Eights 1922Eights 1922
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The Summer Eights will be begun at Oxford this afternoon.In spite of the decisive defeat which Oxford suffered in the Boat Race this year, college rowing has improved very considerably, and I think this may be attributed in no small measure to the salutary innovation of keeping a University second eight in training during Boatrace practice on home waters. Also there is scattered throughout the college crews an abundance of excellent young material which will probably be of use in future years. Last year, before the races, there did not seem to be any good crew at all, though eventually New College proved themselves an excellent crew, both at Oxford and at Henley. This year, if there is no crew so good as
New College was last year, at least there are many nearly as good. New College itself, Magdalen, Merton, Christ Church, Corpus Christi, Magdalen II, Brasenose, and Lincoln are all good crews and are rowing in decent style. There is no doubt that the example of last year's New College, which did not contain a single Blue and only one Trial Eightsman, has done a great deal towards stimulating enthusiasm and good rowing this year. The improvement in wristwork among the crews this year must be credited largely to the example of that crew, coached as it was by Dr. Bourne. This year he has coached the Brasenose crew as well as his own college, and indeed with just as much, if not more, success. Both these crews are well together, and here again they are not alone. Other crews, having seen last year what a perfectly drilled crew can do, have set their minds to getting well together, and, at any rate in the First Division, there are very few crews where the blade work is not good, and there are many where the bodies are well timed, too.
To criticise the crews individually, New College are lighter than they were last year, and seem to miss Beevor, who rowed No. 6 last year. Their style is unaltered, but they seem to lack the power which they had last year. On the other hand, Baker at stroke is rowing better than he was a year ago, and is no longer late on his crew. He is, as usual, well backed up at No. 7 by Parker. The sliding in this crew is exceptionally good. Their boat never seems to pause at all at any part of the stroke, though this may, of course, be due to the boat itself, the result of several years' experiment on the part of Dr. Bourne. She is considerably shorter than an ordinary eight. The crew have until the last week been rowing with 12ft 6in oars, with 6½in. blades. As a result of cutting these down to 6in., they have gained extra liveliness, and it will need a fast crew indeed to catch them. Clear water is worth a good length over the course.
Magdalen have put on a heavy crew with a 14st. man in Olmsted rowing at No 6. Nickalls, the University President, is at No. 7, and two other Blues are in the boat. As far as material is concerned, Magdalen have an overwhelming preponderance, but their pace is not equivalent to their weight and experience. Until lately, they were a ponderous combination, but lately they have become much more lively. Their chief fault is one that was seen in both their Grand Challenge Cup crews, a tendency to snatch at the water the last few inches forward. Nor are they really as long as they might be with advantage. They are, however, well together, and have a very good leg-drive at the beginning of the stroke.
Merton are unfortunate in having lost Raikes. With him they would have been a fine crew, and might have gone Head. As it is, they are handicapped by the absence of any good heavyweights and by inexperience. They are well together and lively, but Irvine [of Everest fame], the University no.2, who is stroking them, is a better racer than he is a stroke, and there is consequently a tendency throughout the crew to tumble forward. They command a considerable turn of speed nevertheless, and look as if they would make a really good crew at Henley, when they have been longer together.
Trinity have rather a ragged crew to look at, but they created a surprise in Eights last year, and also in the University Fours, where, except for bad steering, they would have won. Eason, who stroked the winning Trial Eight, is giving them a good length, and Lewis, at No. 6, is rowing very well, as he has done during the past two years in Eights. Christ Church, who follow Oriel, are being stroked by A. V. Campbell, the University stroke. They are a much better crew than they were last year. They are well together, and their blade work is, except for stroke himself, crisp and clean. Like Magdalen, they have a 14st. man in the boat. Balliol are like Merton in suffering from inexperience. The two mainstays of the crew are Bingham at No. 7 and Thorneycroft at No. 6. A freshman can practically never carry a College crew on his shoulder, however good he may be, and although the Balliol crew is a better one that that of last year, it is lacking in life. University are not a good crew, but Corpus, who follow them, are remarkably good for a light crew. They are practically unchanged since they did so well against the Norwegians at Henley, but they have improved since then. Their boat runs very well between the strokes, and they are well together. Magdalen II, who follow Corpus, have the nucleus of the crew which was beaten by the Norwegians by a foot. They have a new stroke, however, and a new man in the bow thwart. They are undoubtedly the best crew on the river for their size; they average well under 11st. It would be extremely hard to cite so good a second crew at Oxford in recent years. Indeed at one time they were the fastest crew on the river, and even now there are only two or three as fast. The secret of their pace lies in an excellently timed leg-drive.
Although Exeter have Barter — who would have rowed in the Boat Race but for his accident — stroking them, they are not so good a crew as they were a year ago, and Worcester and Keble, also with Blues rowing, are not among the best crews in the Second Division, yet Brasenose and Lincoln are very good indeed as Second Division crews. In the Lincoln boat Coates is rowing particularly well at No. 7. Indeed, throughout the Second and Third Divisions the oarsmanship is evidently grounded on a more solid basis of good coaching than has been the case for at least two years.
The order of starting this afternoon is as follows :— [...]
The "Eights" at Oxford, as usual, are held about a week before the "Mays" at Cambridge, and the six days' racing will begin to-day and end the following Wednesday. On the Cam the races start on June 7, and last four days, ending on the Saturday. Generally speaking, the standard of rowing at Oxford this year is of a low order, and none of the crews at the top of the First Division approach Grand Challenge Cup form, and only two crews (New College and Magdalen) seem to show any possibilities in that direction. Heavy weights of any merit are distinctly scarce on the Isis. New College, who start head of the river, have had the benefit of Professor Bourne's coaching, and are rowing in a section boat of his special design, which appears to travel well between the strokes, in spite of showing daylight for 18in under the bow when the crew are rowing. They are neat, well together, and show signs of rhythm and correct wrist work at the finish of the stroke, though the blade-work is light at the finish in several cases, resulting in a breaking up of the "paddle" [puddle?] when rowing at high pressure. The last days of practice may remedy this, and if they remain as well together racing as they are at a paddle, they should retain the headship. J. R. Baker, who got his trial cap in 1920, and very nearly his Blue, is stroking again, and they have a Rugby Blue at No. 5, who is doing good work, and should be worth watching if he can be persuaded to remain on the water. Unfortunately, Rugby football takes many a good heavy-weight away from the boats.Magdalen, who are immediately behind them, will make a determined effort to recapture the position they rather unexpectedly lost last year, and seem likely to be the only crew to seriously challenge New College. They have three Blues in the boat — Nickalls (the new O.U.B.C. president), Earl, and Durand (who rode [sic] in the 1920 race) — with a trial cap or two, and the heavy-weight Harvard University oarsman Olmstead at No. 6. They are a powerful combination, although not an attractive one, appearing to lack balance over the stretcher. Balance and correct wrist work at the finish of the stroke seem almost lost arts in modern rowing. The oarsmen appears to cultivate (after much tribulation) a moderately clean finish by partly rowing the blade out and shooting away his hand at the level they came in, without any perceptible drop. The Australian crew some years back at Henley showed up precision of wrist work not often seen over here. I do not advocate an exaggerated drop of the hands which one sees sometimes, and which tends to drive the boat down and spoil its "shoot," but the blade should be squarely held to the finish, with the hands well on the chest, and the drop and turn chiefly executed by the arched inside wrist. Good and exact wrist work not only pleases the eye but adds considerably to the run of the boat, and skill in the finer essentials has given victory before now over crude oarsmanship and brute strength.
There is no fast crew among those immediately behind New and Magdalen, though on my second visit Christ Church seemed to have made considerable improvement compared with when I first saw them, and Trinity gave evidence of possessing a moderate turn of speed. Magdalen II are very little slower than their first boat, and ought to do well. Worcester and Lincoln appear useful crews, and Brasenose, who had a fortnight with Professor Bourne on the Severn before term began, are pretty sure to go up most nights. They also are racing in a section boat of his special design. Magdalen III are a strong crew for their position in the third division, and ought to go up.
A great deal depends on the result of the six days' racing as to who will go on to Henley. There can hardly be a strong college entry for the Grand Challenge Cup with a Leander crew captained by E. D. Horsfall and including Playford, of Jesus [Cambridge], in it, but I hope Pembroke College, Cambridge, will be strong enough this year to enter for the Grand. Last year they did 6min 55sec on two occasions when competing for the Ladies' Plate and were unfortunate in not winning the cup. New College will probably go. Magdalen (I was told on the towpath) did not intend to defend the trophy, though a success in "Eights" might change their plans. The foreign entries for Henley Regatta close on June 1, and there is a probability of two eights visiting England, one from Norway and one from Switzerland. Last year the Norwegians won the Thames Cup, and will probably try for the Grand on this occasion [the Grand in 1922 was won by Leander].
Fine weather favoured the first day's racing in the Summer Eights at Oxford yesterday. The number of crews enetered is one more than last year, Oriel II having been taken off and Merton and Wadham having added a second boat each, making 35.In the Third Division the order of starting was: Balliol II, St. Catherine's, Trinity II, Hertford, Worcester II, Jesus, Magdalen III, St. Edmund Hall, University II, Queen's II, St. John's II, Merton II, and Wadham II. Hertford gained on Trinity II rapidly and made their bump shortly after passing the Free Ferry. After a hard race for a considerable distance, Magdalen III bumped Jesus at Saunders' Bridge. University II were quickly bumped by Queen's II through some of the crew catching sundry crabs, and Merton II fouling the University boat, were bumped by Wadham II.
The order of starting in the Second Division was: Worcester, Queen's, Exeter, Lincoln, Christ Church II, Wadham, Keble, New College II, Pembroke, Lincoln II, Brasenose, and Balliol II. Queen's, after a game struggle, were bumped by Exeter near Long Bridges. Pembroke bumped New College II at the New Cut. and Brasenose bumped Lincoln at Iffley Ferry.
The First Division started in the following order: New College, Magdalen, Merton, Trinity, Oriel, Christ Church, Balliol, University, Corpus, Magdalen II, St. John's, and Worcester. The leading boats maintained their position without difficulty. An exciting race followed between Trinity and Oriel, the latter getting to within half a length at the finish. Corpus bumped University at the Free Ferry.
The races will be continued to-day.
There was again a large attendance on the College barges and banks of the Isis yesterday afternoon for the second day's racing of the Summer Eights. The results were :—The crews in the Third Division started in the following order:— Balliol II, St. Catherine's, Hertford, Trinity II, Worcester II, Magdalen III, Jesus, St. Edmund Hall, Queen's II, University II, St. John's II, Wadham II, and Merton II. There was a keen struggle between the first three boats, but at the finish Balliol II were about a length to the good, and Hertford were about the same distance from St. Catherine's. Worcester II gained steadily on Trinity II from the start, and bumped them at the Free Ferry. A close race followed between Jesus and St. Edmund Hall for about half a mile, and the former escaped from being bumped by a bare quarter of a length. Early in the race Wadham II bumped St. John's II.
The crews in the Second Division started in the following order :— Worcester, Exeter, Queen's, Lincoln, Christ Church II, Wadham, Keble, Pembroke, New College II, Brasenose, Lincoln II, and Balliol II. Exeter gained so rapidly on Worcester that before reaching Long Bridges only a quarter of a length separated the crews, but from there Worcester went gradually away, and at the post were about a length to the good. After a hard struggle for three-fourths of the course Queen's were bumped by Lincoln at the Green Bank. Brasenose, as was expected, had little difficulty in bumping New College II, catching them at Weirs Bridge.
The crews in the First Division started in the following order :— New College, Magdalen, Merton, Trinity, Oriel, Christ Church, Balliol, Corpus, University, Magdalen II, St. John's, and Worcester. New College again maintained their position without greatly exerting themselves, finishing with a clear length to the good. After passing the Boathouse a fine struggle followed between Trinity and Oriel right up to the winning post. The latter overlapped at one point, but Trinity, owing to skillful steering, just managed to escape. Balliol were bumped by Corpus Christi at the Green Bank, and University were bumped by Magdalen II at the Free Ferry. Worcester missed bumping St. John's by about two feet at the finish.
Racing will be continued to-day.
There was again a large gathering of visitors at the third day's racing of Summer Eights at Oxford on Saturday afternoon, the towing path and the various college barges being crowded. The racing was very exciting, especially among the Third Division boats, among whom there were five bumps.Third Division.— Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Catharine's, Hertford, Worcester II, Trinity II, Magdalen III, Jesus, St. Edmund Hall, Queen's II, University II, Wadham II, St. John's II, and Merton II. St. Catharine's made a great effort to go to the Head of the Division, a few feet only separating them at the Willows, but spurting well Balliol II drew away and escaped. Worcester II were close upon Hertford at the Long Bridges, and bumped them at the Boathouse. Trinity II again went down, Magdalen III bumping them early in the race. St. Edmund Hall were close on to Jesus, but their hopes of a bump were destroyed when the were bumped themselves by Queen's, at the Willows. University II were bumped by Wadham shortly after passing the Long Bridges, and St. John's II went to the bottom of the river, being bumped by Merton II at Weirs Bridge.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— Worcester, Exeter, Lincoln, Queen's, Christ Church II, Keble, Wadham, Pembroke, Brasenose, New College II, Lincoln II, and Balliol II. Worcester remained Head of the Division, but only after an exciting race with Exeter reaching the Post less than a quarter of a length to the good. Christ Church II were hard pressed by Keble from the start, and were bumped at the Free Water Stone. Pembroke had an easy bump, rowing into Wadham before reaching the Ferry. Balliol II, in spite of their arduous exertions as head boat in the Third Division, succeeded in bumping Lincoln II at the Weirs Bridge.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— New College, Magdalen, Merton, Trinity, Oriel, Christ Church, Corpus, Balliol, Magdalen II, University, St. John's, and Worcester. There was again no change in the first half dozen boats, although Oriel were within half a length of Trinity at the finish. The leading boat was fully a length in front of Magdalen at the Post. Magdalen II, however, caught Balliol at the Long Bridges, and University were bumped for the third time when St. John's got them at the Willows.
The races will be continued to-day.
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday, in fine weather. There were several close stuggles, and one boat — St. Catherine's suceeded in making two bumps. Details :—The crews in the Third Division started in the following order :— Lincoln II, St. Catherine's, Worcester II, Hertford, Magdalen III, Trinity II, Jesus, Queen's II, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, University II, Merton II, and St. John's II. St. Catherine's gained on Lincoln II from the start, and, although the latter slightly recovered, they were bumped at the Green Bank. Jesus and Queen's II had a prolonged struggle and the latter effected their bump opposite the College Barge. St. Edmund Hall were bumped by Wadham.
The crews in the Second Division started in the following order :— Worcester, Exeter, Lincoln, Queen's, Keble, Christ Church II, Pembroke, Wadham, Brasenose, New College II, Balliol II, and St. Catherine's. A fine race followed between Worcester and Exeter over the whole course, and the former escaped being bumped by about three yards. Christ Church II were bumped by Pembroke at the Weirs Bridge, and Brasenose bumped Wadham near the Free Water Stone. New College II and Balliol II were hampered by one of the boats, which had been bumped, and while in this position St Catherine's, the Sandwich Boat, bumped Balliol II, not only making their bump, but sinking the craft.
The crews in the First Division started in the following order :— New College, Magdalen, Merton, Trinity, Oriel, Christ Church, Corpus, Magdalen II, Balliol, St. John's, University, and Worcester. There were again three bumps effected, making nine altogether in the day's racing. New College rowed in a length and a half in front of Magdalen. Trinity were bumped by Oriel at the Red Post. After being pressed hard all the way by Magdalen II, Corpus at the finish were barely half a length in front. Balliol were bumped by St. John's at the Green Bank, and University made their fourth downward move, being bumped by Worcester at the Red Post.
The races will be continued to-day.
There was again a large attendance at the Summer Eights at Oxford yesterday. Details :—The crews in the Third Division started in the following order :— Balliol II Lincoln II, Worcester II, Hertford, Magdalen III, Trinity II, Queen's II, Jesus, Wadham II, St. Edmund Hall, University II, Merton II, and St. John's II. Worcester II, rowing with great dash from the Ferry, bumped Lincoln II shortly after passing the Long Bridges. Magdalen III bumped Hertford near the Boathouse, and Queen's II bumped Trinity II at the Long Bridges. Wadham II scored their fifth success by bumping Jesus in Iffley Reach, and Merton II bumped University II opposite the Magdalen Barge.
The crews in the Second Division started as follows :— University, Exeter, Lincoln, Queen's, Keble, Pembroke, Christ Church II, Brasenose, Wadham, New College II, St. Catherine's, and Balliol II. University had to acknowledge their fifth defeat, Exeter, after a hard struggle, bumping them at the Red Post. Pembroke gained on Keble from the start, and bumped them shortly after passing the Long Bridges. Brasenose were again successful, on this occasion bumping Christ Church II before reaching the New Cut.
The crews in the First Division started in the following order :— New College, Magdalen, Merton, Oriel, Trinity, Christ Church, Corpus, Magdalen II, St. John's, Balliol, Worcester, and Exeter. Magdalen made a strenuous effort to wrest the Headship of the River from New College, and gained slightly, but at the finish New College were a good length in front. Merton got within half a length of Magdalen at the Post. Trinity were bumped by Christ Church II at the Red Post. Worcester, after an exciting race from the Long Bridges, bumped Balliol at the New Cut.
The races will be continued to-day.
The Oxford Summer Eights were concluded yesterday. Details :—No crew list is given for the Head Crew, New CollegeThe crews in the Third Division started in the following order :— Balliol II Worcester II, Lincoln II, Magdalen III, Hertford, Queen's II, Trinity II, Wadham II, Jesus, St. Edmund Hall, Merton II, University II, and St. John's II. After a hard race Magdalen III bumped Lincoln II at the New Cut. Wadham II achieved their sixth success by bumping Trinity II early in the race. One of the crew of St. Edmund Hall had the ill luck to catch a crab at the start, and, being unable to recover themselves, they were quickly bumped by Merton II.
The crews in the Second Division started in the following order :— Exeter, University, Lincoln, Queen's, Pembroke, Keble, Brasenose, Christ Church II, Wadham, New College II, St. Catherine's, and Balliol II. Lincoln bumped University under the Willows, this making the sixth downard move. Queen's got away rather slowly at the start and were bumped by Pembroke at the Free Water Stone, and at the Ferry Brasenose bumped Keble. New College II bumped Wadham just after passing the Weirs Bridge.
The crews in the First Division were started in the following order :— New College, Magdalen, Merton, Oriel, Christ Church, Trinity, Corpus, Magdalen II, St. John's, Worcester, Balliol, and Exeter. There was only one bump in this division, Exeter bumping Balliol at the Willows. New College kept their position as Head of the River with ease, finishing a length and a half in front of Magdalen. Merton got to within half a length of Magdalen at the finish, and another fine race between St. John's and Worcester resulted in the former getting home with only three yards to the good.
During the six nights' racing fifty-two bumps were made, of which Wadham II scored the full number; Pembroke and Brasenose five each; and Magdalen III and Queen's II four each. University lost as place each day; Balliol, Lincoln II, and Trinity II five each; and Wadham four.
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