowledged and Hertford II struggled on to the Magdalen Barge before they finally gave way. Worcester II caught Magdalen III at the Freewater stone, Jesus II bumped Balliol III at the Launch Works, Wadham II gained their fifth success by bumping Keble III at the Weirs Bridge and Lincoln II went up again by bumping St. John's III at the Free Ferry.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Balliol II, Oriel II, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Catherine's, St. John's II, Brasenose II, Christ Church II, Trinity II. Exeter II, Merton II, Queen's II, University College II, St. Peter's Hall II. Balliol II had no difficulty in retaining their position, but there was a fine race between Oriel II and St. Edmund Hall II, who, after being within a quarter of a length at the Boathouse, made their bump at Talboy's Barge. St. Catherine's, coming out of the Gut, were less than a quarter of a length in front of St. John's II, who appeared to make their bump at the Crossing. It was not acknowledged, however, and St. Catherine's passed the post in safety. Brasenose II, in the meantime, had been gaining on St. John's II and, after being half a length down at the Long Bridge, gained rapidly along the Green Bank and made their bump just before reaching the Cherwell. Trinity II caught Christ Church II coming out of the Gut. Exeter II just escaped Merton II, reaching the winning post with a couple of feet to spare. Queen's II went down again, being bumped by University College II at the New Bridge.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Corpus, Worcester, Magdalen II, University College, Wadham, Keble, Hertford, Queen's, St. Peter's Hall, Jesus, Merton, Lincoln, Balliol II. Corpus failed to retain the headship of the Division. They held their own up Iffley Reach, but Worcester came up fast on leaving the Gut and made their bump at the beginning of the Green Bank. Magdalen II were caught by University College opposite the Willows, and Wadham, who had three bumps to their credit, rowed through. Hertford went up again, this time at the expense of Keble, whom they bumped just before reaching the Red Post. Queen's came up a length and a half ahead of St. Peter's Hall, but Jesus were soon in difficulties with Merton, who gained steadily all the way up Iffley Reach, and made their bump coming out of the Gut.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, New College, Oriel, Christ Church, Balliol, Magdalen, Brasenose, Exeter, St. John's, Pembroke, New College II, Worcester. Trinity again rowed through, finishing two lengths in front of St. Edmund Hall, who in turn were well away from New College. New College, with Oriel behind them, had to row hard, but reached the post with a third of a length in hand. Magdalen, gaining steadily in Iffley Reach, looked like catching Balliol as at the Boathouse they were within a few feet. Then, however, Balliol drew away again, and finished with a quarter of a length in hand. The only bump made was by St. John's, who overtook Exeter just after passing the Free Ferry.
There were 18 bumps on the fourth day of the Oxford University Summer Eights yesterday, only one of which was in the First Division. St. John's, by catching Exeter, went up for the fourth time, while the second crews of Trinity and Wadham continued their victorious careers. The head boat, Trinity, again had no difficulty in retaining their position. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday in fine weather. Trinity again rowed over at the Head of the River, keeping well away from St. Edmund Hall. For the second evening in succession there was only one bump in the First Division and St. John's made it, this time at the expense of Brasenose.There was a dispute in the Third Division, Brasenose II claiming to have bumped St. Catherine's before St. Catherine's had caught Oriel II.
The racing will be concluded this afternoon, when the Fifth Division will start at 2 o'clock and the others at intervals of an hour until the First Division, which will start at 6.15.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's II, Balliol IV, Oriel III, Pembroke III, Trinity III, Corpus II, Brasenose III, Queen's III, Keble IV, Exeter III, St. Edmund Hall III, Trinity IV. St. Catherine's II were unable to keep the headship of the Division, which changed hands for the third time when Balliol IV, after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach, bumped them just passing the Old Ferry. Oriel III rowed through, the eight following boats all changing places. Pembroke III went down to Trinity III coming through the Gut. Corpus II were bumped by Brasenose III at the same spot, as were Queen's III, by Keble IV. Exeter III were outpaced at the start, and were overtaken by St. Edmund Hall III at Haystack Corner.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall II, Pembroke II, Keble II, Christ Church III, Hertford II, Worcester II, Magdalen III, Jesus II, Balliol III, Wadham II, Keble III, Lincoln II, St. John's III, Balliol IV. St. Peter's Hall II finished nearly two lengths ahead of Pembroke II, who were much the same distance in front of Keble II. The latter were hard pressed by Christ Church III, and coming out of the Gut only a quarter of a length separated the crews. Hertford II, in the meanwhile, had been gaining on Christ Church III and overtook them opposite the old University Barge, so recovering the place they lost on Monday, when they had to bring in a reserve. Magdalen III were bumped by Jesus II just above the New Bridge. Balliol III met with their fifth reverse at the Weirs Bridge when Wadham II, who have so far secured six bumps, overtook them. Keble III were bumped by Lincoln II before reaching the New Bridge and St. John's III were overtaken by Balliol IV after rowing fewer than 30 strokes.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Edmund Hall II, Oriel II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II. Christ Church II, Exeter II, Merton II, University College II, Queen's II, St. Peter's Hall II. Balliol II were bumped by St. Edmund Hall II, who gained steadily in Iffley Reach and caught them coming through the Gut. There was a fine race between Oriel II, St. Catherine's and Brasenose II. At the Balliol Barge Oriel II acknowledged a bump by St. Catherine's but Brasenose II claimed to have caught St. Catherine's before they made their bump and lodged an appeal. St. John's II, Trinity II and Christ Church II finished well away from each other, but there was a fine race between Exeter II and Merton II. Exeter II were a quarter of a length in front coming out of the Gut, but Merton II gained rapidly along the Green Bank and at one point overlapped. Exeter II, however, went on with great determination with three yards in hand. University College II followed some distance behind Merton II but Queen's II went down to St. Peter's Hall II just below the Gut.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Worcester, Corpus, University College, Magdalen II, Wadham, Hertford, Keble, Queen's, St. Peter's Hall, Merton, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Edmund Hall II. Worcester maintained their position without difficulty, but Corpus, after coming out of the Gut only a quarter of a length ahead of University College, were eventually caught at the Brasenose Barge. Magdalen II also went down again, being overtaken by Wadham coming out of the Gut. Hertford and Keble rowed up with a wide gap between the boats at the finish. Queen's lost steadily to St. Peter's Hall in Iffley Reach, and were bumped at the Freewater Stone. Lincoln caught Jesus just before entering the Gut.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, New College, Oriel, Christ Church, Balliol, Magdalen, Brasenose, St. John's, Exeter, Pembroke, New College II, Worcester. Trinity again retained their position without difficulty and came up a length and a half in front of St. Edmund Hall, who were a similar distance ahead of New College. Magdalen came out of the Gut half a length behind Balliol, and were very close along the Wall, but passing the Cherwell bow caught a crab and Balliol escaped disaster. Brasenose were bumped by St. John's at the bottom of the Green Bank, but the remaining crews rowed through, Pembroke finishing within a third of a length of Exeter.
Third Division Bump Dispute
There was no change in the order of the leading boats when the Oxford University summer eights were continued yesterday, and, barring accidents, Trinity should finish head of the river to-night.
Racing yesterday was favoured by glorious sunshine, and once again bumps were plentiful. An objection was lodged in the third division race when St. Catherine's bumped Oriel II opposite the Red Post. Brasenose II, who were overlapping St. Catherine's, could not clear the boat in front of them, with the result that they stopped. They later objected to the bump of St. Catherine's, claiming that they caught the latter earlier in the race and the bump was not acknowledged by St. Catherine's. The matter is to be referred to the O.U.B.C. meeting.
Balliol IV had the distinction of making two bumps, bringing their quota up to five. Other successful crews have been St. John's (five bumps), Trinity II and Wadham II (six bumps each). Crews who have gone down each day are Corpus, Jesus, Magdalen II, Queen's II, Balliol III, and Exeter III. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
The Summer Eights were concluded at Oxford yesterday in beautiful weather. Trinity, who started at the Head of the River, never had any difficulty in retaining their position. There was not a single bump yesterday in the First Division, in which St. John's, with five bumps in the six days, were one of the most successful crews.Wadham II gained seven places during the week's racing and Trinity II and Balliol IV each had six successes. Corpus, Magdalen II, Queen's II, Keble II, and Exeter III each lost six places.
The order of rowing in the two leading crews was :— [as below].
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— St. John's III, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Trinity III, Pembroke III, Brasenose III, Corpus II, Keble IV, Queen's III, St. Edmund Hall III, Exeter III, Trinity IV. There was a good race for the headship up to a point, but after leaving the Gut St. Catherine's II came up rapidly on St. John's III and overtook them at the Willows Oriel III went down to Trinity III opposite Talboy's Barge. Brasenose III, after pressing Pembroke III closely in Iffley Reach, overtook them at the entrance to the Gut. Keble IV drew right up on Corpus II from the start, but although they overlapped at the New Bridge they failed to secure their bump until reaching the Freewater Stone. Queen's III went down to St. Edmund Hall III on reaching the Willows, and Trinity IV gained their first success when overtaking Exeter III at the Launch Works.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall II, Pembroke II, Keble II, Christ Church III, Hertford II, Worcester II, Magdalen III, Jesus II, Balliol III, Wadham II, Keble III, Lincoln II, St. John's III, Balliol IV. Queen's II went down for the sixth time when Pembroke II caught them halfway through the Gut. Hertford II were much too fast for Keble II and coming out of the Gut were within a few yards. Keble II recovered along the Green Bank, but fell away again, and Hertford II bumped them opposite the University Boathouse. Christ Church III, Worcester II, and Jesus II rowed through. Magdalen III were outpaced by Wadham II, who caught them before reaching the New Bridge, and Balliol III went down to Lincoln II near the Lower Bridge [Weirs Bridge?]. Balliol IV, however, made some amends by bumping Keble III at Haystack Corner.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Edmund Hall II, Oriel II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II. Christ Church II, Exeter II, Merton II, University College II, Queen's II, St. Peter's Hall II. St. Edmund Hall II were never in any danger of losing their position at the head of the Division. Balliol II, who followed, were bumped by Oriel II after a hard struggle at the Red Post. St. Catherine's held Brasenose II, finishing half a length to the good. St. John's II, after gaining on Brasenose II in Iffley Reach, fell away, and the latter had a third of a length to spare at the finish. Trinity II and Christ Church II finished well apart, but there was a fine race between Exeter II and Merton II. Merton II were within two or three feet coming out of the Gut, but Exeter II got well past the Cherwell before being caught. The remaining crews finished well away from each other.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Worcester, Corpus, University College, Magdalen II, Wadham, Hertford, Keble, Queen's, St. Peter's Hall, Merton, Jesus, Lincoln, St. Edmund Hall II. University College drew to within half a length of Worcester, but the latter held them and a similar distance separated the crews at the winning post. Corpus again met with disaster and failed to clear the Gut before being overtaken by Wadham. Magdalen II had no better luck and lost a sixth place when Hertford, dashing away at the start, made their bump near the New Bridge. Keble and St. Peter's Hall had a hard race which ended in favour of Keble by less than a quarter of a length. Queen's followed two lengths behind St. Peter's Hall and finished half a length in front of Merton. Lincoln escaped Jesus by a quarter of a length. St. Edmund Hall II made an unsuccessful shot at Jesus right on the post.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, New College, Oriel, Christ Church, Balliol, Magdalen, Brasenose, St. John's, Exeter, Pembroke, New College II, Worcester. Trinity again came through without extending themselves and finished two lengths ahead of St. Edmund Hall. The next three boats were well apart but Balliol had a very hard struggle to escape Magdalen, who were right on to them coming out of the Gut. A yard or so separated the crews at the Boathouse, but Balliol struggled gamely on to the end and finished with two yards in hand. In the meantime St. John's had been steadily gaining on Magdalen, but again the leading crew just got home by a few feet. Brasenose came up well ahead of Exeter, who had some difficulty in escaping Pembroke.
Trinity Retain Headship
The summer eights ended at Oxford in glorious sunshine, and there was almost a complete absence of wind. On the whole the rowing was better than I had expeceted, but considerably below the standard, especially in the first division.Trinity lacked the quickness into the water and the long reach behind the rigger which they possessed last year, but there was no other boat on the river which would have had the least chance of catching them.
They showed their best pace on the day St. Edmund Hall were first behind them last Saturday, when they went right away from them and finished some six lengths ahead. For the rest of the week they were not really pressed, but last night they had to go to keep their distance past the boathouse.
St. Edmund Hall were, on the whole, lucky to catch New College last Friday, and I do not think they would have done so on any other day. That day New College were off form and the Hall right on top. But they are to be congratulated on bringing their boat into such a prominent position in the year they have achieved the status of a college.
New College were in no real danger from Oriel, who made two places on the first two nights. Christ Church found their level behind Oriel. St. John's failed last night to make their sixth bump. There was a terrific race between Balliol, Magdalen and St. John's, but all three struggled home separated by inches and no bumps were made.
Wadham Captain's Success
In the second division Wadham were the most successful crew, and their captain, the son and grandson of old Wadham Blues, is to be congratulated on the way he has revived the college keenness. They were robbed of their sixth bump on Monday by a bump ahead of them. Their second boat was the only one to achieve seven bumps in the six nights.If there was only one boat that made its full complement of possible bumps — Wadham II, there were six who went down six places, but one of them, Keble II, lost three on the first night, being overbumped by Trinity III. Last night in the fifth division not a single boat reached the finishing-post.
In the fourth division Balliol IV made their sixth bump, Lincoln II their fourth, Wadham II their seventh, and Christ Church II their fourth place, and Pembroke their second bump.
In the third division only Merton II and St. John's II went up. In the second division Wadham made their fifth place by bumping Corpus, and Hertford their fourth when they caught Magdalen II. Yesterday's bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
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