Torpids 1925

BUMPS CHART

STANDINGS Start Finish Pos College Pts Pts College 1 Christ Church 40 40 Christ Church 2 Brasenose 35 39 Balliol 3 Balliol 31 32 University 4 Magdalen 31 29 Merton 5 University 29 28 Brasenose 6 New College 28 26 Magdalen 7 Worcester 26 26 New College 8 Merton 24 23 Wadham 9 Trinity 18 20 Worcester 10 Wadham 14 14 Pembroke 11 Keble 13 13 Corpus Christi 12 Corpus Christi 11 12 Oriel 13 St John's 10 10 Trinity 14 Pembroke 10 9 Queen's 15 Queen's 10 8 Keble 16 Oriel 9 8 Lincoln 17 Lincoln 7 8 St John's 18 Exeter 5 7 Exeter 19 Hertford 3 3 Hertford 20 St Edmund Hall 3 3 St Catherine's 21 Jesus 3 3 St Edmund Hall 22 St Catherine's 2 2 Jesus

STATISTICS College All Crews [ ]=rank Crews Bps Avg Wadham 2[ 3] 9[ 1] 4.50[ 1] Pembroke 2[ 3] 7[ 2] 3.50[ 3] St Catherine's 1[13] 4[ 3] 4.00[ 2] Exeter 2[ 3] 4[ 3] 2.00[ 4] Balliol 3[ 1] 3[ 5] 1.00[ 7] Merton 1[13] 2[ 6] 2.00[ 4] Corpus Christi 1[13] 2[ 6] 2.00[ 4] University 1[13] 1[ 8] 1.00[ 7] New College 3[ 1] 1[ 8] 0.33[11] Hertford 1[13] 1[ 8] 1.00[ 7] Oriel 2[ 3] 1[ 8] 0.50[10] Christ Church 2[ 3] 0[12] 0.00[12] Lincoln 2[ 3] 0[12] 0.00[12] Queen's 1[13] -1[14] -1.00[14] Jesus 1[13] -1[14] -1.00[14] St Edmund Hall 1[13] -1[14] -1.00[14] Magdalen 2[ 3] -2[17] -1.00[14] Brasenose 2[ 3] -5[18] -2.50[18] Keble 1[13] -5[18] -5.00[21] Worcester 2[ 3] -6[20] -3.00[19] Trinity 1[13] -6[20] -6.00[22] St John's 2[ 3] -8[22] -4.00[20]

• 6 days: Thu 19 – Wed 25 Feb, 1925
• Note that the Balliol crews are renumbered compared to the finishing order of the previous year.
• The Daily Telegraph mentions Div 3 starting at 2:30pm.
• The Daily Telegraph reports are essentially identical to The Times so are not reproduced here.

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 19 Feb

  The Torpid races commence at Oxford to-day, the Third Division starting at half-past two. The entries are the same as last year, a third crew from New College and Balliol taking the places of Keble II and Queen's II. The Crown Prince of Norway is rowing in the Balliol II crew, and the Emir Zeid in their third. University have the misfortune to lose two of their best men, L. Lockwood and B. O. Bowen, owing to illness. The order of starting is [...].

• The Times Fri 20 Feb

  The Oxford University Torpid Races were begun yesterday between Iffley and Salter's Barge. Considering the unfavourable weather, there was quite a good attendance of spectators. The boats competing number 36 and the races are rowed in three divisions. The river is almost bank high and the current, against which the crews had to contend the entire distance, was very strong. There was some exciting racing and in the three divisions ten bumps were made.

  The order of starting in the Third Division was as follows :— St. John's II, Hertford, St. Edmund Hall, Jesus, Brasenose II, Wadham II, St. Catharine's, Lincoln II, Oriel II, Pembroke II, Exeter II, Balliol III, and New College III. Hertford gained on St. John's from the start and bumped them before reaching the Freewater Stone. Oriel II were quickly bumped by Pembroke II, the bump taking place before reaching the Launch Works; and Balliol III descended to the bottom of the list, being bumped by New College III at the Weirs Bridge.

  The order of starting in the Second Division was as follows :— Wadham, Corpus Christi, Queen's, Pembroke, Oriel, St. John's, Worcester II, New College II, Lincoln, Magdalen II, Exeter, Christ Church II, and Hertford. Pembroke succeeded in bumping Queen's near the Long Bridges, and there was an equally exciting struggle between Worcester II and New College II. The latter gained gradually until at Old University Barge they overlapped by some inches, but missed their bump; but they again spurted, and when within a few yards of the post gained their object. Exeter, when opposite their college barge, bumped Magdalen II.

  The order of starting in the First Division was as follows :— Christ Church, Brasenose, University, Magdalen, Merton, New College, Worcester, Trinity, Balliol I, Balliol II, Keble, and Wadham. The leading boats maintained their position with ease, but Brasenose were in difficulties for some distance with University, who got within a length. An exciting struggle took place between Magdalen and Merton, which ended in the former being bumped opposite the Worcester Barge. Balliol quickly gained on Trinity and caught them at the Free Ferry, at which spot Keble were bumped by Wadham.

  The races will be continued to-day.

• The Times Sat 21 Feb

  The weather conditions at Oxford yesterday afternoon during the University Torpid Races were almost perfect, there being practically no wind, and the river had gone down considerably since Thursday. There were several exciting races in the three divisions and the number of bumps was the same as on the first day — namely 10.

  The order of starting in the Third Division was as follows :— Hertford, St. John's II, St. Edmund Hall, Jesus, Wadham II, Brasenose II, St. Catherine's, Lincoln II, Pembroke II, Oriel II, Exeter II, New College III, and Balliol III. There were no less than five bumps. Hertford, who secured the headship on Thursday, easily maintained it, but St. John's II were unable to escape from St. Edmund Hall, who bumped them at the Free Ferry. Wadham II got to within half a length of Jesus near the Long Bridges. The latter drew away for a short time, but were unable to sustain the effort and were bumped near Talboy's Barge. St. Catherine's gained on Brasenose II from the start and secured their bump after passing the Freewater Stone. Pembroke II quickly displaced Lincoln II, bumping them at the Free Ferry, and Oriel II were bumped by Exeter II under the Willows.

  The order of starting in the Second Division was as follows :— Keble, Corpus, Pembroke, Queen's, Oriel, St. John's, New College II, Worcester II, Lincoln, Exeter, Magdalen II, Christ Church II, and Hertford. Keble were unable to retain the headship of the division, Corpus bumping them before reaching the Long Bridges. Queen's again lost a place, Oriel bumping them at the beginning of the Green Bank. Lincoln bumped Worcester II a short distance from the Long Bridges.

  The First Division crews started in the following order :— Christ Church, Brasenose, University, Merton, Magdalen, New College, Worcester, Balliol, Trinity, Balliol II, Wadham, and Corpus. The leading boat maintained its position without difficulty. There was an exciting race between Brasenose, University, and Merton, who were only a length apart near the Long Bridges. At the Cherwell Merton overlapped University but missed the bump, and Brasenose were bumped by University only a few feet from the post. Trinity were bumped by Balliol II after passing the Freewater Stone.

• The Times Mon 23 Feb

  The weather was again favourable on Saturday afternoon during the racing of the University Torpids, and the river banks and college barges were well attended by spectators. The racing resulted in six bumps only being made, four of which were in the Third Division, the other two divisions yielding one each. In the Second Division the most exciting racing was witnessed, the boats in two instances overlapping: in one the bump was made, and in the other New College II made a claim for a bump, which will come before the Boat Club on Monday for decision.

  In the Third Division the order of starting was :— Hertford, St. Edmund Hall, St. John's II, Wadham II, Jesus, St. Catherine's, Brasenose II, Pembroke II, Lincoln II, Exeter II, Oriel II, New College III, and Balliol III. A good race between Hertford and St. Edmund Hall ended by the former reaching the post with only three-quarters of a length to the good. St. John's II were bumped by Wadham after passing the Freewater Stone, and shortly before reaching that spot Jesus were bumped by St. Catherine's, as also were Brasenose by Pembroke II. Through the starting bung becoming entangled in the rudder lines, New College III were bumped by Balliol III at the start.

  In the Second Division the order of starting was :— Corpus, Keble, Pembroke, Oriel, Queen's, St. John's, New College II, Lincoln, Worcester II, Exeter, Magdalen II, Christ Church II, and Hertford. Pembroke gained on Keble all the way and at the boathouse overlapped, but missed the bump, and at the finish Keble were only a foot to the good. New College II also overlapped St. John's at the Cherwell, and the boats were almost touching at the Brasenose Barge, but St. John's reached the post with only a few inches to spare. Worcester II were bumped by Exeter at Saunders' Bridge.

  The order of starting in the First Division was :— Christ Church, University, Brasenose, Merton, Magdalen, New College, Worcester, Balliol I, Balliol II, Trinity, Wadham, and Corpus Christi. The leading boat finished about four lengths in front of of University, who were well away from Brasenose. Merton, although gaining on Brasenose, had their chance of bumping frustrated by the breaking of an oar near the Weirs Bridge, but they nevertheless were able to finish a length in front of Magdalen. There was an exciting race betweeen the two Balliol crews, the second boat being close up at the Green Bank, but no bump resulted. Wadham bumped Trinity at the Free Ferry.

  The races will be contiued to-day.

• The Times Tue 24 Feb

  The racing in the Oxford University Torpids yesterday was carried out in bad conditions. There were continuous rain showers, which considerably affected the attendance of spectators. The claim which was made by New College II to having bumped St. John's in Saturday's racing was investigated by the Committee, and was allowed. Consequently the number of bumps on that day was raised to seven. Yesterday, there were ten bumps: three each in the First and Second Divisions and four in the Third.

  In the Third Division the order of starting was :— Hertford, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, St. John's II, St. Catherine's, Jesus, Pembroke II, Brasenose II, Lincoln II, Exeter II, Oriel II, Balliol III, New College III. St. Edmund Hall closely pressed Hertford and at Founders Bridge [sic, Saunders' Bridge in the Telegraph] were within a few feet, but at this point one of the crew unluckily caught a crab and this led to Wadham II overtaking St. Edmund Hall at the Brasenose Barge. St. John's II experienced their fourth defeat, St. Catherine's bumping them at the Weirs Bridge. Lincoln [II] were caught by Exeter II at the Long Bridges and Balliol III resumed their place at the bottom of the Division, being bumped by New College III at the Red Post.

  The order of starting in the Second Division was :— Corpus Christi, Keble, Pembroke, Oriel, Queen's, New College II, St. John's, Lincoln, Exeter, Worcester II, Magdalen II, Christ Church II, Hertford. Keble were bumped by Pembroke at the Red Post. New College II and Queen's had an exciting struggle, and at the post the former were within a quarter of a length. Lincoln gained steadily on St. John's from the start and effected their bump at the Cherwell. A good race followed between Magdalen II and Christ Church II, but the former drew away and escaped.

  In the First Division the order of starting was :— Christ Church, University, Brasenose, Merton, Magdalen, New College, Worcester, Balliol I, Balliol II, Wadham, Trinity, Corpus Christi. Christ Church retained their position as Head of the River, although University got nearer to them than they had yet succeeded in doing. Merton, who failed to overtake Brasenose on Saturday through the breaking of an oar, were successful yesterday, making their bump before reaching the Long Bridges. Magdalen narrowly escaped defeat by New College, a bare quarter of a length separating them at the post. Worcester were bumped by Balliol I at the Green Bank, but Balliol II suffered a defeat by Wadham, who bumped them at the Red Post. Trinity lost another place, the fourth, being bumped by Corpus Christi under the Willows.

  The races will be continued to-day.

• The Times Wed 25 Feb

  The Torpid Races were continued at Oxford yesterday in wet and squally weather. Five bumps only were made, of which the First and Second Divisions furnished two each.

  The order of starting in the Third Division was as follows :— Hertford, Wadham II, St. Edmund Hall, St. Catherine's, St. John's II, Jesus, Pembroke II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Lincoln II, Oriel II, New College III, Balliol III. A good race between Hertford and Wadham II resulted in the latter getting within a length. St. John's II continued their downward course, being bumped by Jesus before reaching the Freewater Stone. This made their fifth reverse. The remaining boats finished about their starting distances apart.

  In the Second Division the order of starting was as follows :— Trinity, Pembroke, Keble, Oriel, Queen's, New College II, Lincoln, St. John's, Exeter, Worcester II, Magdalen II, Christ Church II, and Hertford. Pembroke gained on Trinity from the start and at the Free Ferry had reduced the starting distance by a length, and eventually the bump was made under the Willows. Oriel, also, quickly gained on Keble, and by a strong spurt bumped them at the Freewater Stone. New College II got to within a length of Queen's, and a similar distance separated Christ Church II and Hertford at the finish.

  The order of starting in the First Division was as follows :— Christ Church, University, Merton, Brasenose, Magdalen, New College, Balliol, Worcester, Wadham, Balliol II, Corpus Christi, and Pembroke. Christ Church continued to maintain the Headship without difficulty. University were hard pressed by Merton from the start, but when near the Free Ferry one of the crew caught a crab. The enabled University to draw away, but Merton spurted and just before reaching the Cherwell made a try for a bump, but the shot was unsuccessful. Merton still pressed hard and University escaped disaster by about a foot at the finish. Balliol caught New College, after a fine race, at the Red Post, and Wadham bumped Worcester rather easily after passing the Freewater Stone.

  The races will be concluded to-day.

• The Times Thu 26 Feb

  The weather was fairly favourable during the last day's racing of the Oxford University Torpids yesterday afternoon. In the three divisions there were seven bumps, making a total of 39 in the six days' racing.

  The order of starting in the Third Division was as follows :— Hertford, Wadham II, St. Edmund Hall, St. Catherine's, St. John's II, Pembroke II, Jesus, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Lincoln II, Oriel II, New College III, and Balliol III. Wadham made a determined effort to gain the headship of the division and got to within a length of Hertford at the Boathouse, but were no nearer at the finish. St. Catherine's gained on St. Edmund Hall in Iffley Reach and bumped them before reaching the Long Bridges. St. John's II lost another place, Pembroke II bumping them opposite the Trinity Barge. Brasenose II were at the time well up to Pembroke, and were in turn hard pressed by Exeter II, one of whose crew had the ill-luck to catch a crab, which destroyed their chance of a bump, and Brasenose II reached the post with two yards only to spare. Oriel II were within a length of Lincoln II at the finish.

  In the Second Division the order of starting was as follows :— Pembroke, Trinity, Oriel, Keble, Queen's, New College II, Lincoln, St. John's, Exeter, Worcester II, Magdalen II, Christ Church II, and Hertford. Trinity lost another place, Oriel bumping them at the beginning of the Green Bank, and near the same spot Keble were bumped by Queen's. Lincoln gained rapidly on New College II, who were barely a quarter of a length to the good at the post. Exeter were within a length of St. John's, and Magdalen II with a fine spurt bumped Worcester II at the Long Bridges. An exciting struggle between Christ Church II and Hertford ended in the former escaping from being bumped by two yards.

  In the First Division the order of starting was as follows :— Christ Church, University, Merton, Brasenose, Magdalen, Balliol, New College, Wadham, Worcester, Balliol II, Corpus Christi, and Pembroke. The leading boat had about a length and a quarter to the good at the finish from University, who had been driven on by Merton, who were only a yard behind at the post. Balliol bumped Magdalen before reaching the Long Bridges, and Wadham bumped New College at the Freewater Stone.

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 26 Feb has a concluding paragraph:

  It is a singular coincidence that the only boats whose position has remained unchanged have been the two from Christ Church. Trinity and St. John's II each lost six places, Keble five, Worcester four, and Brasenose II three. Both the Wadham boats were succesful, the first crew gaining five places and the second four. Balliol, St. Catharine's, and Pembroke II each gained four places.

• In other news ... [1925]

  Monarch: George V

  Prime Minister: Stanley Baldwin (Conservative)

  Fri 21 Feb

  Bulgarian Prime Minister Aleksandar Tsankov declared that a state of war existed throughout the country amid fighting between Bulgarian and Serbian irregulars attributed to communist agitators.

  The first issue of The New Yorker, dated February 21, 1925, was read by the public. The cover date of the issue, released earlier in the week, bore the later date based on publication industry standards of dating the cover ahead of time in order to avoid the appearance of being out of date.

  Mon 23 Feb

  Four months after being stripped of all of his imperial titles and privileges as the former Emperor of China, Puyi accepted an offer by the Japanese Empire to receive protection from his enemies, and left the Chinese capital of Beijing on a train bound for Tianjin.

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