Eights 1935

BUMPS CHART

STANDINGS Start Finish Pos College Pts Pts College 1 Magdalen 75 73 New College 2 New College 69 69 Oriel 3 Oriel 69 67 Magdalen 4 Balliol 62 62 Balliol 5 Worcester 55 53 Christ Church 6 Brasenose 47 47 Trinity 7 Christ Church 47 47 Brasenose 8 University 43 41 Worcester 9 Trinity 39 40 St Edmund Hall 10 Exeter 34 38 University 11 St Edmund Hall 34 33 Exeter 12 St John's 34 31 St John's 13 Keble 31 31 Keble 14 Jesus 25 28 Corpus Christi 15 Merton 22 24 Jesus 16 Queen's 22 21 Pembroke 17 St Catherine's 21 20 St Catherine's 18 Pembroke 20 20 Merton 19 Hertford 19 19 Wadham 20 Lincoln 17 19 Lincoln 21 Corpus Christi 17 18 Queen's 22 St Peter's 14 15 Hertford 23 Wadham 14 14 St Peter's

STATISTICS College All Crews [ ]=rank Crews Bps Avg St Edmund Hall 3[ 3] 10[ 1] 3.33[ 3] New College 4[ 1] 9[ 2] 2.25[ 4] Wadham 2[13] 7[ 3] 3.50[ 2] Corpus Christi 1[22] 7[ 3] 7.00[ 1] Brasenose 3[ 3] 6[ 5] 2.00[ 5] Keble 3[ 3] 2[ 6] 0.67[ 8] Exeter 3[ 3] 2[ 6] 0.67[ 8] Balliol 3[ 3] 2[ 6] 0.67[ 8] Lincoln 2[13] 2[ 6] 1.00[ 6] Trinity 3[ 3] 1[10] 0.33[11] Pembroke 1[22] 1[10] 1.00[ 6] Christ Church 3[ 3] 0[12] 0.00[12] St Peter's 2[13] 0[12] 0.00[12] Jesus 2[13] -1[14] -0.50[14] Magdalen 4[ 1] -2[15] -0.50[14] University 2[13] -2[15] -1.00[16] Oriel 3[ 3] -3[17] -1.00[16] St John's 2[13] -3[17] -1.50[18] Merton 3[ 3] -5[19] -1.67[19] Queen's 2[13] -5[19] -2.50[20] St Catherine's 2[13] -6[21] -3.00[21] Hertford 2[13] -7[22] -3.50[22] Worcester 3[ 3] -15[23] -5.00[23]

• 6 days: Thu 23 – Wed 29 May 1935
• Time of Div I changed from 6 to 6.15 (see The Times, Thu 23 May).
• Overbump in Div V — the first in Eights since 1909, although although the most recent in Torpids was in 1933

• The Times Thu 23 May, from Our Rowing Correspondent

  The first division of Summer Eights does not start till 6.15 to-day to allow old rowing men to catch a convenient train from London. Judging from last year's Trial Eights, and indeed the University crew itself, the standard of individual rowing at Oxford seems to have improved greatly this last year, but the improvement in College rowing, which might have accounted for this, is, save in one case, nowhere evident in the crews that will race in Summer Eights to-day.

  Of the 58 crews competing (three more than last year), none are really first-rate, and the general standard of the crews outside the first division is lower than ever before. It is not that there are not plenty of men willing to row, but they are not, it would appear, willing to undergo the hard work without which crews cannot be welded together and eight-oared rowing is scarcely worth while.

  Oriel, who start Head for the second year in succession, are a mediocre crew. They row in a genuinely Metropolitan style, as do Exeter and Jesus, and, alone with those two crews, they have attained that smooth run of the boat which has long distinguished such crews as Jesus, Pembroke, and Selwyn at Cambridge. Oriel had a disappointing experience in Torpids and their Torpid crew has only been reinforced by two old eights men. Nevertheless they are really well together, which is more than any of the orthodox crews behind them them are. With this advantage and the advantage of clear water which any crew starting Head possesses, they may retain their position. If they do it will mean that the standard of Oxford rowing is low. New College, who start second, have three Blues rowing. Hope, the new President, is at No. 5; Hogg, who rowed at No. 5 in last year's winning Grand Challenge Cup crew, is at No. 7, and Mynors at No. 4. This crew are quick on to the beginning and combine their bodies and legs well in the first part of the stroke, but they are rather weak at the finish and they are not nearly so well together as Oriel. Hogg is rowing well at Seven.

  The Promise of Magdalen
  Balliol, the third crew are inexperienced save for Ryan at No. 7. They have been coached by Mr. R. C. Sheriff. They are well together and quite quick on to the beginning. Nor are they ponderous, as so many Balliol crews have been in the past, but they are very short and it does not look as if they can keep their place so high in the First Division. Magdalen, Christ Church, and University are all substantially faster. Probably the best crew is Magdalen. They have been coached by Mr. E. D. Horsfall and Mr. G. O. Nickalls, who have brought to them some understanding of the methods by which the Magdalen crews of their own day won the Grand Challenge Cup. Here is no showy, but useless, lift of the body, which is so often regarded as orthodox rowing, but a genuine kick off the stretcher extended to the end of the slide by the proper use of the body. The crew are for the most part very young and inexperienced. They do not keep time well and they are clumsy, but it is the nearest approach in Oxford to good rowing, and they have good rhythm and a fair turn of pace. The University selectors will have to look at this crew.

  Sturrock, at over 14 st., is stroking, and stroking extraordinarily well. His No, 7 is very small, but he keeps time with him and gives the rest plenty of length. Merrell [Morrell] an Etonian Freshman at No. 5. rows a deep, yet effective blade, and Baillieu, the Freshman, son of an old Blue, at No. 4, is a hard worker, who should develop if he can remember his legs and forget his back. On the whole this crew is the most likely to go Head, though they are not much faster than New College or Oriel. They have certainly developed astonishingly since the Head of the River race in April.

  Worcester, who start fourth, have a smooth, easy style, though No. 6 rather breaks the appearance of the boat with his hunched shoulders and crooked swing, but they are slow into the water and are not strong enough or long enough. The same applies to Brasenose, who are now sixth, though they are longer than Worcester. It is disappointing to be unable to pick out promising young oarsmen outside the 16 who rowed in Trial Eights. Christ Church start seventh, so that they could go Head if they made a bump every night. It seems probable that they will by next Wednesday have improved their position at the expense of Brasenose, Worcester, and Balliol. They are generally regarded as the best crew, but they are a little disappointing when rowing. They have been coached by K. Payne, the ex-Cambridge President, who, together with J. A. MacNabb and J. Prideaux [W. A. Prideaux], is now trying to revive Oxford College rowing.

  A Good Example
  When paddling Christ Church look like a really good Third Trinity crew, though they are a good deal more powerful than any Third Trinity crews of recent years. Couchman, who is rowing very well, is stroking them and is setting them a good example. An unobtrusive oarsman, his merits have never been fully recognized. Bankes is at 6, and he, too, is rowing very well. In a college crew which rows at a slow rate he is to be seen at his very best. There is no question of his hurrying forward, so he can use his great strength to the best advantage. Of the two Trial Eightsmen, Barker and Eugster, the latter at 5, who is even heavier than Bankes, is an extremely attractive oarsman to watch. Impressive as they are when paddling this crew are not really together in their work and they are undeniably ponderous. Their pace is consequently disappointing. They may be by a narrow margin the fastest crew on the river, but I do not think that they are. Were their rowing as good as their paddling they would be the best college crew seen at Oxford since the Christ Church crew of 1925.

  Actually it is by no means improbable that University College, who start behind them, will gain on them till the Gut. With Tomlin at stroke and Ogilvie and Sciortino behind him, their stern four is as good as that of any crew on the river. They are easily the hardest working crew and can row 38 all over the course. It is not a rhythmical 38, but a high stroke in itself has a virtue in bumping races. The bow four are weak; indeed it is less than a fortnight since they put in two men from their second crew, but the stern four are admirably together and this crew seem certain to improve their position.

  Behind University College are Trinity, with Sutcliffe at 6, Mosley the ex-President, at bow, and Duntze, the Trial Eights man, at 4. Sutcliffe is rowing as perfectly as ever, but the crew are very badly together, and he cannot carry them on his shoulders. Of the other crews in the First Division, St. Edmund Hall and St. John's both row in a body-catching style and are likely to fall victims to Exeter, who do let their boat run well.

  In the Second Division the Corpus crew are not so good as that which made six bumps last year, but Winser is, if anything, stroking them better than ever. He has got great drive and far more rhythm and length than ever he showed in the University crew, and he leads his crew as a stroke with personality should lead his college crew. Of the others, Queen's, immediately behind Corpus, row hard, but the standard is definitely disappointing.

  The starting order is :— [...]

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 23 May, by G. C. Drinkwater

  Oriel may remain at the Head

  Task of New College

  Eights week begins at Oxford this afternoon, and will continue until next Wednesday. Some exciting racing is promised, especially among the leading crews. On the whole, I think that the standard of rowing is a little higher than it was last year. This is very largely due to the efforts of Old Cambridge men who are trying to raise the level of achievement on the Isis.

  Last Saturday, when I saw the crews completing the more serious part of their training, there were far more Light than Dark Blues taking an active part on the towpath.

  Mr. T. G. Askwith, who, I understand, is training for the Diamond Sculls again, was coaching Oriel, who start head of the river to-day. He has followed Mr. Page, the captain of Thames, who took the crew in the early stages. Of last year's crew only two remain, the three [A. F. Martin] and four [E. G. H. Moody], who are now rowing stroke and seven.

  They will miss Cunningham when it comes to racing, but stroke is setting them a good rhythm, and they are longer and smoother than a year ago. It is easier to stay head of the river than to go to the head, and the general impression is that they are just fast enough to defy opposition. On the other hand, there are several good crews lower down, one of which may come with a rush and make a great fight for the headship towards the end of the week.

  New College, who start second, are rather ponderous. The new President of the O.U.B.C., R. Hope, is rowing at five with Mynors behind him, and Hogg at six. Coached by Col. Philips, they have been using long oars, but towards the end of the week obtained a shorter set, and are now displaying more life. But unless Oriel fail to show racing qualities, I do not think they are likely to catch them.

  Magdalen should advance

  Balliol have lost the services of Costley-White, who is in the schools, and though they show more dash than usual, they will have to fight for their place. Magdalen, who have reverted to fixed thole pins, have been coached by Major Horsfall and Mr. G. O. Nickalls. Stroked by Sturrock, they are rowing with good length, and are very well coupled up, and I look to see them improve their position. Worcester and Brasenose have no great strength and may easily fall to any or all of the next four crews.

  Christ Church, coached by Mr. Kenneth Payne and stroked by Couchman, are the most powerful crew on the river. Their rate of striking, though reputed to be low, was by no means bad on Saturday, when they rowed a full course against a very strong head wind. Behind them came University, coached by Mr. Walter Prideaux, and stroked on bow side by E. E. D. Tomlin, with Ogilvie at seven and Sciortino at six.

  Trinity, with Sutcliffe at six and M. H. Morley at bow, are a good crew, although holding a comparatively low place on the river. They are being coached by Mr. J. A. Macnabb, the fourth old Light Blue.

  Yet another good crew has been produced by St. Edmund's Hall, who have made such rapid progress in recent years. It is unfortunate that they should find themselves immediately below three of the better crews in the first division, but they should undoubtedly improve their position during the week. Order of starting: [...]

• The Times Fri 24 May

  The Oxford Summer Eights were begun yesterday, when 58 crews were competing, being an increase of three on last year's number. The Third Division consisted entirely of second crews, and in the Fifth Division two colleges, New College and Magdalen, were represented by a fourth boat. The weather was gloriously fine, but there was a very strong east wind which swept across Iffley Fields and seriously interfered with the steering. Magdalen lost the leadership of the Second Division to Keble, after struggling hard to the Boathouse, but Pembroke, Corpus, Lincoln, and Wadham all made their bumps over the lower half of the course. There was no change in the headship of the First Division, and although New College certainly gained considerably on Oriel, the latter were going the better at the finish and passed the post with about a length in hand. Protests have been lodged with regard to some of the bumps, and will be decided by the Committee later on.

  Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Exeter III, Brasenose III, Oriel III, Wadham II, Trinity III, Keble III, Merton III, St. Edmund Hall III, New College IV, Magdalen IV. There was a mix-up at the start, for although the leading boat Exeter, got away the wind caught Brasenose III who collided with a starting punt and so fell victims to Oriel III. Wadham II, in turn, were unable to get clear of Trinity III who caught them soon after the start. Keble III and Merton III followed a wide distance apart, but St. Edmund Hall failed to withstand an early challenge by New College IV and had to give way a little above the Weirs Bridge.

  Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Hertford II, Jesus II, New College III, Lincoln II, Worcester III, St. Catherine's II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, St. Edmund Hall II, Christ Church III, Balliol III, Exeter III. Trinity paddled up double their starting distance in front of Hertford II, who had a very hard matter to escape Jesus II over the first half of the course. Jesus were right on to them coming out of the Gut, but they lost distance up the Green Bank and Hertford, staying the better, finished a length ahead. New College III had bad luck as the wind drove them into the bank immediately after the start and Lincoln II rowed past them. Worcester in consequence did not have to exert themselves and paddled up at their leisure. St. Catherine's II were quite unable to hold St. Peter's Hall II, who got well away and made their bump before reaching the launch works. Magdalen III lost steadily from the start and had to lower their colours to St. Edmund Hall II just below the Weirs Bridge. Balliol III overhauled Christ Church III and Exeter III paddled over.

  Third Division. Order of Starting.— New College II, Balliol II, Oriel II, Worcester II, Merton II, University College II, Christ Church II, Keble II, Exeter II, Queen's II, St. John's II, Brasenose II, Trinity II. Balliol II made up on New College II, and were well on to them at the end of Iffley Reach. Coming through the Gut, however, they spoiled their chance of success by catching two crabs, which enabled Oriel II to draw on to them and at the Boathouse half a length divided the two crews. Balliol II lost further ground along the Wall and Oriel, putting in a fine effort after passing the Cherwell, made their bump within 30 yards of the winning post. Worcester made a gallant effort to stall off a determiend challenge by Merton II after coming out of the Gut, but failed. Merton gaining rapidly from the Willows and making their bump at the University Boathouse. There was another mishap lower down as Christ Church II fouled the bank just after the start and were bumped by Keble II. Exeter II who followed, were unable to get clear and Queen's II rowed past them, thus securing a bump. Disaster also overtook St. John's II, who were driven into the bank near Haystack Corner and thus fell easy victims to Brasenose II

  Second Division. Order of Starting.— Magdalen II, Keble, Jesus, Pembroke, St. Catherine's, Corpus, Queen's, Hertford, Lincoln, Merton, Wadham, St. Peter's Hall, New College II. Magdalen II failed to retain their position, Keble who were making up all the way effecting a bump near the new Boathouse. Jesus, who were being hard pressed, gained somewhat on Keble, but Pembroke came with a rush at the Freewater Stone and caught Jesus at the start of the Green Bank. St. Catherine's fell victims to Corpus just before entering the Gut. Queen's paddled over, Hertford being caught by Lincoln just before the Gut. Merton fell victims to Wadham at the Free Ferry. St. Peter's Hall lost a place to New College as they collided with a Trinity eight going down to the post and severely damaged their boat.

  First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Worcester, Brasenose, Christ Church, University College, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, St. John's, Exeter, Keble. New College gained on Oriel over the first half of the course and about a length separated them at the Boathouse. From this point, however, Oriel held them and, despite strenuous efforts by New College along the Wall, they failed to make any further impression and Oriel, rowing well within themselves, finished with a length in hand. New College were well away from Balliol, who had to row hard in order to escape Magdalen, who made up a lot of ground towards the end to finish within a length. Worcester were outpaced by Brasenose, who overhauled them at the Weirs Bridge. Several lengths separated Christ Church from University College, who finished well ahead of Trinity, who, in turn, were three lengths in front of St. Edmund Hall. St. John's fell victims to Exeter at the Ferry.

• The Daily Telegraph Fri 24 May

  Oxford Summer Eights Mishap

  Two Boats in Collision

  The Oxford University summer eights started in rough weather yesterday. There was one unusual incident. St. Peter's Hall, who were paddling down to the start for the second division race, were crashed into by Trinity, who were doing a fast minute row. Boat boats were damaged, Trinity's considerably, but no one was injured. St. Peter's could not get another boat in time to get to the start and so forfeited a place to New College.

  Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Sat 25 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The easterly gale had moderated somewhat at Oxford yesterday when Eights Week was continued, but it hampered the crews considerably, particularly in the lower reaches of the river. Oriel retained the Headship. As a result of the claims and objections made on Thursday, St. Peter's Hall, who were run into by Trinity on their way to the starting post, rowed against New College II in the morning to decide who should start behind Merton in the Second Division. New College II were right up on their opponents at the New Boathouse, but they took a rather a wide course along the Wall, which enabled St. Peter's Hall to pass the post with a few feet in hand.

  Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Exeter III, Oriel III, Brasenose III, Trinity III, Wadham II, Keble III, Merton III, New College IV, St. Edmund Hall III, Magdalen IV. Exeter III paddled over after leaving the Gut as Oriel III, losing ground all the way up Iffley Reach, were caught by Brasenose III, whom they had bumped the previous afternoon at the Freewater Stone. There was another reversal of form between Trinity III and Wadham II, the latter recovering their position just above the Free Ferry after a hard struggle up Iffley Reach. New College IV experienced bad luck, as something went wrong with the steering, and, going right across the river at the start, they were bumped by St. Edmund Hall III at Haystack Corner. Magdalen IV were well up on St. Edmund Hall III at the time and, rowing hard, they finished within half a length of Merton III.

  Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Hertford II, Jesus II, Lincoln II, New College III, Worcester III, St. Peter's Hall II, St. Catherine's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Christ Church III, Exeter III. Trinity II had an easy task, as Hertford II, who followed, lost ground to Jesus II from the start and were bumped at the Free Ferry. Lincoln II were hard pressed by New College III up Iffley Reach, and, although they held their own through the Gut, were bumped at the Long Bridges. St. Peter's Hall II made another bump, at the expense of Worcester III, just before reaching the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's II were soon in difficulties, St. Edmund Hall making a good start and catching them before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Magdalen III finished their starting distance ahead of Balliol III, but Exeter III, after making a big effort in Iffley Reach, caught Christ Church III just before entering the Gut.

  Third Division. Order of Starting.— New College II, Oriel II, Balliol II, Merton II, Worcester II, University College II, Keble II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II. New College II retained their position at the head of the Division, but had to row hard all the way, Oriel II getting within a length at the finish. The latter were well away from Merton II, who were about six lengths behind. Merton II, however, had had a very hard struggle to escape from Worcester II, who, at one point, were being pressed by University College II Worcester II were within a quarter of a length of Merton II, but University College II finished the strongest of the three and overtook Worcester II at the Corpus barge. Queen's II, who had rowed past Exeter II the previous afternoon but whose claim of a bump was disallowed, made amends for their bad luck on that occasion as they went up at the start and caught Exeter II before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Brasenose II, St. John's II, and Trinity II finished wide distances apart.

  Second Division. Order of Starting.— Keble, Magdalen II, Pembroke, Jesus, Corpus, St. Catherine's, Queen's, Lincoln, Hertford, Wadham, Merton, St. Peter's Hall, New College II. Keble paddled over, Magdalen II, whom they had caught the previous afternoon, falling victims to Pembroke just after passing the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's finished a long way ahead of Queen's, who at one time lost a lot of ground to Lincoln. Lincoln, however, got away again [sic] and only finished half a length in front of Hertford. Wadham and Merton followed a long distance behind, but New College II, improving on their previous performance, caught St. Peter's Hall as the boats were leaving the Gut.

  First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Brasenose, Worcester, Christ Church, University College, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Exeter, St. John's, Keble. New College failed to make much impression on the leading boat and, although they gained ground at one point, Oriel finished strongly and passed the post with a length and a half in hand. Balliol followed New College about their starting distance behind, and once appeared in danger of being caught by Magdalen. There was only half a length between them at the Willows, but Balliol finished the stronger and were three quarters of a length in front at the end. Brasenose followed a long way in the rear of Magdalen, but Worcester failed to withstand the determined challenge of Christ Church at the Ferry, and nearby University College fell easy victims to Trinity. Keble made a big effort to catch St. John's, but the latter passed the post a quarter of a length in front.

• The Daily Telegraph Sat 25 May

  Disputed Bumps in Oxford Eights

  Oriel Retain Headship

  Before the beginning of the second day's racing in the Oxford Summer Eights a meeting was held to decide two disputed bumps.

  In Division II, New College II, who claimed a bump over St. Peter's Hall, were ordered to re-row, and the Hall were not caught, but later, in the actual race New College bumped them.

  Then in Division III, Queen's II, who had claimed a bump over Exeter, had their bump disallowed, but here again in the race itself Queen's regained the place.

  There were 15 bumps yesterday. In the fifth division those boats which were successful on Thursday were each bumped. Oriel easily kept their place at the head of the river. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Mon 27 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  Conditions were quite different when the Summer Eights were continued at Oxford on Saturday, and in consequence there was a much larger attendance, even the Barges being filled to their full capacity. The wind had dropped considerably, and the sun shone brilliantly throughout the afternoon.

  The racing was rather more interesting, and the spectators on the Barges saw two intensely exciting finishes, when Hertford II, after a great race, scrambled home by a yard from New College III, although a swan had interfered with their progress at the Cherwell, and when only a couple of yards separated Exeter III from Balliol III.

  Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Christ Church III, Brasenose III, Oriel III, Wadham II, Trinity III, Keble III, Merton III, St. Edmund Hall III, New College IV, Magdalen IV. Brasenose III gained on Christ Church III all up Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut only a quarter of a length divided them. Along the Green Bank Christ Church III recovered and, drawing right away, finshed four lengths ahead. Wadham II quickly took the measure of Oriel III and, gaining rapidly from the start, caught them at the Free Ferry. There was a good race between Trinity III and Keble III. The former held their own until coming out of the Gut, from which point Keble III gained rapidly and made their bump at the Willows. Merton III were no match for St. Edmund Hall III, who were quickly away and bumped them before reaching the Weirs Bridge. New College IV and Magdalen IV came up at a wide interval.

  Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Jesus II, Hertford II, New College III, Lincoln II, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester III, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Catherine's II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Exeter III, Christ Church III. Trinity II had to row hard to keep clear of Jesus II, who were dangerously close as the boats came through the Gut. Trinity II, however, drew away again along the Green Bank and eventually finished well in front. Hertford II and New College III had a magnificent race. The latter, after being half a length behind coming out of the Gut, gained further ground along the Willows and almost overlapped. An exciting struggle followed, first one boat and then the other gaining slightly. Hertford II were rowing the faster stroke after passing the Cherwell, and although their bow struck a swan they held their own and passed the post a yard to the good. Lincoln II and St. Peter's Hall II rowed over, but Worcester III, after losing ground at the start, caught a crab and were bumped by St. Edmund Hall II near the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's II quite failed to hold their own against Magdalen III, who got away quickly and bumped them near the Weirs Bridge. There was another fine race between Balliol III and Exeter III. Balliol III were well ahead at half-way but Exeter III came up rapidly along the Wall and, making a fine effort from the Cherwell, were only two yards behind at the finish.

  Third Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Balliol II, Merton II, University College II, Worcester II, Keble II, Christ Church II, Queen's II, Exeter II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II. St. Peter's Hall retained their position without difficulty, Oriel II finishing two lengths behind them, double that distance separating the latter from Balliol II. Merton II soon began to lose ground to University College II, the latter making their bump coming through the Gut, and a little higher up Worcester II fell victims to Keble II, who thus made their second bump. Christ Church II rowed over, but there was a mix up between the three following crews, Queen's II, Exeter II, and Brasenose II. Coming through the Gut Exeter II were right on to Queen's II and, being under the impression that they had made a bump, drew into the bank. Brasenose II went on in hot pursuit of Queen's II, who had continued rowing, and eventually overtook them at the University Boat House. Afterwards it was decided that Queen's II should keep their place and Brasenose II were awarded a bump over Exeter II. Trinity II gained ground on St. John's II, but the latter held their own and finished with half a length in hand.

  Second Division. Order of Starting.— Keble, Pembroke, Magdalen II, Corpus, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Queen's, Lincoln, Hertford, Wadham, Merton, New College II, St. Peter's Hall. Keble rowed up head of the division without exerting themselves and led Pembroke by a length and a half at the finish. Magdalen II went down again and provided Corpus with their third successive bump when they were caught at the Freewater Stone. St. Catherine's made a big effort to overhaul Jesus and were within half a length at the Bridges, further reducing the deficit afterwards, but Jesus finished strongly and succeeded in getting home with a quarter of a length to spare. Queen's were soon in difficulties with Lincoln, who overtook them near the Free Ferry. Wadham went off at a tremendous pace and ran into Hertford in the first minute, but Merton reached Talboy's Barge before they were caught by New College II.

  First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Brasenose, Christ Church, Worcester, Trinity, University College, St. Edmund Hall, Exeter, St. John's, Keble. Oriel hardly rowed as well as on the previous evening, New College finishing within half a length of them, and the latter are evidently an improving crew as they were right away from Balliol, who in turn led Magdalen by two lengths. Christ Church made short work of Brasenose, but good as they may be they will not have an opportunity of securing the Headship. The only other bump in the First Division occurred when Trinity caught Worcester, who went down for the third time.

• The Daily Telegraph Mon 27 May

  Oriel still at Head in Oxford Eights

  Another Disputed Bump

  Oriel again had little difficulty in keeping their position at the head of the river in the Oxford Summer Eights, and look like remaining there.

  There was another disputed bump in the third division. Exeter II, under the impression that they had bumped Queen's II in the gut, pulled into the bank and stopped. Queen's, however, failed to acknowledge the bump and rowed on. Brasenose II following Exeter passed them and went on to bump Queen's II opposite the O.U.B.C., and on this occasion Queen's gave the signal.

  At a meeting of the Oxford University Boat Club after the racing it was decided that Queen's II should keep their place, and Brasenose II were awarded a bump over Exeter II. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]

• The Times Tue 28 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  The weather was milder when the Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday. There was, however, some rain, which caused no inconvenience but was sufficient to affect the attendance. Oriel retained the Headship, but New College gave them many anxious moments and it was only a final spurt that enabled Oriel to pass the post with a quarter of a length to spare. Corpus and St. Edmund Hall II each recorded their fourth bump.

  Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Christ Church III, Brasenose III, Wadham II, Oriel III, Keble III, Trinity III, St. Edmund Hall III, Merton III, New College IV, Magdalen IV. Christ Church III kept well away from Brasenose III up to the Weirs Bridge, from which point Brasenose III gained rapidly and made their bump coming through the Gut. Wadham II paddled over, Oriel III, who followed, being caught by Keble III after a very brief struggle at Haystack Corner. St. Edmund Hall III caught Trinity III, and Merton III came up at their leisure as the stroke of New College IV, who followed, caught a crab at the start and so fell victims to Magdalen IV.

  Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Trinity II, Jesus II, Hertford II, New College III, Lincoln II, St. Peter's Hall II, St. Edmund Hall II, Worcester III, Magdalen III, St. Catherine's II, Balliol III, Exeter III, Brasenose III. There was no alteration in the headship, Trinity II keeping well away from Jesus II, and finishing with an advantage of two lengths. Hertford II failed to maintain the form they showed on Saturday, when they got home by a very narrow margin, New College III making no mistake on this occasion and catching them just as the boats came out of the Gut. Lincoln II paddled over, St. Peter's Hall II, who finished in safety on Saturday, having to give way to St. Edmund Hall II at the Free Ferry, where Worcester III fell victims to Magdalen III. Balliol III soon had the measure of St. Catherine's II and bumped them at Haystack Corner. The cox failed to acknowledge the bump, however, and Balliol III drove them into the bank and smashed their bows.

  Third Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Balliol II, University College II, Merton II, Keble II, Worcester II, Christ Church II, Queen's II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, St. John's II, Trinity II. Oriel II failed to make any ground on St. Peter's Hall, who finished two lengths ahead, and practically the same distance divided Oriel II from Balliol II, who had gained considerably from University College II. Merton II were faster than University College II up to the Boathouse, but from that point the latter held their own and passed the post half a length ahead. Keble II followed some distance behind Merton II, having seen Worcester II overtaken by Christ Church II between the Free Ferry and the Gut, and at almost the same spot Queen's II were caught by Brasenose II. Exeter II at one time were in danger of being overtaken by St. John's II, who almost overlapped at the Bridge. Exeter II then began to draw away again and Trinity II, spurting along the Green Bank, caught St. John's II opposite Talboy's Barge.

  Second Division. Order of Starting.— Keble, Pembroke, Corpus, Magdalen II, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Queen's, Wadham, Hertford, New College II, Merton, St. Peter's Hall. Keble had to row very hard to retain the headship of the division. Pembroke, gaining steadily after the Gut, looked like making their bump, but they in turn were being hotly pressed by Corpus. It was a question of which of the three would be successful, but Corpus put in a determined effort along the Green Bank and bumped Pembroke at the top of the Bank. It was their fourth bump. Magdalen II again went down and experienced their fourth reverse when Jesus caught them at the Red Post. St. Catherine's and Lincoln rowed over, but Queen's failed to hold Wadham, who ran into them before the Free Ferry. New College II bumped Hertford at the Red Post and there followed a splendid race between Merton and St. Peter's Hall. The latter were right up at the Willows and only a yard or so separated them at the Boathouse. The St. Peter's Hall steering, however, was not so good as that of Merton, who finally passed the post with a short quarter of a length in hand.

  First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, Brasenose, Trinity, Worcester, University College, St. Edmund Hall, Exeter, St. John's, Keble. New College began coming up on Oriel at the end of Iffley Reach and generally had the pace of them, although Oriel spurted again and again to keep clear. Passing the Cherwell, New College made a final effort, but Oriel held them and, drawing away in the last 100 yards, had a quarter of a length to spare at the finish. Balliol followed a long way behind, but Magdalen had to row hard to escape Christ Church, although they passed the post half a length to the good. Brasenose were four lengths behind Christ Church, but well clear of Trinity. Worcester paddled up, University College falling to St. Edmund Hall at the Free Ferry, and a little higher up St. John's caught Exeter.

• The Daily Telegraph Tue 28 May

  Oxford Boat Damaged in Bump

  Oriel Still at the Head

  For the first time since the races started the crews in the Oxford University summer eights had ideal conditions yesterday.

  Oriel again had a little [sic] difficulty in keeping the headship, and, barring accidents, they should hold their position. There was one exciting incident in the third division, due to St. Catherine's II at first refusing to acknowledge a bump by Balliol III, who drove them into the bank and damaged the bows of the St. Catherine's boat. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]

• The Times Wed 29 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  Heavy thunderstorms in the morning reduced the attendance at Oxford yesterday for the fifth day of Summer Eights. However, there was no wind and the heavy rains had not affected the stream. Oriel showed improved form, retaining the Headship with nearly a length to spare, and the next five crews rowed over in unchanged order. Corpus again did well, and by recording two bumps yesterday, making six in all, established themselves in the First Division.

  In the Fifth Division Magdalen IV bumped Merton III at Haystack Corner, and New College IV rowed past in an effort to overtake Trinity III, which they did near the Cherwell, and so the latter crew changed places with them. Overbumps in the Summer races are very rare, the last one occurring in 1909.

  Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose III, Christ Church III, Wadham II, Keble III, Oriel III, St. Edmund Hall III, Trinity III, Merton III, Magdalen IV, New College IV. Brasenose III maintained their position in front of Christ Church III, although the latter came up fast from the Cherwell and finished within a quarter of a length. Wadham II, who steered very wide, made no impression on Christ Church III, but finished well ahead of Keble III. St. Edmund Hall III soon drew up on to Oriel III, and bumped them before coming out of Iffley Reach. Magdalen IV caught Merton III immediately after the start, and New College IV in consequence went on in pursuit of Trinity III, whom they caught at the Cherwell and so gained an overbump. Trinity III therefore go to the bottom of the division.

  Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— St. John's II, Jesus II, New College III, Hertford II, Lincoln II, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Worcester III, Balliol III, St. Catherine's II, Exeter III, Brasenose III. St. John's II paddled over and were well away from Jesus II when the latter were overtaken by New College III just after passing the Red Post. Hertford II had Lincoln II pressing them hard from the start and the latter, making a big effort at the Ferry, made their bump at the Free Water Stone, St. Edmund Hall II at the time being within their distance of Lincoln II. St. Peter's Hall II and Magdalen III came up some distance apart, but Worcester III were overtaken by Balliol III at the Weirs Bridge. A little higher up St. Catherine's II fell to Exeter III.

  Third Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Balliol II, University College II, Merton II, Keble II, Christ Church II, Worcester II, Brasenose II, Queen's II, Exeter II, Trinity II, St. John's II. St. Peter's kept their place without being unduly pressed, a long distance separating them from Oriel II, who had a very hard struggle to escape from Balliol II, who were well up on them coming out of the Gut. Balliol II further reduced the gap along the Green Bank and a yard or two divided them at the Red Post. From this point, however, Oriel II recovered their form and at the finish they led by a quarter of a length. Merton II recovered the place they lost to University College II on Saturday, making their bump coming out of the Gut. Keble II once more changed places with Christ Church II, the latter catching them at the Red Post. Worcester II met with further disaster, Brasenose II coming up fast from the start and bumping them at the Launch Works. Queen's II lost the place which they had gained from Exeter II, who bumped them coming through the Gut. Trinity II and St. John's II paddled up their distance apart.

  Second Division. Order of Starting.— Keble, Corpus, Pembroke, Jesus, Magdalen II, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Wadham, Queen's, New College II, Hertford, Merton, St. Peter's Hall. Corpus were soon gaining on Keble and were right up on them on entering the Gut. Keble struggled hard, but to no purpose, and they had to strike their colours at the Long Bridges. Pembroke came up some lengths ahead of Jesus, and Magdalen II were caught by St. Catherine's under the Willows. Lincoln and Wadham had a good race for half the distance, when Lincoln fell away and Wadham bumped them at the Red Post. There was a great race beween Queen's and New College II, the latter pressing hard all the way. Queen's, however, just held on and passed the Post two yards ahead. Hertford finished well away from Merton, who were a length in front of St. Peter's Hall.

  First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, Brasenose, Trinity, Worcester, St. Edmund Hall, University College, St. John's, Exeter, Corpus. Oriel, improving very much on their display of the previous evening, held New College all the way up and retained the Headship by nearly a length. Balliol followed a length in front of Magdalen, who had a most strenuous race with Christ Church. The latter had gained very materially over the first part of the course and actually overlapped at the University College Barge, but Magdalen got away and passed the post a few feet ahead. Trinity finished close upon Brasenose, but Worcester went down again, St. Edmund Hall bumping them coming through the Gut. University College came up well away from St. John's, but Exeter failed to withstand the challenge of Corpus coming out of the Gut and were bumped under the Willows.

• The Daily Telegraph Wed 29 May

  Exciting Oxford Eights Race

  Magdalen just beat Christ Church

  There was an exciting race between Magdalen and Christ Church in the first division of the Oxford Summer Eights yesterday.

  At one time it seemed that Christ Church had made a bump, but Magdalen just got home by a few feet.

  Corpus, by making two bumps, brought their total to six, and are now established in the first division.

  There was an over-bump in the fifth division. New College IV going up three places by beating Trinity III, who went to the bottom of the table.

  Oriel maintained their position at the head of the river by an even wider margin than on Monday. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]

• The Times Thu 30 May, from Our Special Correspondent

  Oriel retain the Headship

  The racing in the Summer Eights was concluded at Oxford yesterday, when Oriel retained the Headship of the River. Yesterday evening Oriel were never in danger of losing their position and it was apparent that the leading crews had started in their proper order, as the first four rowed over on each of the six days.

  Corpus, a very fast crew, made another bump yesterday, which was their seventh during the week. Wadham, Brasenose II, and St. Edmund Hall II each made five bumps. St. Edmund Hall, who had done well in the Torpids, again showed improvement, all three boats gaining places. Three of the four New College crews also went up. Worcester, on the other hand, had a disastrous time, the first boat losing four places, the second six places, and the third five places. St. Catherine's II also lost a place each night.

  Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Brasenose III, Christ Church III, Wadham II, Keble III, Oriel III, St. Edmund Hall III, Trinity III, Merton III, Magdalen IV, New College IV. Brasenose III rowed up head of the division without distressing themselves, Christ Church III, who followed, having to give way to Wadham II coming up the Green Bank. Keble III kept right away from St. Edmund Hall III, finishing four lengths in front, but Oriel III almost immediately fell victims to New College IV, who caught them in the first minute. Magdalen IV paddled over, but Trinity III, who caused much amusement by rowing in caps and gowns, ran into Merton III at the Hedge [?], the latter catching a crab at the start.

  Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— St. John's II, Jesus II, New College III, Hertford II, Lincoln II, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Worcester III, Balliol III, St. Catherine's II, Exeter III, Brasenose III. New College III at one point gained on St. John's II, but the latter held them all the way up from the Boathouse and finished head of the division with a length to spare. New College III in the meantime had drawn right away from Jesus II, who in turn were four lengths ahead of Lincoln II. There was a brief struggle between Hertford II and St. Edmund Hall II, which ended in favour of the latter at the top of Iffley Reach.. St. Peter's II experienced bad luck on their way to the Post, as No. 5 broke his rigger. A temporary repair was effected with a piece of string, but it promptly gave way under the strain and Magdalen III bumped them immediately after the start. Balliol III came up alone, Worcester III being bumped by Exeter III before reaching the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's II were caught by Brasenose III at the Weirs Bridge.

  Third Division. Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Oriel II, Balliol II, University College II, Merton II, Keble II, Christ Church II, Worcester II, Brasenose II, Queen's II, Exeter II, Trinity II, St. John's II. Oriel II made a big effort to deprive St. Peter's Hall of the headship of the division and after coming out of the Gut got to within a few feet. From this point Oriel II steered erratically and St. Peter's Hall, drawing away again, finished with a length in hand. Balliol II failed to make much impression on Oriel II, but kept well ahead of Merton II, who were more than a length behind at the Post. Christ Church II, getting well up to University College II in Iffley Reach, caught them at the Long Bridges. Brasenose II went up very fast on Keble II directly after the start and caught them at the Weirs Bridge. Worcester II, getting away badly, were soon bumped by Exeter II near the Free Ferry, and Queen's II, after a hard struggle all up Iffley Reach, were caught by Trinity II at the Long Bridges.

  Second Division. Order of Starting.— Keble, Corpus, Pembroke, Jesus, Magdalen II, St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Wadham, Queen's, New College II, Hertford, Merton, St. Peter's Hall. Exeter maintained their place in front of Keble, who gained at one point but then fell away, and more than a length divided them at the finish. Keble followed the same distance ahead of Pembroke. The latter were never in any danger from Jesus, who in turn came up a length and a half in front of St. Catherine's. Magdalen II lost yet another place, Wadham coming up rapidly from the start and making their bump at the Ferry. Queen's and New College II had a hard struggle over the first part of the course, which ended in favour of New College II under the Willows. St. Peter's Hall, after being a long distance behind at the Boathouse, finished with such dash that they caught Merton 50 yards from the finish.

  First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, Brasenose, Trinity, Worcester, St. Edmund Hall, University College, St. John's, Exeter, Corpus. Oriel, improving on all their previous performances, never caused their supporters the least anxiety, and finished more than a length in front of New College. The latter were much the same distance in front of Balliol, who led Magdalen by a full length at the finish. Christ Church gave a disappointing display and Magdalen maintained their position with three-quarters of a length in hand. Brasenose gave Trinity a hard race. The latter were well up on them in the Gut and, rowing strongly along the Green Bank, made their bump before reaching the Red Post. St. Edmund Hall came up well away from Worcester, but the latter had to row hard to escape University College, who got to within half a length of them. St. John's were quite unable to escape from Corpus, a very fast crew, who caught them just above the Ferry, and so registered their seventh bump in six days.

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 30 May, by G. C. Drinkwater

  Oriel's Third Success

  Retain Headship in Oxford Eigths

  Advance of Corpus

  The Summer Eights ended at Oxford yesterday, and Oriel finished head of the river for the third year in succession. They are to be congratulated on their success, for at the beginning of practice they had only two old oarsmen on whom to found their crew. Moody, the stroke, one of these, could take them along easily at a high rate of stroke all over the course, and never for one moment hustled the men behind him. Their success was very largely due to the fine coaching of Mr. Page and Mr. Askwith. The crew were in the following order: [as below]

  They were never troubled in the least by New College yesterday, and rowed past the the boathouse more than their distance away. New College were a disappointing crew when it came to racing, and lacked dash in spite of their Blues.

  New College Pressed

  Balliol, who rowed third throughout the week, did very much better than I had expected them to do. They pressed New College all the way home.

  Magdalen were also a disappointing crew, and showed no initiative, though they defended themselves magnificently against Christ Church, who made great efforts to catch them on the last three days.

  Trinity did well, but not so well as they ought to have done with their available material. This applies also to Christ Church. University had bad luck in losing Sciortino in the middle of the racing.

  The most successful crew were Corpus, who were stroked by Winser, and repeated their success of last year by making seven bumps. They are now well in the First Division, where they have not been seen for many years [1923]. Wadham, coached by Mr. Pazolt, also did remarkably well.

  Taken all round, however, I am afraid I must rate the average of the crews as low this year. Very few of them could race, very few appeared to be trying to race, and therein lies the weakness of Oxford rowing as a whole. Yesterday's bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]

• In other news ... [1935]

  Monarch: George V

  Prime Minister: Ramsay MacDonald (Labour)

  Wed May 22

  The government announces plans to triple the size of the Royal Air Force in the next two years, partly in response to German re-armament.

  Thu May 23

  Woolmington v DPP, a landmark case decided on appeal in the House of Lords, reaffirms the presumption of innocence as the "golden thread" in criminal law.

  Sat 25 May

  Jesse Owens broke five world records and matched a sixth in a single afternoon of track and field events during the Big Ten championships at Ann Arbor, Michigan.

  Mon May 27

  Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States (the "Sick Chicken Case"): The Supreme Court of the United States declares that the National Industrial Recovery Act, a major component of the New Deal, is unconstitutional.

  Wed May 29

  The French Compagnie Generale Transatlantique ocean liner SS Normandie sets out on her maiden voyage from Le Havre to New York, which she will reach in 4 days, 3 hours and 14 minutes, taking the Blue Riband; she gains the eastbound record on her return passage.

  German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aircraft first flies.

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