Eights 1937Eights 1937
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No Outstanding Crews
It cannot really be said that the crews which race to-day give any plain indication that at last Oxford has won the Boat Race [for the first time since 1923]. There is no outstanding crew unless it be Oriel, and the standard of the leading boats is not higher than, even if it is as high as, recent years. In the lower divisions there are some very bad crews. Somehow college crews at Oxford have not yet learned that there is an art in paddling lightly, though no work may be done. There is a great deal of light paddling done nowadays, and when this is done in a slovenly manner, as it so often is at Oxford, slovenliness tends to permeate the paddling and rowing generally, so that when Cambridge crews meet Oxford crews at Henley they appear far better drilled and move their boats faster in proportion to the effort expended. However, the period of training for Eights Week is all too short, and it is easy to criticize the crews too harshly. This year the Blues, who so often row like tired men, all stand out in their respective crews, and when the racing is over it is probably that they will have passed on to those rowing with them much more of the lessons that they learned at Putney than they have been able to do in practice.Oriel start Head of the River for the fifth year in succession and they look less likely than ever before to be displaced. Although they have been unfortunate in losing the services of Hodgson, the University stroke, and the No. 3 through a motor accident, they are a far better crew than they were last year. They have more length, more power, and fewer eccentric oarsmen in the boat. This year they challenge comparison with a fair Jesus [Cambridge] crew. They are the fastest crew at Oxford because they alone are perfectly together, and this has been the secret of their superiority since they went Head. Huse is rowing at No. 5 with all the doggedness he displayed in Trial Eights at No. 7, and Pepys is a tower of strength at No. 6. He swings farther forward and farther back than anybody ever did outside American crews rowing in the old Annapolis style, but his bladework is perfectly solid all through and it is plainly he who has given the crew their length.
New College and Magdalen
New College are a very fair crew. There is, indeed, not much to choose between them, Brasenose, Trinity, Magdalen, and St. Edmund Hall, but they do not appear good enough to bump Oriel. New College rely chiefly on a good rhythm and a good swing. They are not particularly well together, but they can cover a lot of water at 34 to 36 and seem to be rowing a much slower stroke. Mynors is always a personality in a college crew, where his slight stiffness does not hinder him so much as in a University crew. He is rowing extremely well at No. 6 and so is Ashby, the University Secretary, at No. 7. Magdalen, who should have been a good crew, are even less well together than New College, and this defeats to a great extent their quickness and hard work. Stewart, who rowed at No. 3 in the University crew, shows considerable natural talent as a stroke. He gets back quickly off his stretcher, but is apt to shorten his finish when the crew are not together behind him.New College have good pace over the last part of the course; Magdalen are only really dangerous as far as the Gut. They are capable of rowing 42 with a fair length for a minute, but after that they tend to get short. Garton is rowing very solidly at No. 6. but the most satisfactory thing in the crew is that Burnell, last year's Captain of the Boats at Eton, who was a disappointment at No. 7 in Trial Eights, has really found himself at No.5 and is rowing in a way that gives promise of his turning into a No. 5 of the same calibre as his famous father. He is smooth, steady, and long, and his wristwork is very neat. He should be watched for next year's University crew. Magdalen should be just fast enough to keep away from Brasenose, and thus the first four crews should row through as they did last year, but if there is to be a bump it is most likely to be here. Cherry, the new President, is rowing superbly at No. 7 in the Brasenose crew and is quite outstandingly the best man in that crew, or for that matter in any crew. He is well backed up by Wood, the old Blue, at No. 6, but it is obvious that the crew have modelled themselves upon him. Hence their length and rhythm.
Christ Church, without J. S. Lewes, are a colourless crew and unlikely to survive the attacks of Trinity and St. Edmund Hall from below. Balliol, who start behind Christ Church, have forsaken their old-time ponderous style and are rowing with the most exaggerated crouch expected of a leg-driving crew using swivel rowlocks. They lack power and length, although the four stern men are well together. Although swivel rowlocks, either of the normal or Lowe type, have been adopted by almost all the higher crews, it is exceptional to find a change of style to match the change of rig as with Balliol.
The Promise of Corpus
Trinity, with Waldron at stroke and M. Rowe and Young in the middle of the boat, are a hard-working crew who should go up at least two places, and the same is true of St. Edmund Hall, a very neat crew coached by Brigadier Gibbon. Burrough, the University No. 5, is rowing admirably at No. 6. and two other St. Edward's School boys are rowing stroke and No. 7. This crew is unlucky to be behind Trinity. They row like a Third Trinity [Cambridge] crew, and they have both neatness and pace. Of the other crews in the first division Corpus, once more stroked by Winser, should go up at least one place at the expense of University College, who in spite of the presence of R. Rowe, the Blue, at No. 6. are very ragged and ponderous, and they [Corpus] may overtake Balliol and Christ Church. If so, Winser, who is rowing at his very best, will have brought his college crew up almost a record number of places. This year he has the assistance of a Trial Eightsman at No. 5, which he has not had before, but the crew are not so well together as in previous years, and more than ever is likely to rest on his shoulders. Of the other crews Exeter have some length and a good leg drive, and Magdalen II are stylish, with Jackson, who is very quick in at No. 7, imparting a good deal of life to the crew as a whole.Lower down Pembroke look as if they might make their way into the First Division. They have a businesslike leg drive and some length. St. Catherine's are well together, but the best crews are New College II and Oriel II. Queen's are hard-working, but wooden and not very well together. St. Peter's Hall are neat, and may make bumps early on in the course.
Order of starting [...]
Oriel crew should set up record
Though it would seem rather early in the season the Oxford Summer Eights begin this afternoon.
Fifth time Head of River?
Oxford Summer Eights start To-dayOriel start Head of the River. In itself that is no remarkable statement, until it is qualified by the fact that they have now finished in that position for four years. In the whole history of the bumping races at Oxford, which began as long ago as 1815, no college has even [ever?] finished Head of the River more than fours years in succession.
Magdalen, New College and Christ Church have in the past accomplished this feat, but have never exceeded it. On each and all of these occasions they have had the advantage of Blues in their boats to help the younger oarsmen along.
Oriel, in their four years of headship, have never struck a Blue. This year, A. B. Hodgson, who stroked Oxford to their victory over Cambridge, was their first representative in a University crew since T. B. Etherington-Smith, the Blue of 1900-1901. Early in the term, however, a motor-car accident deprived the college of his services, together with those of another member of the crew.
Oriel's Altered Style
Will they make a record this year without his help? As it is, they have five of last year's crew. They have developed their style by close application of that of the splendid Swiss crew who won the Grand last year. I am not sure that they have not gone a little too far towards the Swiss style without the weight that the foreigners possessed.They paddle splendidly, but their "rowing" is not quite so good. They have not had the time to alter their style and at the same time to get together. They will, however, prove a very hard nut to crack. The course is short, and the leading boat has an inestimable advantage in having clear water and over a length's start.
New College start behind them, and with Mr. Ashby at No. 7, D. R. B. Mynors at No. 6, and Blair-Fish, the Trial Eights man, at No. 5, they have an admirable nucleus around which to build their crew. They cannot row such as fast stroke as Oriel, but they can stride along at 36, covering a great deal of water. That is much better than spurts at 40 which cannot be maintained.
To-night's racing should settle the matter. If Oriel can keep away at the first shock, I think they will be able to make a record greater than any college has ever done before.
Magdalen have great power in the boat with Stewart, rather wasted, at stroke. But they did not appear to be really together when I saw them at the beginning of the week. I do not think that they can challenge New College, unless the latter break themselves trying to catch Oriel, which I think is unlikely.
They will be hard put to escape Brasenose, for whom Cherry is rowing in impeccable style, for all that his outside elbow is perilously near his side at the finish.
Christ Church, who celebrate the opening of the first College Boathouse on Saturday [apparently designed by the correspondent himself - see Times Friday report], have lost Lewes and are very young. With Balliol, Trinity and St. Edmund Hall behind them there should be some interesting racing, the question to be decided to-night is who should first catch the other.
University, with R. Rowe at No. 6, follows then Corpus, with Winser at stroke, who have made a great many bumps in the last few years under his leadership. Magdalen lower boats have promise and in the second division crews like Merton and Wadham shoud improve their position. Order of starting: [...]
The Summer Eights were begun at Oxford yesterday, when the weather was beautifully fine. Oriel, starting Head of the River for the fifth year in succession, reatined their position, but only after an unexpectedly hard race with New College, who chased them all the way and were no more than a quarter of a length behind at the end. Lower down in the division Corpus, who have been going up steadily in recent years, caught University College. Altogether 19 bumps were made during the afternoon's racing.Christ Church have built themselves a new boathouse on the corner plot near the New Cut behind the position occupied by Wadham [barge] who have moved into the old Christ Church mooring, some 200 yards nearer the winning-post. Appropriately enough the new boathouse has been designed by an old Blue, Mr. G. C. Drinkwater, who rowed for Oxford in 1902–3.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Exeter III, Pembroke II, St. Catherine's II, Magdalen IV, University College III, Oriel III, Merton III, Wadham II, Trinity III, St. John's III, Queen's III, St. Peter's Hall III, Christ Church IV, University College IV. Pembroke II got well away at the start, and making a lot of ground before reaching the New Bridge caught Exeter III just before getting into the Gut. St. Catherine's II fared little better as they were losing to Magdalen IV from the start, and a good effort by the latter after clearing the Bridge enabled them to make their bump at the Old Ferry. University College III rowed over as Oriel III were soon caught by Merton III and had to strike their colours at the Freewater Stone. Wadham II rowed over, Trinity III, after a very bad start, being overtaken by St. John's III at Haystack Corner. Queen's III fell to St. Peter's Hall III just before reaching the Weir's Bridge. Christ Church IV paddled over, University College IV having failed to start. [the next day's report explains that this was because their boat was badly damaged]
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Queen's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Worcester II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Lincoln II, Brasenose III, Jesus II, Christ Church III, St. Edmund Hall III, Hertford II, Keble III, Pembroke II. Queen's II were losing to St. Edmund Hall II from the start, and after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach had to strike their flag near the Freewater Stone. There was an exciting race between Worcester II, St. Peter's Hall II, and Magdalen III. St. Peter's Hall II at one point were right on to Worcester II and in turn were being hard pressed by Magdalen III, who once were overlapping. Indifferent steering, however, cost both crews a bump, and after leaving the Willows Worcester II drew away again to finish three-quarters of a length in front of St. Peter's Hall II, who were a quarter of a length ahead of Magdalen III. Balliol were a long way behind. Lincoln II were bumped by Brasenose III at the Ferry, and the former crew, swinging across the river, blocked the passage of the following boats, with the result that Christ Church III bumped Jesus II and Hertford II bumped St. Edmund Hall III near the New Bridge Keble III fell victims to Pembroke II at the Free Ferry.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Christ Church II, Brasenose II, Merton II, New College III, Exeter II, Trinity II, Keble II, St. John's II, University College II, St. Edmund Hall II. St. Peter's Hall made a good effort to overhaul Hertford, but after Iffley Reach Hertford drew away again and finished with a long length in hand. St. Peter's Hall in turn were hard pressed by Balliol II coming through the Gut, where the latter almost overlapped. They got away, however, and finished two lengths in front. Christ Church II failed to make much impression on Balliol II and had to row all out to keep away from Brasenose II, who made a remarkable spurt in the last 100 yards and caught them at the post. Merton II followed a long way behind but were well ahead of New College III when the latter were overtaken by Exeter II near the Weir's Bridge. Trinity II paddled up, Keble II being bumped by St. John's II at the New Bridge. University College II fell victims to St. Edmund Hall II at the Freewater Stone.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Worcester, St. John's, Pembroke, Keble, New College II, Jesus, Lincoln, Merton, St. Catherine's, Queen's, Wadham, Oriel II, Hertford. There was a good race for the headship of the division between Worcester and St. John's, and it was not until after passing the Boathouse that the latter made their bump. Pembroke came up a length ahead of Keble, who narrowly escaped disaster. They were well ahead at the Boathouse, but then New College II gained steadily and only missed their bump by a few feet. Jesus finished some lengths behind the latter. Lincoln fell to Merton, who, after being half a length down at the Bridge, made their bump near the Keble Barge. Queen's caught St. Catherine's half-way up Iffley Reach, but Wadham, Oriel II, and Hertford rowed up some distance apart.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Brasenose, Christ Church, Balliol, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, University College, Corpus, Exeter, Magdalen II, St. John's. The race for the Headship of the river was one of the finest seen for many years, and the result was in doubt almost until the boats passed the post. Halfway up New College were very well placed and 200 yards from the finish Oriel seemed doomed to defeat, but Hodgson's substitute, K. J. Motz, pulled his crew together brilliantly and staying the better they got home with nearly a quarter of a length to spare. [no mention of any other crews in Div I]
Conditions were ideal for racing when the Oxford summer eights began yesterday. There was a record number of crews competing — 63 — but rowing, with the exception of the first division, was not of a high standard.The first division provided a thrilling struggle between the top two boats. Rowing along the willows New College were less than half a length away and this lead was still further reduced to a few feet along the wall. Both crews, Oriel and New, rowed a good course and Oriel were three yards away at the finishing post. They will have to do better than this if they hope to retain their position at the head of the river and set up a record by holding the headship five times running.
There is a possibility of a re-row in Division IV, the Lincoln crew getting across the river and obstructing boats behind. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
New College go Head
The race for the headship between Oriel and New College provided another very interesting struggle when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued yesterday, but the general opinion was that the boisterous conditions would favour the heavier New College, and so it proved, as they got to within half a length of Oriel coming out of the Gut and eventually made their bump at the New College Barge, thus breaking Oriel's four-year record. There were two other capital races in the First Division, between University College and Exeter and Magdalen II and St. John's, in which Exeter and St. John's made their bumps within a few yards of the Cherwell. In the Third Division Trinity II and St. John's II claimed bumps simultaneously and the decision has been left to the Committee. Christ Church II's appeal on Wednesday against a bump made by Brasenose II on the grounds that they were impeded by the boat in front was not allowed.Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Keble III, Exeter III, Magdalen IV, St. Catherine's II, University College III, Merton III, Oriel III, Wadham II, St. John's III, Trinity III, St. Peter's Hall III, Queen's III, Christ Church IV, University College IV. Keble III maintained their position without difficulty and were well away from Exeter III when the latter fell victims to Magdalen IV just after passing the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's II held their own against University College III while coming out of Iffley Reach, but then the latter drew up rapidly and made their bump halfway throught the Gut. Merton III kept well away from Oriel III, but Wadham II, after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach, succumbed to St. John's III just after passing the Freewater Stone. Trinity III were in difficulties against St. Peter's Hall III from the start and the latter bumped them near Haystack Corner. Christ Church IV bumped Queen's III coming out of the Gut. University College IV, who were unable to start on the previous afternoon because their boat was badly damaged, paddled over.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— University College II, Queen's II, Worcester II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Balliol III, Brasenose III, Lincoln II, Christ Church III, Jesus II, Hertford II, St. Edmund Hall III, Pembroke II, Keble III. University College II, who had come down from the Third Division, had another reverse, for although they held Queen's II in Iffley Reach they had to strike their colours soon after coming out of the Gut. St. Peter's Hall II did badly in the lumpy water at the start and Magdalen III, coming up fast from the Ferry, bumped them by the Green Lawn [?]. Balliol III and Brasenose III rowed up some distance apart, but Lincoln II again failed to get out of Iffley Reach and were overtaken by Christ Church III at the New Bridge. Hertford II again improved their position. Gaining rapidly on Jesus II from the start they caught them at the Free Ferry. St. Edmund Hall III fell victims to Pembroke II just after coming out of the Gut.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Brasenose II, Christ Church II, Merton II, Exeter II, New College III, Trinity II, St. John's II, Keble II, St. Edmund Hall II, Queen's II. Hertford rowed up head of the division and were well away from St. Peter's Hall when the latter were bumped by Balliol II between the New Bridge and the Free Ferry. Brasenose II lost a little to Christ Church II, but were never in danger of being caught. Christ Church II, however, failed to reproduce their form of the previous afternoon in the high wind, and were caught by Merton II opposite the New College Barge. There was another exciting race in Iffley Reach between New College III, Trinity II, and St. John's II. St. John's II bumped Trinity II at the Ferry, but the Trinity crew claimed to have bumped New College III at the same time. St. Edmund Hall once more improved their position, overhauling Keble II at the New Bridge.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— St. John's, Worcester, Pembroke, Keble, New College II, Jesus, Merton, Lincoln, Queen's, St. Catherine's, Wadham, Oriel II, Hertford. St. John's paddled over at the head of the division. Worcester, who followed, tried hard to escape from Pembroke but failed, the latter, who were well up to them coming out of the Gut, eventually making their bump near the Red Post. There was another fine race between Keble and New College II, but there was similar result to that of the previous evening, New College II, after getting to within a quarter of a length along the Wall, finishing a canvas astern. Jesus followed three lengths behind New College II and the same distance ahead of Merton. Queen's quickly drew up on Lincoln, cathching them just before reaching the Ferry. St. Catherine's, after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach, were bumped by Wadham at the Freewater Stone. Oriel II and Hertford came up two lengths apart.
First Division. Order of Starting.— Oriel, New College, Magdalen, Brasenose, Balliol, Christ Church, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, University College, Exeter, Magdalen II, St. John's. From the start New College began to gain on Oriel and they were a length up on them entering the Gut. Reducing the gap still further along the Green Bank, New College eventually made their bump opposite their own Barge. Magdalen came up a long length in front of Brasenose and almost the same distance separated the latter from Balliol. Christ Church were always losing to Trinity, who made rapid headway after coming into the Gut and made their bump halfway along the Green Bank. St. Edmund Hall held Corpus without difficulty, finishing their distance ahead, but University College were hard pressed by Exeter after leaving the Gut. The latter made a futile shot at Talboys' Barge, but soon got going again and made their bump at the Oriel Barge. St. John's, after an exciting race, caught Magdalen II at the Cherwell.
New College go to Head of the River
New College went to the head of the river for the first time since 1922, by bumping Oriel yesterday, when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued. Keeping to the shelter of the Willows New College got within striking distance of Oriel and then made their shot opposite their own barge.
First Time for 15 YearsThere was an unusual incident in Division 3 when Trinity II and St. John's II claimed simultaneous bumps, and the matter went before a meeting of O.U.B.C. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
New College keep the Headship
There was a larger attendance at Saturday's racing in the Oxford Unversity Summer Eights, and fortunately for the crews the strong head wind of the previous afternoon had decreased. A re-row took place in the Third Division during the morning between New College III, Trinity II, and St. John's II, which ended in favour of Trinity, who went away quickly and bumped New College at the New Bridge.No fewer than six bumps were made in the Fifth Division, and Magdalen IV, after depriving Keble III of the headship, went up into the Fourth Division by bumping St. Edmund Hall III half-way up. They experienced a reverse of fortune later when their second crew, who had been in the First Division, lost their place to Pembroke. Pembroke II continued their upward progress, Jesus II falling to their fourth successive bump. New College maintained their position at the Head of the River without much effort.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— Keble III, Magdalen IV, Exeter III, University College III, St. Catherine's II, Merton III, Oriel III, St. John's III, Wadham II, St. Peter's Hall III, Trinity III, Christ Church IV, Queen's III, University College IV. Keble III lost ground to Magdalen IV in Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut they experienced disaster, for their No. 7 caught a "crab." Exeter III also had poor luck as their rudder-line became entangled at the start and they fell victims to University College III after passing the New Bridge. Merton III caught St. Catherine's II between the New Bridge and Free Ferry, and nearby the same fate befell Oriel III, who were bumped by St. John's III. Wadham II held St. Peter's Hall III coming up Iffley Reach, but the Hall gained rapidly through the Gut and made their bump at the beginning of the Green Bank. Trinity III were bumped by Christ Church IV at the Weir's Bridge, but Queen's III and University IV paddled over. Exeter III made an appeal against the bump made by University III, but the Committee disallowed it [although see next day's report].
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Queen's II, University College II, Worcester II, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Brasenose III, Christ Church III, Lincoln II, Hertford II, Jesus II, Pembroke II, St. Edmund Hall III, Magdalen IV. Queen's II retained their position at the head without difficulty. Worcester II got away slowly and Magdalen III, making a determined effort in Iffley Reach, bumped them just before getting into the Gut. Balliol III failed to make any impression on St. Peter's Hall II, but Christ Church III soon gained ground on Brasenose III and bumped them at the end of Iffley Reach. Lincoln II were outpaced by Hertford II at the start and gave way opposite the Weir's Bridge. A fine race was provided by Jesus II and Pembroke II. The latter were right up coming along the Willows, but the Jesus cox made excellent use of his rudder-lines and staved off defeat until passing the Pembroke Barge.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Brasenose II, Merton II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Trinity II, New College III, St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Keble II, Queen's II. Hertford retained the headship and finished fully a length ahead of Balliol II. The latter were well away from St. Peter's Hall in the Gut, but along the Wall the Hall gained rapidly and finished within half a length. Brasenose II in turn made good headway against St. Peter's, but failed to sustain the effort and the latter reached home with a length to spare and four lengths in front of Merton II, who were half a length in front of Christ Church II. Trinity II, who had gained a bump in the re-row against New College III and St. John's II in the morning, went up another place at the expense of Exeter II, who struck their colours opposite their college barge. St. John's II bumped New College III near Haystack Corner and Keble II, thanks to one of their crew catching a "crab," fell victims to Queen's II near the Weir's Bridge.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Magdalen II, Pembroke, Worcester, Keble, New College II, Jesus, Merton, Queen's, Lincoln, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Oriel II, Hertford. Magdalen II kept well away from Pembroke until after passing the Ferry, when the latter came up rapidly and made their bump just after coming out of the Gut. Worcester managed to hold their own against Keble, but the latter's luck deserted them, as after two close finishes in their previous races they had to give way to New College II at the Cherwell. Merton again experienced disaster, falling victims to Queen's just before reaching the Free Ferry. Lincoln, too, were again on the down line and succumed to Wadham at the Freewater Stone. Oriel II improved their position by bumping St. Catherine's near the Weir's Bridge in spite of the fact that two of their crew broke oars.
First Division. Order of Starting.— New College, Oriel, Magdalen, Brasenose, Balliol, Trinity, Christ Church, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Exeter, University College, St. John's, Magdalen II. New College paddled over, but there was a fine race between Oriel, whom they had displaced the previous night, and Magdalen. Going off with great resolution the latter soon began to come up, and gaining steadily all the way up the Green Bank eventually made their bump opposite the Corpus Barge. Balliol made a good effort to overtake Brasenose, but Brasenose were home with a quarter of a length to spare. Trinity in turn came up on Balliol, who, however, finished a length ahead. Christ Church were bumped by St. Edmund Hall at the Willows and St. John's further improved their position by bumping University College at the New Cut.
New College keep at Head of River
New College retained the headship of the river on Saturday, when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued. Oriel lost further ground, being caught by Magdalen.
Oriel again caughtPrince Chichibu [Yasuhito], who was an undergraduate at Magdalen, and his wife watched the racing.
There were 22 bumps, including the re-row, in which Trinity II caught New College III. Trinity afterwards bumped Exeter II, and New College were caught by St. John's II. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
First Three Crews Row Over
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday, when the weather was brilliantly fine. New College retained the Headship without much difficulty. Oriel at one point looked like losing another place, as Brasenose got unpleasantly close at the Boathouse, but then they recovered and Brasenose themselves were overtaken at the Oriel Barge by Balliol, after an intensely exciting race from the Boathouse. Trinity chceked St. Edmund Hall, but Corpus and Pembroke both improved their positions, and the latter's race with St. John's to-day should prove interesting.Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Edmund Hall III, Keble III, Exeter III, University College III, Merton III, St. Catherine's II, St. John's III, Oriel III, St. Peter's Hall III, Wadham II, Christ Church IV, Trinity III, Queen's III, University College IV. St. Edmund Hall III maintained the headship without difficulty from Keble III, and Exeter III followed a long way behind the latter. Exeter III, who had been bumped by University College III on Saturday, lodged an appeal with the O.U.B.C. This was sustained and they rowed up in the old order. University College III were not so fortunate because, after a sharp struggle in Iffley Reach, Merton III caught them just before reaching the Gut. St. John's III gained another bump when they overtook St. Catherine's II at the Weir's Bridge, and almost at the same place St. Peter's Hall III bumped Oriel III. Christ Church IV improved their position at the expense of Wadham II, whom they caught just before reaching the Willows.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Keble II, University College II, Magdalen III, Worcester II, St. Peter's Hall II, Balliol III, Christ Church III, Brasenose III, Hertford II, Lincoln II, Pembroke II, Jesus II, Magdalen IV, St. Edmund Hall III. Keble II, who had gone down three places, rowed through, University College II, who followed, being caught by Magdalen III between the Ferry and the Freewatwer Stone. Worcester II had a hard tussle with St. Peter's Hall II, who in turn were pressed by Balliol III. In Iffley Reach Worcester II finally had to strike their colours, and on coming out of the Gut Balliol III, failing to maintain their form, fell to Christ Church III at the Willows. Hertford II had the pace of Brasenose III and caught them before reaching the Weir's Bridge. Pembroke II gained rapidly on Lincoln II until one of their men caught a "crab." They quickly recovered, however, and made their bumps at Weir's Bridge. Magdalen IV bumped Jesus II at Haystack Corner.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Hertford, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Brasenose II, Merton II, Christ Church II, Trinity II, Exeter II, St. John's II, New College III, St. Edmund Hall II, Queen's II, Keble II. Hertford, who had rowed over on the three previous afternoons, repeated the performance. Balliol II kept well away from St. Peter's Hall, who had a hard struggle to escape Brasenose II. Merton II followed some lengths behind, and although Christ Church II gained considerably in the first half-mile Merton II drew away again. tTrinity II followed their distance behind the latter, but Exeter II fell to St. John's II just after passing the Free Ferry. St. Edmund Hall II overtook New College III near the Lauch Works.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Pembroke, Magdalen II, Worcester, New College II, Keble, Jesus, Queen's, Merton, Wadham, Lincoln, Oriel II, St. Catherine's, Hertford. Magdalen II gained on Pembroke, who, however, were never in any danger of being caught and rowed in a length ahead. Worcester came out of the Gut well away from New College II, but the latter gained steadily from this point and made their bump opposite the Pembroke Barge. Keble held their own against Jesus until coming up the Green Bank, but after reaching the Wall they fell away and Jesus caught them near the Oriel Barge. Queen's rowed through, but Merton, after a short struggle in Iffley Reach, went down to Wadham at the Ferry. Oriel II got right up to Lincoln at the New Bridge, but the latter drew away again and reached the Gut before being caught. Hertford had a short struggle with St. Catherine's, bumping them just after passing the Launch Works. St. Catherine's made a protest against the bump made by Hertford on the grounds of obstruction and the crews will re-row this morning.
First Division. Order of Starting.— New College, Magdalen, Oriel, Brasenose, Balliol, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Christ Church, Corpus, Exeter, St. John's, University College, Pembroke. New College fully justified their position, as rowing well within themselves they held Magdalen throughout and finished more than a length ahead without being extended at any point. There was a fine race between the three following boats, Oriel, Brasenose, and Balliol. At the Boathouse it looked as though Oriel might be overtaken by Brasenose, who, however, were in turn being hard pressed by Balliol. Oriel recovered after passing the Boathouse, at which point Brasenose were only a few feet in front of Balliol. Brasenose made strenuous efforts, but Balliol made a fine effort along the Wall and made their bump at the Magdalen Barge. Trinity and St. Edmund Hall came up a long way apart, but there was another fine race between Christ Church and Corpus, the latter, after getting to within a length at the Long Bridges, making their bump at the Oriel Barge. St. John's finished within a length of Exeter, but Pembroke bumped University College at the Free Ferry.
New College paddled through comfortably to retain the headship when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued yesterday.The O.U.B.C. upheld the protest of Exeter III against the bump of University III on Saturday.
There were 20 bumps yesterday, which are shown by brackets in the following tables:[...]
New College still Head
The fifth day's racing in the Summer Eights at Oxford was attended by a larger crowd, the afternoon being brilliantly fine. Bumps were again plentiful and up to the present no fewer than 100 have been recorded. The protest against the bump made by Hertford over St. Catherine's on the previous afternoon was upheld and two crews rowed again at noon yesterday when Hertford made their bump at the Free Ferry.New College again retained the headship, finishing a long way ahead of Magdalen. Oriel, however, once more met with disaster although they made a great effort against Balliol and were not caught until within 100 yards of the winning-post.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Edmund Hall III, Keble III, Exeter III, Merton III, University College III, St. John's III, St. Catherine's II, St. Peter's Hall III, Oriel III, Christ Church IV, Wadham II, Trinity III, Queen's III, University College IV. St. Edmund Hall III had no difficulty in retaining the headship and finished fully three lengths in front of Keble III. Exeter III had very bad luck as their stroke broke his oar in the first few strokes and they were caught by Merton III on entering the Gut.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Keble II, Magdalen III, University College II, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester II, Christ Church III, Balliol III, Hertford II, Brasenose III, Pembroke II, Lincoln II, Magdalen IV, Jesus II, St. Edmund Hall III. Magdalen III made another good effort to overhaul Keble II, but although they gained very considerably Keble II got away and finished with a length to spare. St. Peter's Hall II were soon after University College II, who struggled hard to escape them coming out of the Gut. Christ Church III at one time looked like catching Worcester II, but coming up the Green Bank the latter drew away again and had two lengths in hand at the finish. Hertford II caught Balliol III at the Free Ferry and a little lower down Brasenose III fell to Pembroke II. Magdalen IV bumped Lincoln II just after passing Haystack Corner, Jesus II and St. Edmund Hall III followed a long distance apart.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Brasenose II, Merton II, Christ Church II, Trinity II, St. John's II, Exeter II, St. Edmund Hall II, New College III, Queen's II, Keble II. St. Catherine's, who had fallen to Hertford in the morning, were soon losing to Balliol II, who gained rapidly after passing Ferry and overtook them on entering the Gut. There was an interesting race between St. Peter's Hall and Brasenose II, who had failed to catch them on two previous occasions. St. Peter's Hall were well clear coming out of the Gut, but Brasenose made a determined spurt along the Willows and made their bump at the Red Post. Christ Church II made another good effort to catch Merton II, but the latter finished a long length in front. St. John's II ended a hard struggle in Iffley Reach by catching Trinity II between the Free Ferry and the Freewater Stone. St. Edmund Hall II, dashing away from the start, caught Exeter II just before reaching the Launch Works, and Queen's II overtook New College III at the Weirs Bridge. St. Edmund Hall II made their fifth bump while St. Catherine's and New College III each lost a fifth place.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— University College, Magdalen II, New College II, Worcester, Jesus, Keble, Queen's, Wadham, Merton, Oriel II, Lincoln, Hertford, Balliol II. University College again experienced disaster, Magdalen II, after being well up coming out of the Gut, bumping them at the Red Post, New College II being well behind Magdalen II at the time. Worcester lost rapidly to Jesus after leaving the Gut and were caught at the Willows. Queen's made a good effort to overhaul Keble and were within half a length coming out of the Gut. From this point, however, Keble held them and finished with two lengths in hand, Wadham following the same distance behind Queen's. Merton and Oriel II provided a most interesting struggle. After being within half a length at the Bridges. Oriel continued to gain and at the Cherwell were only two or three feet behind. A bump appeared to be certain, but Merton managed to scramble home with a foot or two to spare. Hertford soon gained on Lincoln and made their bump just before coming into the Gut. University College and Lincoln each went down for the fifth time in succession.
First Division. Order of Starting.— New College, Magdalen, Oriel, Balliol, Brasenose, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Christ Church, Exeter, St. John's, Pembroke, Magdalen II. New College again maintained their position at the Head of the River without being extended, but Oriel, who followed Magdalen, lost another place, being caught by Balliol within 80 yards of the post. Oriel were well away at the Boathouse, but Balliol finished much the stronger. Oriel went right across to the Barges at the Cherwell, but Massey, the Balliol cox, instead of following them bided his time before making his shot, and bumped them opposite the old University Barge. Trinity gained on Brasenose, who got very ragged at the Willows but subsequently recovered their form and finished three-quarters of a length to the good. Trinity were fully their distance ahead of St. Edmund Hall, who were in turn right away from Corpus. Exeter bumped Christ Church coming through the Gut, this being Christ Church's fifth defeat, and Pembroke caught St. John's at the beginning of the Green Bank.
New College should be at Head of River to-day
Oriel, head of the river for the last three [four?] years, were bumped for the third time yesterday, when the Oxford Summer Eights were continued.New College, who diplaced Oriel on Friday, rowed over, followed by Magdalen. New were never threatened and seem certain to be head to-day, when racing is concluded. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
New College Head of the River
Oxford was visited by a terrific thunderstorm on Tuesday night, an inch of rain being registered at Osney Lock. There were showers yesterday afternoon, and as a consequence the attendance was very poor. No fewer than 121 bumps were recorded during the six days' racing, which is a record, and the crews had by no means found their level, for yesterday six bumps were made in the Fourth Division and five in the Second.New College finished head of the River, a position to which they were justly entitled, as after bumping Oriel they maintained their position without having really to extend themselves. Balliol had a very good crew and were probably second best, as they gained a lot on Magdalen, who, however, were never in any danger of being caught. Oriel, who started Head, went down four places. Christ Church experienced disaster every afternoon, and it was the same with University College. Pembroke did remarkably well for so small a college, having five bumps to their credit, and their second crew shared with Magdalen IV the honour of making seven bumps.
Fifth Division. Order of Starting.— St. Edmund Hall III, Keble III, Merton III, Exeter III, St. John's III, University College III, St. Peter's Hall III, St. Catherine's II, Christ Church IV, Oriel III, Wadham II, Trinity III, Queen's III, University College IV. St. Edmund Hall III retained the headship of the division, Keble III, who followed, being bumped by Merton III between the New Bridge and the Free Ferry. St. John's III continued their winning sequence with a bump over Exeter III at the old Free Ferry and their example was followed by St. Peter's Hall III, who also gained a place each afternoon and finished up by bumping University College III in the Gut.
Fourth Division. Order of Starting.— Keble II, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, University College II, Worcester II, Christ Church III, Hertford II, Balliol III, Pembroke II, Brasenose III, Magdalen IV, Lincoln II, Jesus II, St. Edmund Hall III. Keble II, who had led Magdalen III home on the previous afternoon, failed to repeat the performance as Magdalen III, coming up very fast after clearing the Gut, caught them at the Red Post. St. Peter's Hall II rowed up. Worcester II went up rapidly on University College II in Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut made their bump. Christ Church III, who followed, were badly hampered and although they eventually got going again Hertford II came up and bumped them. Pembroke II continued their upward career unchecked, as, making a determined effort at the end of Iffley Reach, they overhauled Balliol III on nearing the Long Bridges and thus made their seventh bump.
Third Division. Order of Starting.— Balliol II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, St. Peter's Hall, Merton II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, Trinity II, St. Edmund Hall II, Exeter II, Queen's II, New College III, Magdalen III. Balliol II rowed over, being well away from St. Catherine's, who, after losing steadily to Brasenose II, were overtaken opposite the Worcester Barge. St. Peter's Hall rowed over, Merton II after being hard pressed by Christ Church II up Iffley Reach, being bumped just after coming out of the Gut. Trinity II, hard pressed by St. Edmund Hall II from the start, had to strike their colours near the Weir's Bridge. Exeter II and Queen's II rowed through, but New College III were quite outpaced by Magdalen III and were overtaken at Haystack Corner.
Second Division. Order of Starting.— Magdalen II, University College, New College II, Jesus, Worcester, Keble, Queen's, Wadham, Merton, Oriel II, Hertford, Lincoln, Balliol II. Magdalen II retained the headship of the division, and were right away from University College when the latter were bumped by New College II. University College made a good fight of it, and although New College II were within half a length in the Gut they failed to make their bump until reaching the Cherwell. Jesus gained on New College II up to the Willows, but then fell away. Keble drew up steadily on Worcester and overtook them at the end of the Green Bank. Queen's and Wadham finished well apart, but Merton fell to Oriel II opposite the Long Bridges and Balliol II bumped Lincoln coming out of the Gut.
First Division. Order of Starting.— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Oriel, Brasenose, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Exeter, Christ Church, Pembroke, St. John's, Magdalen II. New College again rowed up Head of the River, well away from Magdalen. Magdalen had to row hard to escape Balliol, but were never in any imminent danger and finished half a length ahead. There was a fine race between Brasenose and Oriel; Oriel were gradually losing ground after leaving the Gut and although they had a lead of half a length at the Boathouse Brasenose made a determined effort along the Wall and caught them just after passing the Cherwell. Trinity came up two lengths in front of St. Edmund Hall, who in turn kept well away from Corpus, who had Exeter finishing within their distance. Pembroke, however, were much too fast for Christ Church.
Head of the River Crew: [as below, although weights and some corrections from the list given in The Telegraph]
New College at Head of River
New College finished at the head of the river for the first time since 1922 yesterday, when the Oxford Summer Eights were concluded.
First time since 1922: Mynors' good formHaving gone to the head on the second day, New College easily kept their position, for Magdalen were not fast enough to extend them.
New College were a really good crew, and although Oriel managed to foil them on the first night, there was no doubt but that they would succeed. Well stroked by Watson, the crew had all the traits traditionally associated with New College rowing.
Ashby rowed very well at No. 7, but a special word of praise is due to Mynors, who proved himself undoubtedly the best oarsman in residence. He had changed his side since the University Boat Race practice, and on the stroke side found the best form he has yet shown. The crew was:[as below, schools from The Times]
Oriel were very unlucky in practice, and if they had not had the misfortune to lose Hodgson they might have kept the headship, though there is little doubt that New College would have chased them home every night.
Magdalen lacked rhythm and precision, but were a powerful crew.
On the whole the average was perhaps a little higher than that of the last few years, but not much as one would have expected after Oxford's victory in the boat race. Yesterday's bumps are shown by brackets in the following tables:[...]
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