Torpids 1908

BUMPS CHART

STANDINGS Start Finish Pos College Pts Pts College 1 Balliol 48 45 Balliol 2 Magdalen 42 42 Christ Church 3 New College 35 40 Magdalen 4 University 33 38 New College 5 Christ Church 33 27 Brasenose 6 Trinity 22 23 University 7 Exeter 19 21 Trinity 8 Brasenose 19 15 St John's 9 Keble 13 13 Exeter 10 St John's 11 11 Oriel 11 Pembroke 9 10 Keble 12 Lincoln 8 8 Pembroke 13 Merton 6 7 Corpus Christi 14 Oriel 6 6 Queen's 15 Hertford 5 5 Lincoln 16 Corpus Christi 4 4 Merton 17 Queen's 4 4 Hertford 18 Worcester 3 4 Worcester 19 Jesus 3 3 Wadham 20 Wadham 2 2 Jesus 21 St Catherine's 2 1 St Catherine's

STATISTICS College All Crews [ ]=rank Crews Bps Avg Oriel 2[ 3] 11[ 1] 5.50[ 1] Christ Church 3[ 1] 5[ 2] 1.67[ 5] Corpus Christi 1[12] 5[ 2] 5.00[ 2] Magdalen 3[ 1] 4[ 4] 1.33[ 6] Queen's 1[12] 4[ 4] 4.00[ 3] Wadham 1[12] 3[ 6] 3.00[ 4] Trinity 2[ 3] 2[ 7] 1.00[ 7] St John's 2[ 3] 1[ 8] 0.50[ 9] Brasenose 2[ 3] 1[ 8] 0.50[ 9] Worcester 1[12] 1[ 8] 1.00[ 7] New College 2[ 3] 0[11] 0.00[11] Balliol 2[ 3] -1[12] -0.50[12] Jesus 1[12] -2[13] -2.00[13] Pembroke 1[12] -2[13] -2.00[13] Hertford 1[12] -2[13] -2.00[13] Merton 1[12] -3[16] -3.00[16] St Catherine's 1[12] -3[16] -3.00[16] Lincoln 1[12] -4[18] -4.00[20] Exeter 2[ 3] -6[19] -3.00[16] Keble 2[ 3] -6[19] -3.00[16] University 2[ 3] -8[21] -4.00[20]

• 6 days: Thu 20 – Wed 26 Feb, 1908

• The Times Fri 21 Feb

  The University Torpid races began at Oxford yesterday afternoon in favourable weather. A large gathering assembled at the river side and some exciting races took place. There was a record entry, 34 crews competing. Twelve colleges were represented by two crews, while Christ Church and Magdalen each put on three crews.

  The third division started in the following order :— Worcester, Jesus, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Keble II, Exeter II, Oriel II, Magdalen III, Christ Church III. After a capital race throughout, Worcester passed the flag three-quarters of a length in front. St. John's II were hard pressed by Trinity II, and only half a length divided the boats at the finish. Oriel II bumped Exeter II soon after passing the Long Bridges.

  The second division order of starting was :— Magdalen II, Pembroke, St. John's, Lincoln, Christ Church II, Merton, University II, Hertford, Oriel, Corpus, Queen's, and Worcester. Pembroke were soon pressed by St. John's, and the latter succeeded in making the bump soon after passing Rough's boathouse. An exciting struggle took place between University II, Hertford, and Oriel. The first named at one point looked like being overhauled by Hertford, but a well-sustained effort by Oriel led to Hertford's being overtaken by the new boathouse.

  In the first division the order at the start was :— Balliol, Magdalen, University, Christ Church, New College, Trinity, Exeter, Brasenose, Balliol II, New College II, Keble, and Magdalen II. Balliol had no difficulty in maintaining their position. Under the Willows Christ Church came up rapidly and bumped University about half-way along the Green Bank. Exeter experienced considerable difficulty in getting away from Brasenose. Although No.5 in the latter boat broke his oar soon after the start, only a quarter of a length separated the boats at the finish. Magdalen II overtook Keble under the Willows.

• The Times Sat 22 Feb

  Although the weather was far from favourable, for rain fell in the early part of the afternoon and a strong south-westerly wind prevailed, there was again a large attendance at the riverside to witness the University Torpid races. The racing was more exciting than on the opening day; no fewer than ten bumps took place in the three divisions.

  The order of starting in the third division was as follows :— Worcester, Jesus, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Trinity II, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Keble II, Oriel II, Exeter II, Magdalen III, and Christ Church III. For some distance there was a hard struggle between St. John's II and Trinity II, the latter making the bump opposite the Magdalen barge. Keble II were overtaken by Oriel II at the Long-bridges, and Christ Church III bumped Magdalen III soon after the start.

  The second division order of starting was :— Keble, St. John's, Pembroke, Lincoln, Christ Church II, Merton, University II, Oriel, Hertford, Corpus, Queen's, and Worcester. St. John's were again successful. They bumped Keble opposite the New College barge. Christ Church II got within three-quarters of a length of Lincoln; Oriel went off at a great pace and overtook University II at the Corporation Ferry. At the time Hertford were hard pressed by Corpus and the former, being somewhat hampered by the University boat, were bumped almost at the same spot.

  The first division order of starting was :— Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, University, New College, Trinity, Exeter, Brasenose, Balliol II, New College II, Magdalen II, and St. John's. There was a splendid race bewteen Magdalen and Christ Church. At the Long-bridges Christ Church had gained a material advantage, and, coming up rapidly under the willows, they succeeded in making the bump at the red post. There is every probability that the Christ Church crew will secure the headship to-day. New College overtook University soon after passing the Long-bridges. Brasenose, who met with an accident on the opening day, when one of the crew broke his oar early in the race, had no difficulty in bumping Exeter, and New College II were overtaken by Magdalen II soon after passing the Corporation Ferry.

• The Times Mon 24 Feb

  The torpid races at Oxford were continued on Saturday in a south-westerly gale. With the adverse conditions that prevailed throughout the afternoon several of the crews lost all semblance of form, and 14 bumps were made.

  The third division started in the following order :— Worcester, Jesus, Brasenose II, Trinity II, St. John's II, Wadham, St. Catherine's, Oriel II, Keble II, Magdalen III, Exeter II, and Christ Church III. After a capital race Trinity II bumped Brasenose II near the University boathouse. St. John's II were hard pressed by Wadham, but passed the flag a couple of yards to the good. Oriel II bumped St. Catherine's at the Long Bridges, this being their third bump. Magdalen III caught Keble II at the Corporation Ferry, and Exeter II were bumped by Christ Church III at the Weir's Bridge.

  The order of starting of the second division was :— St. John's, Keble, Pembroke, Lincoln, Christ Church II, Merton, Oriel, University II, Corpus, Hertford, Queen's, and Worcester. St. John's were unable to make headway against the wind, and were bumped by Keble, whom they had bumped on Friday, before reaching the Cherwell. Lincoln had to give way to Christ Church II near the Freewater Stone. Oriel were again successful, bumping Merton under the Green Bank. University II were seriously interfered with by the wind, and, failing to take up their position at the proper time, lost a place to Corpus Christi. Hertford were bumped by Queen's opposite the Corporation Ferry.

  The first division boats started in the following order :— Balliol, Christ Church, Magdalen, New College, University, Trinity, Brasenose, Exeter, Balliol II, Magdalen II, New College II, and Keble. There was a magnificent race for the headship. Over the first part of the course Balliol kept well to the front, but, after passsing the boathouse, Christ Church made a great effort, and gaining inch by inch amidst intense excitement, they made the bump within a few yards of the post. New College overtook Magdalen near the Long Bridges, Brasenose bumped Trinity at the Corporation Ferry, Balliol II were no match for Magdalen II, who made their bump near the Long Bridges, and New College II were bumped by Keble opposite the Keble barge, the latter thus making their second bump in the same afternoon.

• The Times Tue 25 Feb

  Although the weather was fine for the Torpid races, at Oxford yesterday afternoon, there was a strong north-westerly wind, which considerably interfered with the crews.

  The third division started in the following order :— Worcester, Jesus, Trinity II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Wadham, Oriel II, St. Catherine's, Magdalen III, Keble II, Christ Church III, and Exeter II. There was a fine race between Worcester and Jesus. After being more than once in danger, Worcester got home a quarter of a length to the good. Wadham overtook St. John's II opposite the Wadham Barge. Magdalen III at the start gained rapidly and bumped St. Catherine's at the Freewater Stone, while Christ Church III bumped Keble II near the Corporation Ferry.

  The second division order of starting was :— New College II, St. John's, Pembroke, Christ Church II, Lincoln, Oriel, Merton, Corpus, University II, Queen's, Hertford, and Worcester. New College II soon were in danger from St. John's, and the latter made the bump at the Willows. A close race was seen between Pembroke and Christ Church II. At the Cherwell the bump appeared to be inevitable, but Pembroke held on and passed the flag about three yards in front. Oriel succeeded in making their fourth bump by overtaking Lincoln under the Willows. Corpus Christi went off at a great pace and caught Merton at the Corporation Ferry. University II were no match for Queen's, who bumped them near the Weirs Bridge.

  The first division order of starting was :— Christ Church, Balliol, New College, Magdalen, University, Brasenose, Trinity, Exeter, Magdalen II, Balliol II, Keble, and St. John's. Christ Church had no difficulty in maintaining the headship. A capital struggle took place between Balliol and New College. At the University boathouse only a few feet divided the boats. Eventually Balliol finished half a length in front. After passing the Freewater Stone, Brasenose came up rapidly and overtook University under the Willows. Exeter were bumped by Magadlen II at the Long Bridges, and St. John's scored a double victory in the same afternoon by bumping Keble, after a magnificent race, a short distance beyond the boathouse.

• The Times Wed 26 Feb

  Occasional showers and a high wind, which blew across the river, interfered with the comfort of the crews and spectators alike in the Torpid races at Oxford yesterday.

  The third division started in the following order :— Worcester, Jesus, Trinity II, Brasenose II, Wadham, St. John's II, Oriel II, Magdalen III, St. Catherine's, Christ Church III, Keble II, and Exeter II. After passing the Long Bridges, Jesus were hard pressed by Trinity II, who succeeded in making the bump at the Cherwell. Wadham overtook Brasenose II at the Willows. A fine race between St. John's II and Oriel II resulted in the latter being successful a short distance beyond the boathouse, this making their fourth bump. Christ Church III bumped St. Catherine's at the Freewater stone.

  The second division order of starting was :— Keble, New College II, Pembroke, Christ Church II, Oriel, Lincoln, Corpus Christi, Merton, Queen's, University II, Hertford, and Worcester. Keble, who had bumped New College II on Saturday and also St. John's, were yesterday overtaken by the New College II crew, who displayed much improved form and attained their object opposite the boathouse. Oriel distinguished themselves by making their fifth bump, overtaking Christ Church II just before reaching the Long Bridges. Corpus Christi caught Lincoln soon after the start. Queen's displaced Merton at the Corporation Ferry and University II lost their position in consequence of being blown against the bank, Hertford passing them early in the race.

  The first division order of starting was :— Christ Church, Balliol, New College, Magdalen, Brasenose, University, Trinity, Magdalen II, Exeter, Balliol II, St. John's, and New College II. Christ Church finished fully a length to the good after a severe struggle. Brasenose bumped Magdalen at the Long Bridges. Trinity got within two yards of University, and Balliol II overtook Exeter at the Long Bridges. The races will finish today.

• The Times Thu 27 Feb

  Notwithstanding heavy showers, a numerous gathering assembled at the riverside yesterday afternoon at the finish of the University Torpid races. There was very little wind, and several of the crews showed much improved form.

  The third division started in the following order :— Worcester, Trinity second, Jesus, Wadham, Brasenose second, Oriel second, St. John's second, Magdalen third, Christ Church third, St. Catherine's, Keble second, and Exeter second. Worcester were hard pressed by Trinity second, but succeeded in getting home a few yards in front. Wadham overtook Jesus at the Cherwell. Oriel second bumped Brasenose second at boathouse. Magdalen third got within half a length of St. John's second, and Exeter second bumped Keble second at the Cherwell.

  The second division order of starting was :— New College second, Keble, Pembroke, Oriel, Christ Church second, Corpus Christi, Lincoln, Queen's, Merton, Hertford, University second, and Worcester. There was an exciting race throughout between New College second and Keble. Although the latter made a determined effort after passing the boathouse, New College second passed the flag about a quarter of a length in front. Oriel made their sixth bump by overtaking Pembroke at the Free Water Stone. Christ Church second were bumped by Corpus Christi at the Corporation Ferry. Queen's bumped Lincoln under the Willows, and Worcester bumped University second just before reaching the Long Bridges.

  The first division order of starting was :— Christ Church, Balliol, New College, Brasenose, Magdalen, University, Trinity, Magdalen second, Balliol second, Exeter, St. John's, and New College second. Christ Church easily retained the headship, and finished in capital style. Balliol were driven along by New College, but finished a third of a length to the good. St. John's, going off with a very fast stroke, overtook Exeter at the Weirs Bridge. This was the only bump in this division.

  In the six days's racing 58 bumps were made, of which Oriel scored six, St. John's, Corpus, and Oriel second five each, Brasenose, Queen's, and Magdalen second four each, Christ Church, Trinity second, Wadham, Magdalen third, and Christ Church third three each. University second have lost five places, Exeter, Lincoln, and Keble second four each, and University, Merton, Brasenose second, St. John's second, and St. Catherine's three each.

  Christ Church is at the head of the river in both the summer eights and the Torpids.

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 27 Feb

  The University Torpid races were brought to a close at Oxford yesterday, when Christchurch left off head of the river, a position they well merited. Yesterday they finished quite their distance ahead of Balliol, and throughout the races they have shown capital form. New College are a good crew, and fully extended Balliol, but they failed to effect a bump. Brasenose were quite good, but scarcely up to the standard of those above them. Generally, perhaps, the form was not quite as good as usual.

• In other news ... [1908]

  Monarch: Edward VII

  Prime Minister: Henry Campbell-Bannerman (Liberal)

  Feb 12

  The first around-the-world car race, the 1908 New York to Paris Race, begins.

  Feb 15

  Weekly boys' story paper The Magnet is first published in London, containing "The Making of Harry Wharton", the first serial story of the fictional Greyfriars School written by Charles Hamilton as Frank Richards and introducing the character of Billy Bunter.

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