Eights 1929Eights 1929
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The Oxford University Summer Eights begin to-day at 3 o'clock. Last year the Eights certainly gave promise that Oxford rowing was on the up grade. This year it must be admitted that the general improvement has not developed as rapidly as might have been hoped. There is no crew really of Grand Challenge Cup class, although Brasenose or University might develop into one. For the most part, while the crews row much better than they paddle, there is a lack of finish to the rowing which does not compare very well with the standard of Cambridge College crews in the past few years. Such faults as riding up the slide and slow wrist work are so generally distributed that they seem to point to the men being badly grounded in the elements of rowing, while the very obvious superiority of the Blues makes one wonder where their successors will come from.Brasenose are scarcely likely to be displaced from their position as the Head of the River crew. They are the only really stylish crew on the river and the only crew who possess what, in the old days, would have been considered length. Graham is stroking with far greater steadiness than he did in the University crew, but he does not seem to be able to whip the stroke up with this college crew as he did then. Even the substitution of 12ft. for 12ft. 3in. oars has not given them the liveliness which is so important in bumping races. Notwithstanding this their stride and the smooth run of the boat should enable them to keep away from any of the next three crews. Certainly at the moment Brasenose seem likely to prove the most fruitful nursery for future Oxford oarsmen.
New College, who are second on the river, are neat and smooth, but short forward and very clipped with their finish. They have a fair turn of pace for a short distance, but as a crew they seem to lack power. Godber is rowing well at No. 6 and McCulloch is, as always, seen to great advantage in his college crew. Strangely enough, the New College second crew, who start as low as 17th, create a better impression in some ways than their first crew. They are well balanced on their feet forward, as, unlike almost all the other crews at Oxford, they now have been taught not to ride their slides up before their bodies come over. They should improve their position.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the Eights is that Magdalen are rowing with swivel rowlocks. As the greatest stronghold of orthodox oarsmanship at Oxford, after New College, during the past 40 years their departure shows how much ground the swivel rowlock has gained since the War, and at the same time how anxious those responsible are to infuse new life into Oxford rowing. One cannot help feeling that Magdalen and Lincoln have fallen between two stools. It was all very well for the University crew to use swivels early in practice to eradicate a body catch, but when it comes to racing, rowing in a fixed-thole style on swivels is hardly conducive to pace. There are many ways of using swivels. Mr. Fairbairn's style is one; that of the Belgians was another; and there are various styles used by American crews, but one feature they have in common is a certain degree of "rowing the blade in" and "rowing the blade out" owing to the limitation of vertical pivoting of the oar. This is not esteemed good rowing by the orthodox school, yet it seems that any attempt to escape from it can only result in dirty feathering and slow wrist-work at both ends of the stroke. The Magdalen crew are frankly disappointing. They had at their disposal the University No. 6 [J. Ingles] and No. 4 [J. M. Macdonald], who are rowing at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively, but they do not look like threatening Brasenose and, indeed, they may find themselves in danger from Exeter, who start fifth, if this crew this year fulfil their practice expectations. In Dodds Parker, who is rowing at No. 4, Magdalen have a heavy-weight who shows promise of being a worthy successor to his father [A. P. Parker], the Blue who rowed in the fine Magdalen crews if the late eighties. The Christ Church crew are neat, but inclined to shortness in the manner of Christ Church crews 20 years ago. No. 5 in this crew looks like a promising man.
Exeter have nominally abandoned Mr. Fairbairn's style for the orthodox, but in point of fact they are rowing more like a Jesus [Cambridge] crew this year than they ever did last year, and their boat moves better than those of Lincoln, Magdalen, or Wadham. They look like springing a surprise again this year as they did last, and they are probably the only crew within reach who could press Brasenose.
The best crew on the river below Brasenose are University, and though they have not as good a rhythm or combination as Brasenose, they are probably considerably faster. Starting 10th, it would be surprising indeed if they did not go up four places or more. Tinné is rowing at No. 7, and though he might not be as stylish now as he was at Putney, he has inherited the family genius for making a crew go fast when he is in the stern. He is admirably backed up by Lowe at No. 6, a very hard-working oarsman who attracted favourable notice last year. This crew can command a high rate of striking, and a most uneven finish does not seem to detract materially from their pace.
Magdalen II are distinctly ragged and are not likely to maintain the highest position which a second crew has ever reached. Wadham and Lincoln on swivels give much the same impression as Magdalen I, but have not the staying power. The bottom of the First Division is indeed stronger than the middle, and Pembroke and St. John's are both hard racing crews. Juel-Brockdorff is particularly good at No. 5 in the Pembroke crew, and is the steadying factor in the boat, which he was essentially not in the University crew.
One does not look for many bumps at the top of the Second Division. Balliol and Trinity are both sound crews but undistinguished.
The order of rowing is as follows :— [...]
Brasenose and the Headship"Eights Week" commences at Oxford this afternoon. There is every prospect of some exciting racing, for, judging on practice form, the crews in the various divisions are remarkably level this year. Without the acid test of outside competition, under which Oxford oarsmen — and Oxford coaches — have failed so lamentably in recent years, it is extremely difficult to appraise domestic standards, but I think that the crews in the first division, taken as a whole, are rather above the average of the last two years.
In the days when Oxford rowing was supreme, the top three or four crews were always a class above the next half-dozen, but this year there is very little difference in pace among the first nine crews, with two exceptions. The lack of real drive and punch from the stretcher which has been so conspicuous by its absence on the Isis of late is still apparent. There is only one crew, and but a handful of oarsmen scattered among the rest, who are really well-balanced on their feet and can lift their whole weights instantaneously, without marked labour, from the stretcher at the beginning of the stroke.
The crew of which I speak is University, which starts tenth on the river. The lowness of their position precludes any chance of their making a bid for the headship of the river. If they had started three places higher up I think that there is little doubt they they would go head on the last night. D. F. Tinné, the Oxford seven, has, for so comparatively light a man, been remarkably successful in stamping his own style on the rest of the crew. Last year he rowed stroke, and but for bad luck would have made seven bumps, eventually scoring five. This year he is rowing seven, where his style is of more value to the crew.
The have been very ably coached by the Rev. J. C. Selwyn, the old Third Trinity oarsman, and Mr. Rayner Wood, and can, with greater ease than any other crew on the river, row a fast stroke. This they were able to do earlier in practice than usual, and last week it looked as if they were bound to go off during the last few days' practice, but they do not appear to have done so, and if they show good racing qualities, they should have a very pleasant and profitable week.
A Powerful Crew
There is no reason why Brasenose should have any difficulty in retaining the Headship. Stroked by Alistair Graham, the crew includes Morphett, the ex-president of the O.U.B.C., and several trial eightsmen. In the earlier part of training they were coached by Mr. Haig-Thomas, who was prevented until Tuesday last from completing their practice by an accident. In the meantime A. MacCulloch, the old University Blue, looked after them. As a crew they are powerful and fairly well together, but although Graham himself is rowing with great life, they are rather ponderous and have not yet attained the capacity to row a fast stroke. Another ten days' practice might have turned them into a really good crew.
New College are of the same type as they were last year, with the exception that they can row a faster stroke, but they do not give the impression of a great racing crew, for they are lacking in dash, and paddle better than they row. Godber is not rowing stroke this year, but at 6. Macdonald-Smith, who rowed in the Oxford crew for a long time last term, had made considerable improvement, and is rowing well at 5, whilst McCulloch, the other Dark Blue spare man, is working hard at 4.
In spite of their strength in the middle of the boat they would, I think, in an ordinary year appear to be bumpable, but Magdalen, who start behind them, are a disappointing crew. On their practice form they do not look as if they would make any impression on New College, and in spite of the fact that J. M. Macdonald and Alan Ingles are rowing at 6 and 5, it will take all the racing qualities for which Magdalen have been so famous in the past to enable them to do so.
Christ Church, who start fourth, are weak in physique, and though they have a certain prettiness of style, are hardly good enough to keep their place. Mr. H. R. Barker has been coaching them during the last week. Exeter in the last two years, since they adopted the Fairbairn style, have, in racing, so belied their practice form that one hesitates to prophesy any great success for them. Under the captaincy of the son of Jasper Knight, the old Exeter and L.R.C. oarsman, they have done their best to revert to the old orthodox style with a certain amount of success, which is perhaps partly obscured by the fact that they are still using swivel-rowlocks. They ought to catch Christ Church to-night, but I do not see any further success for them unless it be very late in the course.
Merton and Wadham
Magdalen II have never been famous for style, and pure hard pushing has brought them to the place which they now occupy, but this year they have nothing like the power of the last two years, and it seems that they are bound to fall considerably.
It is at this point on the card that the greatest uncertainty exists. Merton I have avoided Wadham, though chased by them for the last three years, so consistently that they may be able to do it again through sheer racing capacity. In any case they ought to be able to catch Magdalen II before they are in any great danger to-night.
A week ago it looked as if Lincoln I, who like Magdalen and Wadham, are using swivels, would be able to catch the last named, but this does not seem so probable now. Lincoln have had the occasional advice of Mr. J. Beresford, sen., the famous Thames R.C. [sic], and use their swivels better than the other devotees of the new device, but they seem hardly to have fulfilled their promise, and I think that University ought to make their bump to-night, otherwise they may be badly held up. On the other hand, should Merton make their bump to-night, Wadham might have an easy task to-morrow, and so spoil Tinné's victorious career.
Worcester, who until last week were in the hands of Mr. V. Nickalls, have not come on as they should have done, and are likely to be snapped up by Pembroke and St. John's, who should also take some of the crews sent down by University. Pembroke have Juel-Brockdorff at five, and have been coached by Mr. Pazolt, whilst the old Magdalen Blue, E. R. Burgess, has done a lot for St. John's.
The Second Division
It is when we come to the second division that the decadence of Oxford rowing is most apparent, for with the exception of Trinity I, who have P. D. Barr — rather overplaced — at six, and have been coached by David Raikes,there is very little evidence of good oarsmanship. Jesus have the advantage of a good leg drive, and should improve their position, whilst B.N.C. II, who have some of the characteristics of the head boat, should consolidate their position in the second division.
The third division are, with few exceptions, deplorable. Wadham II, Lincoln II, Exeter II, and Keble II being the most likely to make bumps. However, where oarsmanship is bad racing qualities count so much more in the scale, and it is futile to attempt to make any seasoned forecast save to say that Oriel III, who have put on for the first time, are likely to stay at the bottom of the river.
The starting order is [...]
Oxford Summer Eights opened yesterday. The weather was gloriously fine with a light breeze and the crews found very little stream against them over the mile course from Iffley to Salters'. The entry of 43 crews was the largest on record.Thirteen bumps were made in the four divisions and a remarkable incident occurred in the Fourth Division. New College III, a new crew, started fourth instead of sixth, their official position, and as a consequence were able to claim a bump on Hertford. Brasenose retained the headship of the river without any real difficulty, although New College gained some ground. Both Exeter and University justified their reputations with a bump each. Details :—
The order of starting in the Fourth Division was :— St. John's II, Trinity II, Hertford II, New College III, Jesus II, Corpus II, and Oriel III. There was some exciting racing up Iffley Reach, and as the first six boats entered the Gut there was very little between them. Trinity II put in a good spurt at the Freewater Stone, and caught St. John's as they came out of the Gut. Hertford, however, succeeded in reaching the Willows before having to give way to New College III, while Jesus II were overtaken by Corpus II near the Long Bridges.
The order of starting in the Third Division was :— Hertford, Brasenose II, Worcester II, Wadham II, University II, St. Edmund Hall, Oriel II, Queen's II, Lincoln II, Exeter II, Pembroke II, Keble II, and Trinity II. Brasenose gained considerably on Hertford before reaching the Green Bank. Along the Willows the latter held their own and, although Brasenose made a well-sustained effort along the Wall, Hertford kept them off and finished with about half a length to spare. Worcester and Wadham had a determined struggle from the Gut, but Worcester managed to hold their own until reaching the New College barge, where Wadham made their bump. There was some exciting racing between University, St. Edmund Hall, and Oriel, but the boats lay too wide to make a bump. University escaped St. Edmund Hall by a matter of two or three yards, while the latter finished a quarter of a length in front of Oriel. Queen's soon began to lose ground to Lincoln, who caught them before reaching the Gut. Exeter II, who followed, were run into by Pembroke near the Weirs Bridge, and both boats were severely damaged, Exeter sinking. Keble II in consequence found their course blocked and Trinity ran into them.
The order of starting in the Second Division was :— St. John's, Balliol, Trinity, Queen's, New College II, Jesus, Corpus, St. Catherine's, Oriel, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Keble, and Hertford. A good race was witnessed for the headship between St. John's and Balliol, whilst the latter were in some danger from Trinity. St. John's, however, stayed on well, and, after being hard pressed at Saunders Bridge, eventually finished half-a-length in front. A similar distance separated Balliol from Trinity. Trinity held Queen's without much difficulty and came in their starting distance ahead. New College gave Jesus a hard race over half the course, but on reaching the Green Bank, Jesus put in a fine spurt and made their bump at the Cross. Corpus held St. Catherine's up Iffley Reach. Coming through the Gut, however, the latter made ground rapidly and effected a bump opposite the Long Bridges. Oriel kept right away from Balliol, finishing three lengths ahead, but Christ Church II were quite outpaced by Keble, who caught them near the Weirs Bridge.
The order of starting in the first division was :— Brasenose, New College, Magdalen, Christ Church, Exeter, Magdalen II, Merton, Wadham, Lincoln, University, Worcester, Pembroke, St. John's. Brasenose were never in any danger of being caught by New College, who were about their distance behind at the Boat House. New College came up a bit under the Wall, but Brasenose were not distressing themselves and passed the post more than a length ahead. Magdalen made no impression on New College and had lost some ground to Christ Church, when the latter were caught by Exeter half-way along the Green Bank. Merton outpaced Magdalen II, who failed to get clear of the Gut before being bumped. Wadham paddled up. Lincoln were caught by University before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Pembroke finished half-a-length behind Worcester and some lengths ahead of St. John's.
Thirteen Bumps on First DayGlorious conditions attended the racing in the Summer Eights that commenced at Oxford yesterday, and there was little wind or stream to affect adversely the rowing. The attendance at the four divisions, however, was hardly as numerous as usual. The racing, on the whole, was not very exciting, there being few close finishes, and all the thirteen bumps were affected [sic] below the Cherwell.
Brasenose kept the place at the head of the river from New College without much difficulty, and their greatest danger may come from Exeter, who soon accounted for Christ Church. In the third division Exeter had their boat smashed up when Pembroke bumped them, and incidentally were the cause of Keble being bumped by Trinity. In the fourth division, through some misunderstanding, New College started fourth instead of sixth, their official place, and bumped Hertford.
The day's bumps are indicated by brackets in the separate divisions as follows: [...]
Dull, oppressive weather, with the possibility of a thunderstorm, had a considerable effect on the attendance at the second day's racing in the Oxford Summer Eights.The Boat Club Committee dealt with the situation that had occurred on Thursday in the Fourth Division through the boats starting in the wrong order by ordering the five lower crews to row again at 2 o'clock. The result was that Corpus gained a place by bumping Jesus II in Iffley Reach. Later Corpus II scored another point by catching Hertford II, while New College III made amends for their previous disappointment by bumping Jesus II. Details :—
The order of starting in the Fourth Division was :— Keble II, St. John's II, Hertford II, Corpus II, Jesus II, New College III, Oriel III. Keble II had a very easy task, as they increased their starting distance all the way up, and came in six lengths in front of St. John's II. Corpus II followed up their success earlier in the afternoon, notwithstanding a determined effort by Hertford II, who were eventually bumped, opposite the Worcester Barge. New College III, on the other hand, made short work of Jesus II, and caught them between the Ferry and the Freewater Stone.
In the Third Division the order of starting was :— Hertford, Brasenose II, Wadham II, Worcester II, University II, St. Edmund's Hall, Oriel II, Lincoln II, Queen's II, Pembroke II, Exeter II, Trinity II, Keble II. Hertford came up head of the Division. Brasenose II, who followed them, were overtaken by Wadham II as the boats came out of the Gut. Worcester held their own against University II with ease, finishing their distance ahead. University II, however, had a gruelling race with St. Edmund's Hall, who were in turn pressed by Oriel. Bad luck overtook St. Edmund's Hall as, just as they had got within striking distance of University II, one of their crew caught a crab and they fell to Oriel II near the Red Post. Lincoln II paddled up. Queen's II, who followed, were caught by Pembroke II at the Launch Works. Exeter II fared even worse, as they quite failed to stall off a dashing effort by Trinity II at the start, and were bumped just before reaching the Weirs Bridge.
The order of starting in the Second Division was :— St. John's, Balliol, Trinity, Queen's, Jesus, New College II, St. Catherine's, Corpus, Oriel, Balliol II, Keble, Christchurch II, Hertford. Balliol gained a good deal on St. John's, and at the Boathouse were within half a length. They further reduced the lead, but, after passing the Cherwell, St. John's held them and reached the post a quarter-of-a-length in front. Trinity followed three lengths in the rear of Balliol and finished nearly their distance in front of Queen's, who were well away from Jesus. St. Catherine's soon began to draw on New College II, but, although the boats were well clear in the Gut, St. Catherine's put in a fine effort and made their bump at the beginning of the Green Bank. It was much the same with Oriel and Corpus, the latter holding their own until passing the Long Bridges, where Oriel spurted and effected their bump at the Willows. Balliol II were quite outpaced by Keble, who bumped them at the Weirs Bridge. Hertford made ground on Christ Church II and finished within a length.
The First Division order of starting was :— Brasenose, New College, Magdalen, Exeter, Christ Church, Merton, Magdalen II, Wadham, University, Lincoln, Worcester, Pembroke, St. John's. Brasenose came up well away from New College and finished in capital form, passing the post fully a length ahead. There was a great race between Exeter and Magdalen. Exeter were within half a length at the Bridges, and further reduced the lead along the Green Bank. Magdalen recovered ground at the Boathouse, but Exeter came again and finishing with great determination only failed to make their bump by a matter of a few feet. Christ Church who followed a long way in the rear had Merton pressing all the way, half a length separating them at the finish. Merton in the meantime had drawn several lengths away from Magdalen II. University made short work of Wadham who had to give way at Salter's Launch Works, and Worcester after a gallant struggle were caught by Pembroke just after passing the Cherwell.
As usual at the week-end there was an increased attendance, both on the bank and on the barges, for the Oxford University Summer Eight-oar races. The more settled conditions doubtless accounted for it, and in place of heavy thunder-clouds the weather was bright and clear, with a refreshing south-westerly breeze, which may, perhaps, have caused some slight discomfort to those crews who failed to take advantage of the shelter afforded by the Berkshire shore.The racing in the Fourth Division proved quite interesting, inasmuch as three bumps were recorded. Corpus II claimed their third victim, although at the Boathouse it appeared that St. John's II would get home in safety, but they lost rapidly along the wall and had to give in at the Cherwell. New College III went up again, and, thanks to one of the Jesus II crew catching a crab, they fell victims to Oriel III, and so secured the wooden spoon. All the three bumps recorded in the Third Division occurred below the Boathouse, but Pembroke II and Lincoln II provided an exciting race, and the issue was in doubt until the boats had passed the post. There seemed little probability of Lincoln being caught at the Boathouse, but Pembroke made a really fine effort on getting in the line for home. This was countered by the dogged perseverance of the Lincoln crew, which met with its reward as they succeeded in averting disaster by the matter of a few feet. Trinity II, who seem something of a triton among minnows, claimed another victim, making their fourth bump in the three days, Queen's II being overtaken immediately after the start. Wadham II also claimed another victim in Hertford, which put them in the Second Division, but their victorious career was checked when Christ Church II caught Balliol II in Iffley Reach, and they had to be content with a row-over.
Balliol made another good effort to secure the headship of the Second Division, but the result was again the same, St. John's finishing with a comfortable margin to spare. In turn, Balliol had to extend themselves to shake off the attentions of Trinity. Supporters of Queen's had something of a shock when their boat came out of the Gut, hotly pressed by Jesus, who, mindful of the prowess of St. Catherine's, tried cutting down tactics. At one point it looked as though they would prove successful, but Queen's made an excellent recovery after passing the Boathouse. Jesus, on the other hand, fell away, and St. Catherine's, coming up in determined fashion along the Wall, made their bump at the Cherwell. New College II experienced some difficulty in keeping clear of Oriel, but Corpus fell victims to Keble, who thus made their third bump. Christ Church II accounted for Balliol II before reaching the Ferry. Brasenose rowed better than ever, and without unduly exciting themselves finished Head of the River, with a length and a half to spare from New College.
After the close finish of the previous afternoon between Magdalen and Exeter there were hopes of another long and exciting struggle, but it failed to materialize, as Exeter, adopting different methods, went up rapidly from the start and made their bump at the Red Post. Consequently there will be much interest in their race with New College to-day. Magdalen's bad luck did not end here, as their second crew, catching a crab at the start, fell easy victims to University, this making the latter's third success. Pembroke made a good effort to overhaul Lincoln and finished within half a length, making up a lot of ground in the last quarter of a mile.
In the Fourth Division the order of starting was :— Keble II, St. John's II, Corpus II, Hertford II, New College III, Jesus II, Oriel III. Keble kept well away from St. John's, who lost ground steadily to Corpus II. They got away a bit along the Green Bank, but failed to sustain the effort, and Corpus caught them opposite the Cherwell. New College were soon gaining on Hertford and overtook them in the Gut. Jesus and Oriel had a good race until, going up the Green Bank, one of the Jesus crew caught a crab, and Oriel bumped them at the Willows.
In the Third Division the order of starting was :— Hertford, Wadham II, Brasenose II, Worcester II, University II, Oriel II, St. Edmund's Hall, Lincoln II, Pembroke II, Queen's II, Trinity II, Exeter II, Keble II. Wadham were much faster than Hertford, and, although the latter made a determined effort in the Gut, Wadham bumped them at the beginning of the Green Bank. Brasenose were slow in getting off the mark, and Worcester were within a length of them at the Boathouse. From this point, however, Brasenose held their own and finished that distance ahead. Oriel also went up, after being well on to University coming out of the Gut. They caught them near the New Cut. There was a fine race between Lincoln and Pembroke, for, although Lincoln were well away at the Boathouse, Pembroke finished very strongly. Trinity dashed into Queen's at the start amd bumped them after rowing for fewer than 20 strokes.
In the Second Division the order of starting was :— St. John's, Balliol, Trinity, Queen's, Jesus, St. Catherine's, New College II, Oriel, Corpus, Keble, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Wadham II. An interesting race was rowed between the three leading boats. About half a length divided each at the Boathouse and they practically maintained these distances to the finish. There was some exciting racing between Queen's, Jesus, and St. Catherine's. Coming out of the Gut Jesus were right on to Queen's and apparently in no danger from St. Catherine's. Queen's, however, showed an unexpected recovery, while Jesus had apparently rowed themselves out, as after passing the Boathouse St. Catherine's began to gain rapidly and, spurting hard along the Wall, caught them just before reaching the Cherwell. New College had a hard matter to keep clear of Oriel, but their efforts met with success and they passed the post with a third of a length in hand. Keble caught Corpus as the boats were entering the Gut, and Christ Church II made short work of Balliol by bumping them near the Weir Bridge.
In the First Division the order of starting was :— Brasenose, New College, Magdalen, Exeter, Christ Church, Merton, Magdalen II, University, Wadham, Lincoln, Pembroke, Worcester, St. John's. Brasenose paddled past the post a length and a half ahead of New College. Exeter quickly gained on Magdalen and, rowing with plenty of life, succeeded in overhauling them near the Red Post. Christ Church lost ground to Merton, but were never in any danger of being caught, a length separating them at the post. Whatever chance Magdalen II had of escaping University was lost at the start, when one of their men caught a crab and University bumped them after rowing 17 strokes. Wadham finished a length ahead of Lincoln, who after being well away from Pembroke had them get within a quarter of a length at the finish. Worcester came up a length and a half and St. John's followed their distance in the rear.
Exeter's SuccessThere was the usual large crowd at Oxford for the Saturday racing in the Summer Eights, which took place in brilliantly fine weather. The first race was at three o'clock, for the seven Fourth Division crews. Corpus II and St. John's II had a hard race, and Corpus, coming up fast at the crossing, overtook St. John's at the Cherwell. New College III were always gaining on Hertford II and struck them in the Gut, while Jesus II, when fairly safe from Oriel III, had the misfortune to catch a crab and lose their place along the willows.
The thirteen Third Division crews were sent on their journey at four o'clock. Wadham II went to the head of the division by catching Hertford coming out of the Gut, and University II succumbed to Oriel II at the new cut. The second boats of Lincoln and Pembroke had a capital race along the barges, and in the end Lincoln got home by about two yards. Trinity II made their fourth bump in three days by catching Queen's II after rowing about fifteen strokes. For a Third Division crew they are particularly fast.
The thirteen crews in the Second Division followed, and there were also three bumps registered. Queen's, after being pressed by Jesus, got away, and the latter, falling off, were caught by St. Catherine's after a fine sprint under the wall at the Cherwell. Corpus fell prey to Keble on passing the ferry, and Christ Church went up at the expense of Balliol II just before the Weirs Bridge.
Then came the First Division crews, with Brasenose again rowing over with something to spare at the head of the river. Magdalen and Exeter repeated their desperate struggle of Friday, but with this difference, that on this occasion Magdalen had to strike their colours at the red post. Exeter are disciples of the Fairbairn style, and their success is ominous. Magdalen II also had an unhappy experience, as shortly after the start one of their crew caught a crab, and twenty strokes was sufficient for University to pull them down a place. Pembroke only just failed to catch Lincoln, who had a few feet to spare at the close.
There were eleven bumps altogether during the day, and these are indicated by brackets in each division as follows: [...]
With heavy thunder during the early morning and every possibility of more to follow it was not surprising to find reduced attendances at the Summer Eights racing at Oxford yesterday.The racing in the First Division was uninteresting so far as the leading crews were concerned. Brasenose, the Head Boat, were never unduly pressed by New College, although they lost a little, and it was the same with New College, who held Exeter without going all out. All the other crews in the division changed places and, as was expected, University continued their victorious career unchecked, at the expense of Lincoln. Wadham recovered the place they they lost to University on Saturday by bumping Magdalen II at the Long Bridges.
It was fine, but dull and oppressive, when the fourth Division crews rowed, and those who gathered at the finish were surprised to see that neither Corpus II not Oriel III, who had both made bumps on Saturday, rowed through, being bumped by St. John's II and Jesus respectively. Corpus broke a slide immediately after the start, and were caught at the Ferry. Oriel were more or less waterlogged owing to a leaky boat, which had been holed in Saturday's race, and they had to give way to Jesus at the Cherwell, after an heroic effort to get home. The third division was singularly uninteresting, only one bump being scored. Queen's had another reverse, this time at the hands of Exeter, although they got farther up the course than on any previous occasion. In the Second Division the first four boats rowed through, for, although Balliol at one time flattered their supporters, St. John's maintained their position at the head of the division with a substantial margin in hand. St. Catherine's had hard luck, for, intent on maintaining their winning sequence, their coxswain committed an error of judgment on coming round the corner at the entrance to the Gut and ran them into the bank. Jesus rowed past them, thus making the third re-bump during the afternoon. Oriel bumped New College coming through the Gut, the impact landing the Oriel bow in the river. Balliol II made a poor fight with Wadham II and had to give way near Salter's works.
In the Fourth Division the order of starting was :— Keble II, Corpus II, St. John's II, New College III, Hertford II, Oriel III, Jesus II. Keble paddled up without distressing themselves, several lengths ahead of New College, the two intervening boats having changed places. Corpus started badly. St. John's, on the other hand, got away very smartly and, gaining rapidly in Iffley Reach, made their bump at the Free Ferry. Hertford followed some distance behind New College, and Oriel III, whose boat had taken in a considerable amount of water, fell victims to Jesus II, after a prolonged struggle, on reaching the Cherwell.
In the Third Division the order of starting was :— Wadham II, Hertford, Brasenose II, Worcester II, Oriel II, University II, St. Edmund's Hall, Lincoln II, Pembroke II, Trinity II, Queen's II, Exeter II, Keble II. Wadham got well away from Hertford and, taking things leisurely, rowed up fully three lengths ahead. Hertford, on the other hand, had to row hard to escape Brasenose II. The latter came up well in the first half-mile, and at the Willows were only about a quarter of a length in the rear. Along the Wall Hertford recovered somewhat and, maintaining their effort, finished half a length to the good. Worcester followed, two lengths behind Brasenose and a length ahead of Oriel, who were well clear of University. The latter had by no means an easy time of it with St. Edmund Hall following them. The latter gained a lot up to the Wall, but from this point University held their own and passed the post with a third of a length in hand. St. Edmund Hall in the meantime had drawn right away from Lincoln. A wide gap separated the next three crews, but Queen's again experienced disaster, Exeter bumping them on coming through the Gut.
In the Second Division the order of starting was :— St. John's, Balliol, Trinity, Queen's, St. Catherine's, Jesus, New College II, Oriel, Keble, Corpus, Christ Church II, Balliol II, Wadham II. A good race was rowed between St. John's and Balliol, the latter having drawn well up at the Boathouse. St. John's, however, stayed on well and ultimately finished with half a length in hand. Trinity failed to make much impression on Balliol, but kept well away from Queen's, who followed three lengths in the rear. St. Catherine's made a determined effort to catch Queen's, but, coming into the Gut, the fouled the bank and Jesus rowed past them. New College failed to hold Oriel, who drew up rapidly from the Ferry and made their bump in the Gut. Keble at the time had gained somewhat on Oriel. Keble, Corpus, and Christ Church rowed up at wide intervals, but Wadham made short work of Balliol II and bumped them at the Launch Works.
In the first division the order of starting was :— Brasenose, New College, Exeter, Magdalen, Christ Church, Merton, University, Magdalen II, Wadham, Lincoln, Pembroke, Worcester, St. John's. Brasenose were never pressed by New College in the race for the headship. Both crews showed capital form and Brasenose finished a good length in front. Exeter gained some ground on New College, but never got close enough to cause them any anxiety, and a similar distance separated them at the finish. Magdalen came up lengths ahead of Christ Church, but no other crew rowed through. Merton could never go the pace of University, who came up fast with the start and made their bump just after passing the Free Ferry. Magdalen II were bumped by Wadham at the Long Bridges. Pembroke bumped Lincoln at the start of the Willows and Worcester fell victims to St. John's just after passing the Weirs Bridge.
When the racing was continued in the Summer Eights at Oxford yesterday there were ten bumps in the first division [sic, actually 10 bumps overall].In the First Division, Brasenose were never pressed by New College in the race for headship. Both crews displayed capital form, and Brasenose finished a good length in front. Exeter gained some ground on New College, but never got close enough to cause the Wykehamists any anxiety, and a similar distance separated them at the finish.
Magdalen came up lengths ahead of Christ Church, but no other crew rowed through.
Yesterday's bumps are denoted by brackets opposite the crews in each division [...]
The Oxford University Summer Eights were continued yesterday in brilliant sunshine.There was hardly any stream, but the weather was not so favourable as before on account of a strong north-easterly wind. Balliol II had a very brief stay at he head of the Third Division, falling to Hertford after clever work by the latter's coxswain. The headship of the Second Division also changed hands, Balliol, after rowing through on four occasions, succeeding in catching Worcester after a most interesting struggle. Wadham II continued their victorious career unchecked, Christ Church II providing them with their fifth bump near the Weirs Bridge. The First Division racing was not very interesting. Brasenose rowed better than ever, coming in a length and a half ahead of New College. University made their fifth successive bump.
The order of starting in the Fourth Division was :— Keble II, St. John's II, Corpus II, New College III, Hertford II, Jesus II, Oriel III. St. John's II quite failed to make any impression on Keble II, and the latter paddled up with an advantage of fully two lengths. Whatever chance Corpus II had of recovering their position at the expense of St. John's was entirely spoilt by one of their crew catching a crab soon after the start, and they fell to New College III just before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Hertford paddled up. Jesus II, after struggling hard up Iffley Reach, were caught by Oriel III in the Gut.
The Third Division order of starting was :— Balliol II, Hertford, Brasenose II, Worcester II, Oriel II, University II, St. Edmund's Hall, Lincoln II, Pembroke II, Trinity II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Keble II. Hertford soon began to gain on Balliol II, and were within a length of them coming out of the Gut. Passing the Boathouse, Hertford drew up rapidly and were overlapping at the Cherwell. They were lying wide, however, and their coxswain, displaying excellent judgment, delayed his shot until opposite the Old University Barge. Brasenose II went off very badly, and, one or two of their crew catching crabs, they fell to Worcester II before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Oriel II came up two lengths ahead of University II, who lost considerable ground to St. Edmund Hall, the latter finishing a bare length behind. Lincoln followed two lengths behind. Pembroke II were bumped by Trinity II, who, showing much improved form, made their bump just after passing the Weirs Bridge. Queen's II were quite outpaced by Keble II, who caught them soon after the start.
The order of starting in the Second Division was :— Worcester, Balliol, Trinity, Queen's, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Oriel, New College II, Keble, Corpus, Christ Church II, Wadham II, Hertford. There was an interesting race for the headship of the division. Balliol had gained considerably on Worcester coming out of the Gut, but the latter held their own along the Green Bank and there was a wide gap between them at the Boathouse. After passing Saunder's Bridge, however, the Balliol stroke put in a fine sprint, and, gaining rapidly under the wall, they made their bump at the Magdalen Barge. Trinity rowed up a long way ahead of Queen's, but there was an exciting race between Jesus, St. Catherine's, and Oriel. St. Catherine's had drawn right on to Jesus, and, having made one futile shot, nearly fell to Oriel, but St. Catherine's second shot under the Willows met with success. Oriel, New College II, Keble, and Corpus rowed through, Corpus coming in a long way behind Keble. Christ Church II were outpaced by Wadham II and were bumped at the Weirs Bridge.
The First Division order of starting was :— Brasenose, New College, Exeter, Magdalen, Christ Church, University, Merton, Wadham, Magdalen II, Pembroke, Lincoln, St. John's, Balliol., There was never any prospect of a bump taking place between the three leading boats, who came up at wide intervals, Brasenose finishing a length and a half in front of New College, who were almost as far ahead of Exeter, while Magdalen finished two and a half lengths behind the latter. University made short work of Christ Church, running them down at the Free Ferry. Merton finished well away from Wadham, but Magdalen II were caught by Pembroke at the Weirs Bridge, and Lincoln fell to St. John's near the Free Ferry.
Twelve Bumps YesterdayThere was a continuance of the fine weather for the fourth day's racing in the Oxford Summer Eights, and twelve bumps were recorded.
The Fourth Division went off first, and in this New College III caught Corpus II at the Weirs Bridge, and Oriel III overtook Jesus II coming into the Gut. In the Third Division there were four bumps. Hertford rose into the Second Division when they overtook Balliol II at the old 'Varsity barge. Worcester II caught Brasenose II at the Weirs Bridge, Trinity II bumped Pembroke II at the same spot, and Keble II ran into Queen's II soon after the start.
Bumps in the Second Division numbered three. By catching Worcester opposite Magdalen barge, Balliol went up into the First Division. St. Catherine's made their third bump by overhauling Jesus along the willows, and Wadham II bumped Christ Church II just before the Weirs Bridge.
There were three bumps in the First Division, in which Brasenose again rowed over at the Head of the River. University made their fifth bump by catching Christ Church at the ferry. Magdalen II lost their fourth place, Pembroke overtaking them at the Weirs Bridge, and St. John's ran into Lincoln at the ferry. The races conclude to-day.
Yesterday's bumps are indicated by brackets opposite the crews concerned [...].
Brasenose remain Head of the RiverAfter a week's continuous fine weather the Oxford Summer Eights were brought to a close yesterday, when Brasenose retained the Headship of the River.
Brasenose had no difficulty in maintaining their position, and New College also rowed through. University wound up a series of successes with a fine victory over Magdalen, and their time of 6min. 23sec. is not far off a record [presumably this refers to the time of a practice run over the course]. Pembroke made their fourth bump.
Balliol maintained their position at the head of the Second Division. St. Catherine's again improved their position, and but for the unfortunate mishap on Monday, when the catching of two crabs caused them to run into the bank, they might have gained more than four places. Wadham II finished in brilliant fashion by bumping Corpus before getting to Iffley Reach, this making their sixth bump, a remarkable feat, seeing that they were one of the lightest crews on the river. Trinity II were also a very successful crew with five bumps to their credit.
The order of finishing was :— [...]
Yesterday's Races
The order of starting in the Fourth Division was :— Queen's II, St. John's II, New College III, Corpus II, Hertford II, Oriel III, and Jesus II. The three first boats provided an exciting race. Queen's II soon began to lose ground to St. John's II, who, in turn, had New College III pressing them hard. St. John's made an effort to save themselves by a bump over Queen's, but did not succeed, and New College III, making a fine spurt, caught them in the Gut, St. John's at the time being within a few feet of Queen's. Corpus II paddled up fully their distance in front of Hertford II, wide gaps also separating the following boats.
The Third Division order of starting was :— Hertford, Balliol II, Worcester II, Brasenose II, Oriel II, University II, St. Edmund's Hall, Lincoln II, Trinity II, Pembroke II, Exeter II, Keble II, and Queen's II. Hertford rowed up the head of the Division, Balliol II, who followed, being caught by Worcester II just after passing the Red Post. Oriel II gained somewhat on Brasenose II, but never got within striking distance and the latter finished with a length in hand. After unsuccesful efforts on Monday and Tuesday, St. Edmund Hall, showing marked improvement, succeeded in catching University II on coming into the Gut. Pembroke II, who had been bumped by Trinity the previous afternoon, recovered their position, although at one time Trinity looked like bumping Lincoln II. There was a great race between Exeter II and Keble II all the way up, but Keble got home with a foot or so to spare.
The order of starting in the Second Division was :— Balliol, Worcester, Trinity, Queen's, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Oriel, New College II, Keble, Corpus, Wadham II, Christ Church II, Hertford. Balliol retained their position without much difficulty, although Worcester gained ground. Balliol led home by about half-a-length, Trinity following, three-quarters of a length behind Worcester. Queen's lost ground to St. Catherine's in Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut were only half-a-length ahead, Jesus, hard pressed by Oriel, being about the same distance behind St. Catherine's. Along the Green Bank St. Catherine's made a fine effort, and finally overtook Queen's at the beginning of the wall. Jesus struggled to escape Oriel but without success, the latter making their bump soon after passing the New Cut. Wadham II quite outpaced Corpus and starting off well bumped them before reaching the Launch Works. Christ Church and Hertford had a splendid race. The latter made a spurt along the Willows but failed to make their bump and Christ Church got away again. Hertford made further but ineffectual efforts and after an exciting struggle from the Cherwell Christ Church got home with a yard or two to spare.
The order of starting in the First Division was :— Brasenose, New College, Exeter, Magdalen, University, Christ Church, Merton, Wadham, Pembroke, Magdalen II, St. John's, Lincoln, Balliol. Brasenose kept their place as Head of the River without any difficulty and passed the post a length and a half in front of New College, who were a length ahead of Exeter. University went off at a tremendous pace and bumped Magdalen before getting out of Iffley Reach. Christ Church kept well away from Merton, but there was a prolonged struggle between Wadham and Pembroke, which ended in the latter making their bump near the Cherwell. St. John's bumped Magdalen II just after rounding Haystack Corner, and a good race between Lincoln and Balliol ended in Lincoln getting home by three-quarters of a length.
The Successful Crews
The following are the names and schools of the Head of the River crew, Brasenose, and of University and Wadham II, who each made six bumps :— [as below]
Brasenose Retain the HeadshipEights week ended at Oxford last night in brilliant weather, though it was rather cooler than on previous days. I do not remember a week in which the sun has shone so consistently, but, on the other hand, the crews have had to contend with all sorts of winds, which have tested them to the utmost, and caused a great deal more cross bumping among the lower boats than usual.
Brasenose were never in the least danger of losing the headship during the whole week's racing. Whether they would have been able to keep away from University had the latter raced behind them is a question that can never be solved. A rumour went round on Saturday that University had intended to allow Wadham to bump Magdalen II, who were already on the downward path, and then try to make an over-bump on Merton. This would have been very audacious tactics, for if Merton, as many thought probable, had bumped Christ Church there would have been no chance of University going up.
Even if they had done this they would have had no chance of catching B.N.C., and the utmost they could have done would ahve been to finish up second on the river. The manner in which they attacked Wadham showed that rumour was once more a lying jade. Brasenose were, I think, a better crew than that with which they went head last year. Certainly they had greater potentialities, and there is plenty of scope for improvement before they are seent at Henley, whether the order of the crew is changed on not. They rowed in the following order: [as below. The names match those listed in The Times except that "Sloane" is spelled with an "e", omitted in The Times. Also, while The Times lists schools, the The Telegraph lists weights]
University's Six Bumps
University were far and away the most attractive crew on the river. They were by no means perfectly together, and during races probably lost some of the uniformity with which they started. All their bumps were made with the most complete ease, for they never rowed for as long as a minute and a half before making their bump, and conquered Magdalen II in 35sec. They are the first crew which has been seen at Oxford for some years that really combined leg work and body work in the way that used to be taught. In the words of R. S. de Havilland, the great Eton coach, "They put their blades in with their feet." It is to this that they owed their undoubted pace.
I understand that the whole of the crew will be in residence next year. This is not necessarily a good thing either for the crew itself or for the college, but it ought to make their path to the headship an easy one. Last year, with Tinne at stroke, they made five bumps; this year they have made six, and three more will place them beyond ambition.
The success of Exeter in making two bumps redounds very much to the credit of Jasper Knight the younger, who elected, in his second year, as captain of his club after the crew had been formed, decided to eschew the doctrines of Mr. Steve Fairbairn. The change over was done with skill, and the good leg drive which the college had learned was not dropped, as might so easily have been the case.
For the rest, New College remained as they started, a rather dull crew. Had there been an oarsman in the boat who could have instilled life and fire into his companions they might have been a good deal faster. Pembroke, who start badly — they were nearly bumped on the first night — improved considerably during the races. The only crew which scored a bump each night, besides University, was Wadham II.
Last Night's Racing
In last night's racing in the Fourth Division the only bump scored was that of New College III over St. John's II. New College fully justified the putting on of a third boat by gaining four places during the week. In the Third Division, Worcester II bumped Balliol II, who had gone down every night except the first, when they were saved by a bump behind them. St. Edmund Hall retrieved their misfortunes on the first night by bumping University II, whilst Trinity II were unaccountably caught by Pembroke II, whom they had defeated on Tuesday.
In the Second Division, St. Catherine's further improved their position by catching Queen's. Wadham II made their sixth bump easily on Corpus, and Oriel brought Jesus back another place. In the First Division there was no excitement among the three head boats. University caught Magdalen coming into the Gut. Wadham made a great effort to catch Merton, but the wash was too much for them, and they were eventually caught by Pembroke. Magdalen II fell easy victims to St. John's, and Balliol established themselves in the First Division by catching Lincoln [? contradicts The Times, and the following year's starting order]
Order of finish [...]
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