Eights 1938Eights 1938
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A High Standard
As was to be anticipated, the effect of having won the University boat race two years in succession is plainly reflected in the best five or six crews rowing in the Summer Eights to-day. It is a long time since the standard in the first division was so high and there is very little doubt that Trinity are the best Oxford College crew since the Christ Church crew of 1925.What is not so plain, perhaps, is where Oxford will find her material for winning University crews from 1940 onwards, unless there are plenty of ready-made oarsmen coming up from the public schools. The second and third crews of the more prominent rowing colleges, excepting New College, are of a very low standard and, together with almost all crews below the first division, betray a sad lack of sound coaching in the principles of rowing. At Cambridge the lower crews in May week not only row better together, for they have a longer period of training, but their leg work, sliding, and wrist work have for the past ten years been far superior to anything to be seen in comparable crews at Oxford this year.
New College start head of the river this year. With the exception of Blair-Fish, who rowed at No. 5 in the Trial Eights, they are a young and inexperienced crew. No fewer than three freshmen are rowing and yet it is not going to be easy to displace them from their position. They are using Mr. Lowe's swivels and they look like an old style Eton crew. They have nice straight backs, a really lively catch, and a fine steady swing. [R. M. A.] Bourne, though he was considered too light for the Eton eight, has indeed much of his famous father's [R. C. Bourne] quality as a stroke. If it be accepted that, to be certain of a bump, a crew must be at least 10 seconds faster than New College over the course, it will take a very fast crew to get the better of New College once they are through the Gut. Bourne is ably backed up by Robinson at No. 7 and by Graham at No. 6; while Blair-Fish brings experience and a steady swing to their assistance at No. 5.
Lack of Rhythm
Magdalen, of course, ought to bump New College. With three Blues and Burnell, who narrowly missed his Blue in the stern, Doughty, who stroked the Isis crew so competently at short notice, at No. 4, and two more members of the crew which did so well in the Ladies' Plate last summer, in the bows, they should be the fastest crew on the river. "Too many Blues in the boat" is, however, an old Oxford saying, and, whatever the real reason, Magdalen are not as good a crew as they should be. They are not really together and Garton, the President, has not been able to give them the rhythm from stroke that he did last summer at Henley. The crew are rushing forward, and since they are weak in the bows they have not nearly so much pace as had been hoped. They must rely upon their racing experience if they are to bump New College and, in their turn, keep away from the probable attentions of Oriel or Trinity later in the week.The third crew, Balliol, are well together, and are well stroked again by Jones, who rowed in the trial Eights. There are no outstanding men behind him. Though the best has been made of the available material it is not likely that Balliol will keep their position. Brasenose have Cherry rowing magnificently at No. 7, and it almost seems as if there were six ghosts of that great oarsman behind him. He has imbued them with his style, but not with his fire, and once again it is shown that it takes more than one heavyweight, however fine, to create a fast crew. Nelson-Edwards, who stroked Shrewsbury two years ago, give the crew splendid rhythm, and Harper, like all St. Edward's School boys, rows admirably at No. 5, but the crew cannot row at much more than 34, and their pace is not worthy of their style. They, too, are not likely to keep their place.
The two fastest crews, Trinity and Oriel, start sixth and fifth respectively, and St. Edmund Hall behind them must be nearly, if not quite, as fast as Magdalen over a short distance. Although, in very fast conditions, Trinity have reduced the record for the course, standing since 1920, from 6min. 18sec. to 6min. 8sec., it is doubtful whether even they are as fast as Oriel for three minutes. Oriel, admirably stroked by Hodgson, the University stroke, who last year was incapacitated, are beautifully rhythmical and perfectly together. They can average 40 strokes a minute for three minutes, and they have the smoothness of J. H. T. Wilson's Pembroke [Cambridge] crews. Mure [Huse?] is once more rowing admirably at No. 7 Pepys, who just missed a Blue, is at No. 3, Martin at No. 5 was in the crew four years ago, and Whalley is rowing very well and compactly at No. 6. There seems a very fair chance that Oriel will go ahead, and if they do and Trinity follow them up, it will be interesting to see whether they have sufficient pace over the second half of the course to stay there. Hodgson has shown himself a very clever stroke in the past as well as a dashing stroke in this crew and he may be expected in such circumstances to nurse his crew safely up the Barges.
A Fine Crew
The possibility of Trinity overbumping Balliol on the first night, however, must not be entirely overlooked. Such an occurrence, so high on the river, would be amost unprecedented, but Trinity are a very fine crew. There is no weakness in the bows, their leg work is exactly together, and they are a powerful, hard-working lot. Hilary, the Shrewsbury second eight stroke, gives them good rhythm. M. Rowe is a quick, hard-working No 7. Waldron and Young, the two Blues, are rowing well at No. 6 and No. 5, as also is Stockton at No. 4. Mr. Kitchen has reason to be proud of this crew, as has the coach of St. Edward's School, now one of the greatest nurseries of Oxford rowing, of the St. Edmund Hall crew that follows. This crew, too, is very fast off the mark and has a good long swing to carry it home. It may well follow Oriel and Trinity up a place or two. Burrough is rowing well at No. 5, but Slemeck at No. 7 is fresher and is as responsible as Burrough for the general liveliness and swing of the crew. His rowing encourages great hopes of him for next year's Oxford crew. Dashwood, last year's stroke, is rowing No. 2 this year. Cary [Carey], of Westminster, is at stroke and Clark, at No. 6, who learned his rowing at Oxford, links up Slemeck and Burrough well.There are no other really good crews. Pembroke, starting 10th, are well stroked by Bingham and may make bumps as they command a high rate of striking. Christ Church, who start behind them, are rough and clumsy but very hard-working, and they, too, should regain some of the ground that they lost last year.
University seem to be the most workmanlike crew in the Second Division, though Worcester and St. Peter's Hall both have a turn of pace. The latter are almost certain to make bumps starting where they do. Jesus are rowing the style of their sister college at Cambridge.
The demands of Oxford College crews at Henley are no longer so certain to prevent the formation of a Leander crew for the Grand Challenge Cup as at one time seemed probable. There may well be some sufficiently good Oxford oarsmen available and, granted a little support from Cambridge and from graduates of both Universities, there is a definite prospect of raising an eight quite fast enough to prevent the Grand Challenge Cup from going abroad for the third year in succession [in the event, there was no Leander entry, but neither were there any overseas entries, and the GCC was won by London RC].
Summer Eights at Oxford — Highest Standard for many Years
It is refreshing to record the fact that the crews at the top of the river at Oxford this year are of a much higher standard than for many years past. Two victories in the Boat Race have undoubtedly heightened the keenness on rowing in the colleges very much indeed.It used to be said a couple of years ago that Oxford would never win the Boat Race until college rowing had been put in order. That would have been an impossible way of approaching the situation, and is proved now to have been the wrong method.
At the same time difficulties loom ahead which may render it difficult to consolidate the position, for Henley comes very early this year, and examinations will probably prevent many of the best men in the college crews from appearing there.
Two Best Crews
The two best crews on the river are undoubtedly Oriel and Trinity. Oriel lost the headship last year largely because accident robbed them of Hodgson.He is rowing for them now, better than he has ever done before, for he has cured his tendency to rush his slide the last few inches forward. With Huse at seven rowing very well indeed. Whalley at six, Martin, who must be an immortal, at five and Pepys at three, they are much longer in the water than usual, and yet can row a very high rate of striking.
In a three-minute row I saw them do last Saturday they averaged 40 all the way. They have been coached by J. H. Page and R. W. Holdsworth, the new treasurer of the O.U.B.C.
Above them start B.N.C. with Conrad Cherry at seven. The crew behind him do not seem to have attempted to copy his drive from the stretcher and though they are stroked with good rhythm by Nelson Edwards, a freshman from Shrewsbury, they are rather sluggish and cannot row a real racing stroke.
Oriel should catch them to-night and then have an easier task tomorrow with Balliol. What will have happened by the third night at the head of the river it is difficult to say.
New College Style
New College, the headboat, is rather light but is a good example of the New College style. They are stroked by R. M. A. Bourne, with a rhythm reminiscent of his father's [R. C. Bourne] style, and have Blair-Fish and N. Graham as men of experience behind him, but at the end of last week were hardly rowing a high enough stroke. Col. J. L. Philips has had them in hand.Magdalen, though fast, are a little disappointing. I saw them row a course in 6.20 on Saturday in fast conditions, but though Garton can set a high rate it is done rather at the expense of length.
Behind him he has R. Burnell, R. R. Stewart, H. A. W. Forbes and Doughty, who stroked the Isis crew. They are being coached by G. O. Nickalls.
To come to Trinity, they start sixth and have the misfortune to lie behind Oriel. Fast as they are — they rowed the course last Saturday morning in 6.8½, knocking 10½ seconds off the record — they can hardly expect to catch Oriel before they catch B.N.C..
They might conceivably make an over-bump on Balliol, but that is asking a very great deal. Coached by P. Haig Thomas, they have Hillary, a Shrewsbury freshman, at stroke, Michael Rowe, seven; Waldron, six; Melvin Young, five; and Stockton at four.
Record to be Proud of
Even though the water in the river is hardly moving and they had a good following wind, to know so much off a record put up by a Magdalen crew in Henley practice which won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley in another drought year is something to be proud of.If none of the crews below come up to the standard of these, they are rowing with dash and should provide good sport. Order of start: [...]
The Oxford Summer Eights were begun yesterday in weather which was anything but suggestive of the occasion. A keen north wind was blowing more or less down stream, but although there was a good head of water in the river there was an almost entire absence of stream. Sixty-three crews competed, the same number as last year, but there were several changes in the order. Balliol and Queen's were each represented by a fourth crew, and other newcomers were Hertford III, Corpus II, and Pembroke III, all of whom had places in the fifth division.New College retained the Headship of the River. There were only two bumps in the First Division, Trinity and Christ Church going up at the expense of Oriel and Pembroke respectively. St. Catherine's II recorded an over-bump in the bottom division.
Fifth Division. Order of starting.— Keble III, St. John's III, Exeter III, St. Peter's Hall III, Christ Church IV, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, Wadham II, Queen's III, Balliol IV, Hertford III, Corpus II, Pembroke III, Queen's IV. Keble III and St. John's III had a good race over the first half of the course, St. John's making considerable progress, but after passing the Boathouse Keble held their own and finished a full length ahead. Exeter III got away badly but escaped disaster for a while as St. Peter's Hall III were overtaken by Christ Church IV near the New Bridge. St. Catherine's II in the meantime had drawn up on to Christ Church IV, and with a clear course before them went in hot pursuit of Exeter III and eventually bumped them near the Balliol Barge. Balliol IV overtook Queen's III near the Launch Works and Corpus II bumped Hertford III at the Weirs Bridge.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— New College III, Keble II, St. Peter's Hall II, Worcester II, University College II, Hertford II, Christ Church III, Pembroke II, Balliol III, Magdalen IV, Jesus II, Lincoln II, Merton III, Keble III. Keble II at once gained on New College III and were well on to them on entering the Gut. New College III held them for a time, but Keble II came up again along the Green Bank and made their bump at the Red Post. St. Peter's Hall II were well up at the time. Worcester II were overtaken by University College II at the New Bridge, Hertford II coming up at their leisure. Christ Church III were hotly pursued by Pembroke II from the start and were caught below the New Bridge. Magdalen IV got very ragged and a couple of crabs brought about their downfall, Jesus II catching them coming out of the Gut. Lincoln II paddled over, Merton III being bumped by Keble III soon after the start.
Third Division. Order of starting.— Lincoln, Brasenose II, St. Catherine's, St. Peter's Hall, Christ Church II, Merton II, St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall II, Trinity II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Magdalen III, Keble II. Lincoln maintained their position at the head of the division and were well away from Brasenose II when the latter were bumped by St. Catherine's coming out of the Gut. St. Peter's Hall came up a long way ahead of Christ Church II, but Merton II, who followed the latter, were overtaken by St. John's II just before reaching the Free Ferry, St. Edmund Hall II having gained considerably on them at the time. Trinity II after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach succumbed to Exeter II coming out of the Gut and Magdalen III were caught by Keble II between Haystack Corner and Weirs Bridge.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen II, New College II, University College, Jesus, Keble, Worcester, Queen's, Wadham, Oriel II, Merton, Hertford, Balliol II, Lincoln. The race for the headship between Magdalen II and New College II provided plenty of excitement as New College II, going off very fast, gained and, coming out of the Gut, there was little daylight between the boats. Magdalen II, however, managed to get away again going up the Green Bank and, finishing the stronger, passed the post with three-quarters of a length to spare. University College followed two lengths behind New College II and were a long way ahead of Jesus. Keble and Worcester had a good race, Worcester being well up as the boats entered the Gut. At Bridges they made a shot which apparently just missed its mark, but Keble failed to profit by their escape and Worcester made their bump along The Willows. Queen's, Wadham and Oriel II followed wide distances apart, but Merton were hard pressed by Hertford almost from the start and the latter overhauled them before entering the Gut.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Brasenose, Oriel, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Exeter, Pembroke, Christ Church, St. John's, Magdalen II. New College, who have started Head of the River on 13 occasions, maintained their position after an interesting race. Magdalen gained considerably on them in Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut were within less than a length. New College rowed well along the Green Bank and Magdalen were a length behind at the Wall. Magdalen spurted hard and went all out after passing the Cherwell but New College, rowing well within themselves, held them and passed the Post nearly a length ahead. Balliol, in the meantime, had made little impression on Magdalen, and in turn finished three lengths in front of Brasenose. Trinity, who had been credited with phenomenally fast times in practice, soon had the measure of Oriel and caught them coming up the Green Bank, St. Edmund Hall being well behind Trinity at the time. There was a fine race between Corpus and Exeter. The latter at one time looked like making their bump, but Corpus held on to the end and passed the Post a quarter of a length in front. Christ Church overtook Pembroke after leaving the Gut and St. John's came home a length ahead of Magdalen II.
St. Catherine's II have Over-bump
It was bitterly cold for the opening day of the Oxford Summer Eights. The only achievement of the first day's racing was that of the St. Catherine's second crew, who brought off an over-bump and moved up three places. With over-bump, the number of bumps was 19.Trinity, the fastest crew on the river, caught Oriel, and speculation is rife as to whether they can succeed in going to the head of the river. The leaders, New College, were not pressed by Magdalen. Results: [...]
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday, when there was some improvement in the weather. Although the wind continued in a north-easterly quarter, there were occasional spells of sunshine and there was a rather larger attendance than on the previous afternoon. Generally the racing was unexciting to those on the upper towing path and barges, nearly all the bumps taking place below the Boathouse.New College again rowed over at the Head of the River, although Magalen gained in the early part of the race and were no more than a third of a length behind at the finish. Trinity II, in the third division, had bad luck, as on getting into their boat at the University Boathouse their No. 7 slipped and cut his knee severely. As there was not time to get a substitute they did not go to the post.
In the fourth division Worcester II, who were bumped by Hertford II, swung across the river and held up several crews. Which, if any, of the bumps recorded will be allowed must depend on the decision of the O.U.B.C. Committee.
Fifth Division. Order of starting.— Merton III, St. John's III, St. Catherine's II, Christ Church IV, St. Peter's Hall III, Exeter III, Oriel III, Wadham II, Balliol IV, Queen's III, Corpus II, Hertford III, Pembroke III, Queen's IV. Merton III, who had come down from the fourth division on the previous afternoon, again met with disaster, St. John's III making a good start and overtaking them on coming into the Gut. St. Catherine's II, who had made an overbump on the first afternoon, were not so fortunate yesterday. Christ Church IV, who were one of their victims, catching them in the Gut. St. Peter's Hall III rowed through, Exeter III, who followed, being overtaken by Oriel III. Wadham II came up their distance in front of Balliol IV, but Queen's II soon met with disaster, being caught by Corpus II before reaching the Launch Works. Hertford III were bumped by Pembroke III at the Weirs Bridge.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen III, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, University College II, Worcester II, Hertford II, Pembroke II, Christ Church III, Balliol III, Jesus II, Magdalen IV, Lincoln II, Keble III, St. John's III. Magdalen III maintained the headship without an effort, and finished quite six lengths ahead of New College III. University College II were soon in hot pursuit of St. Peter's Hall II. The latter held them in Iffley Reach, but were caught coming through the Gut. Hertford II bumped Worcester II before reaching the New Bridge. The latter, swinging across the river, blocked the way for Hertford II and Pembroke II, following up, also came to grief, as did Balliol III, who were unable to get clear and fell victims to Jesus II. Magdalen IV rowed over, Lincoln II being caught by Keble III at the Weirs Bridge.
Third Division. Order of starting.— Lincoln, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, St. Peter's Hall, Christ Church II, St. John's II, Merton II, St. Edmund Hall II, Exeter II, Trinity II, Queen's II, Keble II, Magdalen III. St. Catherine's gained on Lincoln up Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut were within three-quarters of a length. Along the Green Bank, however, Lincoln drew away again, and ultimately passed the post a length and a half to the good. St. Peter's Hall overtook Brasenose II from the start and caught them at the New Bridge. Exeter II rowed over, and Queen's II gained a bloodless victory over Trinity II, who were unable to start because of an injury to their No. 7. There was a good race between Keble II and Magdalen III. The latter were well up at the Cherwell, but just afterwards one or two of their crew caught crabs and Keble II finished well away.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen II, New College II, University College, Jesus, Worcester, Keble, Queen's, Wadham, Oriel II, Hertford, Merton, Balliol II, Lincoln. New College II gained steadily on Magdalen II from the start and were within half a length of them coming out of the Gut. Magdalen II, however, got away again and passed the post three-quarters of a length ahead. New College II finished two lengths in front of University College. Worcester bumped Jesus coming through the Gut. Queen's made a good attempt to overhaul Keble who, however, ultimately finished half a length in front. Wadham followed their distance behind, but Oriel II went down to Hertford and Balliol II bumped Merton at Haystack Corner.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Brasenose, Trinity, Oriel, St. Edmund Hall, Corpus, Exeter, Christ Church, Pembroke, St. John's, Magdalen II. Magdalen again gained on New College over the first part of the course and they were within a third of a length at the Cherwell. New College, however, finished strongly and retained their advantage to the end. Magdalen were fully their distance ahead of Balliol but Brasenose were unable to keep away from Trinity and were bumped at the Ferry. St. Edmund Hall made a great effort to overhaul Oriel and were within a few yards coming out of the Gut, but failed to maintain their effort and Oriel reached home nearly a length ahead [although see the following day's report]. Corpus paddled over, Exeter being overtaken by Christ Church before coming into the Gut. Pembroke finished half a length in front of St. John's, Magdalen II following several lengths in the rear of the latter.
A mix-up which concerned six boats in the fourth division of the Summer Eights at Oxford yesterday will be dealt with at a meeting of the Boat Club. Hertford II bumped Worcester II and the four following boats ran into each other as Worcester II failed to get clear. Results: [...]
The Summer Eights were continued at Oxford on Saturday, when the weather was gloriously fine, and there was a good number of spectators on both the towing path and barges.Two disputes were settled by the O.U.B.C. late on the previous evening. In the one St. Edmund Hall claimed having made a bump over Oriel at the Long Bridges, and this was allowed. In the other Balliol IV, Corpus II, Queen's III, and Pembroke III [sic, although these are actually the crews involved in the Div V appeal from Saturday] who were in the mix-up the previous afternoon, were ordered to re-row with the result that Balliol III bumped Christ Church III coming out of the Gut. There was another mishap in the Fifth Division on Saturday, when Wadham II bumped Exeter III, and Balliol IV, who were unable to get clear of the two boats, were bumped by Corpus II. Balliol IV have appealed.
There were not so many bumps as before, and in the Second Division only one was made, when Merton, having lost a place to Balliol II on the previous afternoon, recovered it after a great race. New College retained the Headship, but there was a surprise when Trinity paddled over, Magdalen having been bumped by Balliol coming through the Gut.
Fifth Division. Order of starting.— St. John's III, Merton III, Christ Church IV, St. Catherine's II, St. Peter's Hall III, Oriel III, Exeter III, Wadham II, Balliol IV, Corpus II, Queen's III, Pembroke III, Hertford III, Queen's IV. St. John's III paddled over at the head of the division. Merton III, after a brief struggle, fell victims to Christ Church IV at the Free Ferry. St. Catherine's II rowed through, but there was a fine race between St. Peter's Hall III and Oriel III. The latter gained a lot of ground in Iffley Reach. Then, for a while, St. Peter's Hall III held their own, but a good effort by Oriel III at the Crossing ended in their making a bump. Wadham II, coming up fast from the start, caught Exeter III before reaching the Weirs Bridge. Balliol IV subsequently lodged an appeal. Pembroke III soon had the measure of Queen's III, and caught them opposite Haystack Corner.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen III, New College III, University College II, St. Peter's Hall II, Hertford II, Worcester II, Pembroke II, Balliol III, Christ Church III, Jesus II, Magdalen IV, Keble III, Lincoln II, St. John's III. Magdalen III rowed over. New College III, who followed after losing a lot of ground in Iffley Reach were bumped by University II coming through the Gut. St. Peter's Hall II came up a couple of lengths in front of Hertford II. Worcester II were overtaken by Pembroke II immediately after the start. Balliol III finished their distance ahead of Christ Church III, but Magdalen IV, getting away well, caught Jesus II just above the New Bridge, and St. John's III bumped Lincoln II between Haystack Corner and the New Bridge.
Third Division. Order of starting.— Lincoln, St. Catherine's, St. Peter's Hall, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Christ Church II, St. Edmund Hall II, Merton II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Trinity II, Keble II, Magdalen III. Lincoln rowed through, and were well ahead of St. Catherine's when the latter, after a hard struggle along Green Bank, succumbed to St. Peter's Hall opposite the Worcester barge. Brasenose II were soon losing ground to St. John's II, who bumped them at the Weirs Bridge, and a little higher up Christ Church II fell victims to St. Edmund Hall II. Exeter II drew on to Merton II in Iffley Reach, and finally overtook them coming out of the Gut. Queen's II paddled over. Trinity II and Keble II provided a splendid race all the way up. Keble were within half a length at the Boathouse, but Trinity II held them until after passing the Cherwell when Keble II put in a determined effort, and made their bump within 30 yards of the winning post.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen II, New College II, University College, Worcester, Jesus, Keble, Queen's, Wadham, Hertford, Oriel II, Balliol II, Merton, Lincoln. New College II and Magdalen II had another good race but with the same result. Magdalen, after appearing to be in difficulties at the Boathouse drew away again to finish with three-quarters of a length in hand. New College II finished well ahead of University College, who were hard pressed to escape Worcester, who came up strongly from the Cherwell and finished a bare quarter of a length in the rear. Keble made a fine efffort to catch Jesus, but thanks largely to their cox the latter just managed to get home in safety. Queen's, Wadham, Hertford, and Oriel II finished well away from each other, but the latter lost ground to Balliol II over the early part of the course. Balliol II, however, could not sustain the effort. In the meantime Merton had been coming up on Balliol II, and after a most exciting race from the Cherwell caught them at the St. John's College barge.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, Magdalen, Balliol, Trinity, Brasenose, St. Edmund Hall, Oriel, Corpus, Christ Church, Exeter, Pembroke, St. John's, Magdalen II. New College, the head boat, experienced an easy task, as Magdalen, who had passed [pressed?] them on Friday, were caught by Balliol at the Freewater Stone Gut [sic]. Trinity paddled over after getting within three-quarters of a length of Balliol. Brasenose fell victims to St. Edmund Hall in the Gut, and Corpus were overtaken by Christ Church along the Green Bank. St. John's overlapped Pembroke at the Boathouse, but the latter got away again and finished with a quarter of a length to spare.
There was one unexpected result in the third day's racing in the Oxford Summer Eights. Magdalen, who had rowed over on the two previous nights, were caught by Balliol. This bump prevented Trinity going up and it will now be necessary for them to make bumps each night if they are to go to the head of the river.There was a dispute in Div. V., Corpus II claiming a bump over Balliol IV, who stopped when they collided with Wadham II, Corpus rowing past them. The bump was allowed.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables:[...]
New College still Head
The weather was cold and cheerless when the Summer Eights were continued at Oxford yesterday, and the crews had to contend with a strong south-westerly wind which at times blew with almost gale force. As a result there was a very small attendance.After their success over Magdalen on Saturday there seemed a possibility that Balliol might give New College a hard race for the Headship, but New College held them all the way up and Balliol, in turn, may experience no little anxiety to-day when Trinity, who made short work of Magdalen, start behind them.
The appeal of Balliol IV against a bump by Corpus II on Saturday came before the Committee, who ordered a re-row. The result, however, was the same, Corpus catching Balliol after a hard race 100 yards from the winning post. There was an unusually large number of bumps in the lower divisions and altogether 22 were recorded.
Fifth Division. Order of starting.— Lincoln II, Christ Church IV, Merton III, St. Catherine's II, Oriel III, St. Peter's Hall III, Wadham II, Exeter III, Corpus II, Balliol IV, Pembroke III, Queen's III, Hertford III, Queen's IV. Christ Church IV gained on Lincoln II from the start. Lincoln II recovered a little near the Ferry but they fell away again and Christ Church IV bumped them coming out of the Gut. St. Catherine's caught Merton III along the Green Bank. Oriel III, St. Peter's Hall III, and Wadham II finished in their starting order at wide intervals but Exeter III again went down, falling to Corpus II just before the Weirs Bridge. Balliol IV also went down again, being caught by Pembroke III at the Free Ferry and Hertford III overtook Queen's III just after passing the New Bridge.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen III, University College II, New College III, St. Peter's Hall II, Hertford II, Pembroke II, Worcester II, Balliol III, Christ Church III, Magdalen IV, Jesus II, Keble III, St. John's III, Christ Church IV. Magdalen III held University College II until after passing the Ferry, when the latter gained rapidly and made their bump coming out of the Gut. There was a fine race between New College III and St. Peter's Hall II. Coming out of the Gut, only two feet separated the two boats. New College III made a desperate effort to escape along the Green Bank, and reached the Red Post before having to acknowledge defeat. Pembroke II caught Hertford II coming out of the Gut, but Worcester II had hardly rowed 20 strokes before they were overtaken by Balliol III. Christ Church III and Magdalen IV rowed up six or seven lengths apart, but Jesus II were bumped by Keble III halfway up Iffley Reach, and Christ Church IV caught St. John's III at the beginning of the Green Bank.
Third Division. Order of starting.— Lincoln, St. Peter's Hall, St. Catherine's, St. John's II, Brasenose II, St. Edmund Hall II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Merton II, Queen's II, Keble II, Trinity II, University College II. Lincoln lost the Headship to St. Peter's Hall after a fine race. The latter were right up on coming out of the Gut, but Lincoln, spurting hard, recovered along the Willows. They failed to sustain the effort, however, and were caught just before reaching the New Boathouse. St. Catherine's kept away from St. John's II until clearing the Gut, then the latter drew up and made their bump at the Willows. St. Edmund Hall II bumped Brasenose II just after passing the New Bridge; Christ Church II and Exeter II rowed through. Queen's II bumped Merton II at Haystack Corner, and a little higher up University College II caught Trinity II.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen II, New College II, University College, Worcester, Jesus, Keble, Queen's, Wadham, Hertford, Oriel II, Merton, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall. There was a good race for the Headship. New College II gained in Iffley Reach and coming out of it were within half a length of Magdalen II. From this point, however, Magdalen II held them and eventually passed the post three-quarters of a length in front. Worcester were always going faster than University College and overtook them at the Willows, and 100 yards farther up Keble overtook Jesus, almost opposite the latter's barge. Queen's, Wadham and Hertford came up at wide intervals, but Balliol II, dashing away at the start, bumped Merton at the Weirs Bridge and so recovered the place which they had lost to Merton on Saturday.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, Balliol, Magdalen, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, Brasenose, Oriel, Christ Church, Corpus, Exeter, Pembroke, St. John's, Magdalen II. New College maintained their position without extending themselves, for although Balliol gained on them they were never dangerously close, and were a length and a quarter behind at the finish. Trinity, going off very fast, soon had the measure of Magdalen and caught them at the Free Ferry. St. Edmund Hall paddled over, but Brasenose and Oriel provided a good race, Oriel being well up coming through the Gut. They overlapped at the Boathouse, but their cox delayed shooting and Brasenose reached the Pembroke Barge before being overtaken. Exeter bumped Corpus coming out of the Gut. Pembroke, St. John's, and Magdalen II came up with a third of a length between each.
A gusty wind, blowing head-on, made conditions difficult for the crews when the eights were continued at Oxford yesterday. As was anticipated, in the First Division Trinity moved up another place at the expense of Magdalen, and have now only Balliol and New between them and the headship of the river, which they have not held since 1864. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
A Challenge from Trinity
New College retained their position at the Head of the River yesterday when Summer Eights were continued at Oxford.Trinity again gave proof of their excellence, bumping Balliol just as they were coming out of the Gut, and their prospects of securing the Headship to-night are very promising. St. Edmund Hall also did well to catch Magdalen.
Fifth Division. Order of starting.— St. John's III, Lincoln II, St. Catherine's II, Merton III, Oriel III, St. Peter's Hall III, Wadham II, Corpus II, Exeter III, Pembroke III, Balliol IV, Hertford III, Queen's III, Queen's IV. St. John's III paddled over, Lincoln II being overtaken by St. Catherine's II coming out of the Gut. Merton III, after being hard pressed by Oriel III in Iffley Reach, were bumped coming through the Gut. St. Peter's Hall III fell to Wadham II at Red Post, and Exeter III, who were outpaced by Pembroke III from the start, were bumped before reaching the New Bridge. Queen's III and Hertford III, on the other hand, had a most exciting race from the Bridges, only a few yards separating them at any point. The skill of the Hertford cox enabled his crew to pass the post with four feet to spare.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Trinity II, Magdalen III, St. Peter's Hall II, New College III, Pembroke II, Hertford II, Balliol III, Worcester II, Christ Church III, Magdalen IV, Keble III, Jesus II, Christ Church IV, St. John's III. Trinity II rowed over for the first time. Magdalen III, who followed, had bad luck when, above the New Bridge, one of the crew lost his oar with the result that they had to stop rowing, and were overtaken by St. Peter's Hall II. New College III had to make a wide detour and in consequence Pembroke II bumped them. New College subsequently lodged an appeal [presumably turned down]. Balliol III were soon gaining on Hertford II and caught them at the Free Ferry, while a little lower down Worcester II fell to Christ Church III. Magdalen IV made a good effort to keep clear of Keble III but without success, the latter catching them at the beginning of the Willows. Christ Church IV gained their sixth bump when catching Jesus II at the Weirs Bridge.
Third Division. Order of starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Lincoln, St. John's II, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall II, Brasenose II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Merton II, Keble II, University College II, Trinity II. Lincoln made a big effort to re-bump St. Peter's Hall, and were within half a length of them coming out of the Gut. From this point, however, St. Peter's Hall drew away again, and finished double the distance ahead. St. John's II got to within a length of Lincoln after a hard race. St. Edmund Hall II caught St. Catherine's opposite Talboys Barge, and Exeter II fell to Queen's II coming out of the Gut. An exciting race between Merton II, Keble II and University College II ended in the success of Keble II, who caught Merton II at the Red Post, University College II being only a few feet away at the time.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Magdalen II, New College II, Worcester, University College, Keble, Jesus, Queen's, Wadham, Hertford, Oriel II, Balliol II, Merton, St. Peter's Hall. Magdalen II retained their position at the head of the division without much effort, finishing more than a length in front of New College II. There were wide intervals between the next few crews, but there was a good race between Jesus and Queen's, Queen's making their first bump near the Free Ferry. Wadham once more rowed through, two lengths ahead of Hertford, but Oriel II went down to Balliol II just before reaching the New Bridge. Merton, after a hard struggle, were overtaken by St. Peter's Hall.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, Balliol, Trinity, Magdalen, St. Edmund Hall, Oriel, Brasenose, Christ Church, Exeter, Corpus, Pembroke, St. John's, Magdalen II. New College rowed over, Balliol, after a sharp struggle up Iffley Reach, being overtaken by Trinity at the Long Bridge. St. Edmund Hall, gaining very fast after entering the Gut, caught Magdalen at the same place. Oriel rowed through. Brasenose were bumped by Christ Church just before the Freewater Stone. Exeter came up well away from Corpus, who were three-quarters of a length ahead of Pembroke. Magdalen II, after overlapping St. John's along the Green Bank, eventually overtook them at the Pembroke Barge.
Trinity advance in Oxford Eights — Magdalen III Incident
The weather, except for a few showers, was more favourable when the Eights continued at Oxford yesterday.Trinity again went up, and their contest with New College to-day, which will decide the headship, will be a fine climax to what on the whole has been a capital week's racing.
There was a dispute in Division IV. A member of the Magdalen III crew broke an oar, and their boat became locked in mid-stream with St. Peter's Hall II. New College III, who followed, were involved in the scramble, and were bumped by Pembroke II. They claim that the bump was no fault of their's.
The matter has been referred to the committee, who will probably order a re-row. For the time being, however, the bump stands.
Christ Church IV have so far made the highest number of bumps — six. There were 21 bumps yesterday, which are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
Trinity Head of the River
Trinity gained the Headship of the River at Oxford yesterday when the Summer Eights were concluded. They bumped New College at The Willows, and so took a position which they had not held since 1864.The leading crews were :— [as below, crew weights from The Telegraph]
Fifth Division. Order of starting.— St. John's III, St. Catherine's II, Lincoln II, Oriel III, Merton III, Wadham II, St. Peter's Hall III, Corpus II, Pembroke III, Exeter III, Balliol IV, Hertford III, Queen's III, Queen's IV. St. Catherine's II made a good effort to deprive St. John's III of the headship of the division, but after getting well-up at the Boathouse they failed by half a length. Oriel III, after pressing Lincoln II in Iffley Reach, caught them under the Willows. Merton III lost a sixth place to Wadham II at the Freewater Stone, and St. Peter's Hall III, after keeping clear of Corpus II in Iffley Reach, fell away through the Gut and were bumped at the Long Bridges. Pembroke III paddled over. Balliol IV caught Exeter III at Haystack Corner.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Trinity II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen III, Pembroke II, New College III, Balliol III, Hertford II, Christ Church III, Worcester II, Keble III, Magdalen IV, Christ Church IV, Jesus II, St. John's III. Trinity II were losing to St. Peter's Hall II in Iffley Reach and coming out of the Gut the latter were within half a length. Trinity II, however, put in some good work along the Green Bank and eventually passed the post almost their starting distance ahead. Pembroke II bumped Magdalen III coming out of the Gut and New College III fell to Balliol II at the Free Ferry. Hertford II and Christ Church III rowed over. Worcester II, who followed the latter, made a very bad start and were caught by Keble III after rowing 25 strokes. Christ Church IV gained their seventh success when they bumped Magdalen IV at the Free Ferry, and nearby Jesus II fell to St. John's III.
Third Division. Order of starting.— Merton, Lincoln, St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall II, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, Christ Church II, Queen's II, Exeter II, Keble II, Merton II, University College II, Trinity II. Lincoln made a fine effort to recover the Headship of the Division from Merton, and were within half a length coming out of the Gut. They continued to gain, but Merton held on to pass the Post a bare quarter of a length ahead. St. John's II in the meantime had been steadily gaining on Lincoln, and, making a fine effort from the Cherwell, only missed their bump by a bare yard. Brasenose II were losing to Christ Church II who, however, were overtaken by Queen's II at the crossing [although it seems Christ Church were actually given the bump on Brasenose; see note at top]. Merton II were bumped by University College II just above Haystack Corner.
Second Division. Order of starting.— St. John's, New College II, Worcester, University College, Keble, Queen's, Jesus, Wadham, Hertford, Balliol II, Oriel II, St. Peter's Hall, Merton, St. John's retained the Headship of the Division without difficulty, and finished two lengths in front of New College II who were being caught by Worcester. The latter kept well away from University College who led Keble by four lengths. Keble had to row hard to escape from Queen's, but reached home three-quarters of a length ahead. Jesus followed two lengths behind. Wadham had a hard struggle to keep clear of Hertford. The latter were right up to them at Saunders Bridge and overlapped a little higher up. Wadham, however, managed to hold them and finished the stronger. Balliol II followed some distance behind Hertford, but St. Peter's Hall, after getting well up in Iffley Reach, bumped Oriel II on coming out of the Gut.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, Trinity, Balliol, St. Edmund Hall, Magdalen, Oriel, Christ Church, Brasenose, Exeter, Corpus, Pembroke, Magdalen II, St. John's. Trinity gained on New College from the start and coming out of the Gut were within half a length. From this point they drew up rapidly and made their bump under the Willows. Balliol were being hard pressed by St. Edmund Hall as they passed the Boathouse, and at one time the latter were within a few yards. Balliol, however, finished strongly and reached home with half a length to spare. Magdalen followed three lengths behind, but were hard put to it to keep clear of Oriel, who finished well within a length. Exeter pressed Brasenose hard from the Boathouse, but the latter got home by a bare half-length. An exciting race between Corpus and Pembroke ended in Corpus passing the post with only three yards in hand.
Trinity Head of the River — Best Oxford Eight since War — First Success for 77 Years
The Summer Eights were concluded at Oxford last night amid great excitement, a huge crowd watching Trinity go head of the river for the first time since 1864, when they bumped New College just after clearing the Gut.There is little doubt that Trinity are by far the best eight that has rowed head of the river since the war, and I am glad to be able to state that they can send their crew unaltered to Henley and will not be unduly hampered by examinations.
Coached by Mr. Haig-Thomas, they showed all the best features of orthodox rowing, a terrific catch at the beginning leading to a hard drive in the middle of the stroke and a long-drawn-out finish. They went off yesterday at 11, 21 and 41 and in spite of the fact that they were rowing in the wash of New College they were so steady that they looked as if they were doing no more than 38.
They were right up on New College by the Gut, but were outside them, which delayed their bumps for some little time. The crew rowed in the following order: [as below]
New College Impressive
New College are a light crew and had nothing like the power or experience of their victors, but they would certainly have remained head in any ordinary year. Well coached by Col. J. L. Philips and beautifully stroked by R. M. A. Bourne, they had also great length in the water.In the rest of the first division there were no bumps to be recorded, though there was some very exciting racing. Balliol managed to stave off the attacks of St. Edmund Hall, who were another very good crew. Oriel never quite got over the thrilling race they had on the first night, when they were bumped by Trinity, and were not quite good enough to catch Magdalen, through they drove them hard.
Magdalen were a very disappointing crew, with all their Blues, and were perhaps the shortest in the first division. Christ Church had found their place with four bumps. In the second division St. Peter's Hall were the only crew who improved their position with their fifth bump, but lower down there were a great many bumps.
The 13 bumps yesterday are indicated in brackets in the following tables: [...]
My old college, Trinity, has gone head of the river
for the first time since 1864. It would be interesting to
know if there is anyone alive who witnessed the Eights, or, better still, who
rowed in one of the college eights, in that year
Mr. B Cozens-Hardy, Norwich
The names of the winning Trinity crew of
1864 are inscribed on the Head of the River cup now in
the possession of the College, and no doubt
Mr. Cozens Hardy can obtain them
from the Bursar, who is also likely to know if any of the crew are alive
to-day. The inscription is one of the first on the cup, which was presented
about two years previously.
Mr. Reginald Jones, London N.W.11.
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