Torpids 1927

BUMPS CHART

STANDINGS Start Finish Pos College Pts Pts College 1 Balliol 42 42 Balliol 2 University 33 32 Merton 3 Merton 29 29 Magdalen 4 Magdalen 28 26 New College 5 New College 24 26 Christ Church 6 Christ Church 23 20 Wadham 7 Wadham 17 19 University 8 Corpus Christi 13 16 Worcester 9 Brasenose 13 13 Brasenose 10 Worcester 11 10 Lincoln 11 Keble 10 9 Corpus Christi 12 Oriel 9 8 Exeter 13 Lincoln 7 7 Pembroke 14 Exeter 7 7 Keble 15 Pembroke 5 6 St John's 16 Trinity 4 6 Oriel 17 St John's 4 4 Hertford 18 Hertford 4 4 Trinity 19 Queen's 3 3 Queen's 20 St Catherine's 3 2 St Catherine's 21 St Edmund Hall 2 2 St Edmund Hall 22 Jesus 2 1 Jesus

STATISTICS College All Crews [ ]=rank Crews Bps Avg St John's 2[ 1] 5[ 1] 2.50[ 3] Christ Church 2[ 1] 4[ 2] 2.00[ 4] Lincoln 1[11] 3[ 3] 3.00[ 1] Pembroke 1[11] 3[ 3] 3.00[ 1] Brasenose 2[ 1] 3[ 3] 1.50[ 6] Exeter 1[11] 2[ 6] 2.00[ 4] New College 2[ 1] 1[ 7] 0.50[ 9] Merton 1[11] 1[ 7] 1.00[ 7] Hertford 1[11] 1[ 7] 1.00[ 7] Wadham 2[ 1] 1[ 7] 0.50[ 9] Worcester 2[ 1] -1[11] -0.50[11] Trinity 1[11] -1[11] -1.00[13] Balliol 2[ 1] -1[11] -0.50[11] St Edmund Hall 1[11] -1[11] -1.00[13] Oriel 2[ 1] -2[15] -1.00[13] University 2[ 1] -2[15] -1.00[13] St Catherine's 1[11] -2[15] -2.00[18] Jesus 1[11] -2[15] -2.00[18] Queen's 1[11] -2[15] -2.00[18] Magdalen 2[ 1] -3[20] -1.50[17] Corpus Christi 1[11] -3[20] -3.00[21] Keble 1[11] -4[22] -4.00[22]

• 6 days: Thu 24 Feb – Thu 3 Mar, 1927
• Monday: racing abandoned due to flooding/gale so Torpids extended by 1 day.

• The Times Fri 25 Feb

  There was a good attendance for the first day of the Torpid races at Oxford yesterday. The river was bank high, and the crews had an exceedingly strong current to contend with. The races, as usual, were rowed in three divisions, and, although there was some close racing, eight bumps only were made.

  Third Division
  The order of starting in the Third Division was Queen's, St. Catherine's, St. John's, Christ Church II, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, Worcester II, Jesus, University II, St. John's II, Brasenose II, Oriel II. St. John's gained on St. Catherine's from the start, and bumped them after passing the Freewater Stone. Jesus, after missing their bump near the Freewater Stone, drew up again and eventually bumped Worcester II at the Willows, and a short distance before reaching this spot St. John's II were bumped by Brasenose II.

  Second Division
  The order of starting was :— Keble, Worcester, Oriel, Lincoln, Exeter, New College II, Pembroke, Magdalen II, Trinity, Hertford, Queen's. Keble, after an exciting race, were bumped by Worcester within a short distance of Freewater Stone, and, having started badly, Oriel were quickly bumped by Lincoln. There was a close race between New College II and Pembroke, but the order was unchanged. Magdalen II, after a fine race, were bumped under the Willows by Trinity, Hertford being then fully their starting distance away from Queen's.

  First Division
  The order of starting was :— University, Merton, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, New College, Balliol II, Wadham, Corpus Christi, Brasenose, Worcester. An exciting race took place between the first three boats. At the boathouse Merton were not more than four yards ahead of Balliol, but they then drew away and gained on University, who lost the Headship of the River near the Magdalen College Barge. Corpus Christi were bumped by Brasenose at the Red Post.

  The races will be continued to-day.

• The Daily Telegraph Fri 25 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  Merton at Head of River

  With rain falling almost incessantly, and wind and stream against the crews, it would be impossible to imagine more unfavourable conditions for the first day of the torpids at Oxford. The crews, however, have had considerable experience with rough weather in their training, so they did not suffer such serious inconvenience as might otherwise have been the case. The attendance was affected, and in the early part of the afternoon was quite small. Later it increased, and if not large there was no lack of enthusiasm.

  Three bumps only were made in the third division, the successful crews being St. John's, Jesus, and Brasenose 2, the last of whom are expected to go up most days. Second division bumps also numbered three, and, like those in the Third Division, each occurred early in the race. Worcester went up into the First Division by catching Keble; Lincoln made short work of Oriel, which suggests they must be very fast; and Trinity caught the Second Magdalen crew. Bumps were not quite so numerous as usual, and altogether totalled eight, three in the Second and Third Divisions and two in the First Division. Most of them occurred in the early stages of the course, but to compensate for this there was a terrific struggle between the three head boats, which continued to within 100 yards of the winning post. Merton then had the satisfaction of wresting the headship from University and so, temporarily, they find themselves at the head of the river. At the time they made their bump they were in imminent danger from Balliol, who tomorrow will again make a bold bid for premier honours if they succeed, as they should, in overtaking University to-night.

  The appended list shows the order of starting in the respective divisions yesterday, the bumps made, being indicated by brackets: [list omitted].

• The Times Sat 26 Feb

  The Torpid races were continued at Oxford yesterday. Heavy rain fell throughout the day, and the river banks and college barges were almost completely deserted. The river is still rising, and the crews have had very hard work in pulling against the strong current. There were again eight bumps in the three divisions.

  Third Division
  The order of starting in the Third Division was :— Queen's, St. John's, St. Catharine's, Christ Church II, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, Jesus, Worcester II, University II, Brasenose II, St. John's II, Oriel II. St. John's gained on Queen's early in the race and bumped them near the Freewater Stone. There was a good race between St. Catharine's and Christ Church II, but St. Catharine's held their own after passing the Boathouse, and reached the post about three-quarters of a length in front. Worcester II were bumped by University II near the Long Bridges, but there was an exciting race between St. John's II and Oriel II. The former appeared to be safe at the Boathouse, but Oriel crept up along the Wall, and made their bump when not more than 20 yards from the post.

  Second Division
  The order of starting was :— Worcester, Keble, Lincoln, Oriel, Exeter, New College II, Pembroke, Trinity, Magdalen II, Hertford, St. John's. Lincoln bumped Keble just beyond the Freewater Stone, and Exeter bumped Oriel opposite the Jesus College barge. Pembroke were within four yards of New College II at the Cherwell, and they steadily drew up on them until at the Old University Barge they overlapped, but failed to bump. Hertford had little difficulty in bumping Magdalen II, which they did at the Free Ferry.

  First Division
  The order of rowing was :— Merton, University, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, New College, Balliol II, Wadham, Brasenose, Corpus Christi, Worcester. Merton maintained their position at the head of the river without difficulty, but University, who were displaced from the head on Thursday, were again bumped, on this occasion by Balliol, at the New Cut. Corpus Christi were bumped by Worcester at the Free Ferry.

  The races will be continued to-day.

• The Daily Telegraph Sat 26 Feb, from Our Special Correspondent

  There was no improvement in the weather conditions for the second day's racing in the Oxford torpids. Rain fell throughout yesterday afternoon, sometimes quite heavily, and there was a strong stream running, but the wind had moderated in force. In the third division there were three bumps, the successful crews being St. John's, who by their success go up into the second division, University 2; and Oriel 2. The last-named left their objective rather late, as their opponents did not strike their flag till the winning post was almost reached. Bumps in the second division also numbered three, Lincoln, Exeter, and Hertford each going up one place. There should have been a fourth bump, New College 2 and Pembroke having a race which for excitement equalled that between the second crews of St. John's and Oriel in the third division. The sequel, however, was different, as Pembroke, after overlapping the Wykehamists, allowed them to scrape home by a narrow margin. First division bumps numbered two, Balliol and Worcester each making an advance. The bumps thus totalled eight, the same as on Thursday. There looks like being a very fine race for the headship between Merton and Balliol.

  In the third division St. John's quickly made certain of their position in the second division by catching the leading crew, Queen's, just after the Free Ferry. Among the succeeding five boats there was little excitement. University 2 caught Worcester 2 at the Long Bridges, and Oriel 2 handed over the wooden spoon to St. John's 2, but only after a desperate struggle along the wall, which ended in St. John's downfall twenty yards from the winning-post.

  In the second division Lincoln made their second rise, catching Keble in the Gut, and Exeter bumped Oriel at the Boathouse. This caused New College 2 to make a detour, as a result of which they only just scrambled home from Pembroke 2. "Crabs" led to the downfall of Magdalen 2, who were bumped by Hertford at the Free Ferry, St. John's at that time being only three-quarters of a length behind Hertford.

  In the first division Merton were always well clear of University, who in turn, lost ground to Balliol. The latter, coming along fast from the Willows, effected their objective at the New Cut. The other boats followed at long distances, but the last two, Corpus and Worcester, changed places, the latter making a bump at the Free Ferry. The day's bumps were: [...]

• The Times Mon 28 Feb

  Wind and rain squalls, especially during the latter part of the afternoon, prevailed during the third day's racing of the Torpids at Oxford on Saturday afternoon. The racing was not of a very exciting character, the third and first divisions providing but one each [sic] and the second four. The results were :—

  Third Division
  The order of starting was :— St. John's, Queen's, St. Catherine's, Christ Church II, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, Jesus, University II, Worcester II, Brasenose II, Oriel II, St. John's II. Christ Church II were pressing St. Catherine's the greater part of the course, and finished only a quarter of a length behind. The three following boats kept their starting distances apart, with the exception of Jesus and University, the latter being only half a length behind at the post. Brasenose II found it a rather easy matter to displace Worcester II, the bump taking place near the Weirs Bridge.

  Second Division
  The order of starting was :— Corpus Christi, Lincoln, Keble, Exeter, Oriel, New College II, Pembroke, Trinity, Hertford, Magdalen II, St. John's. As the boats neared the Long Bridges Lincoln were close up to Corpus Christi, who spurted well for a short distance, but were caught at the New Cut. Keble made an excellent show against Exeter until reaching the boathouse, from which point the latter gained quickly and made their bump opposite the old University barge. New College II were bumped by Pembroke as they neared the Long Bridges, and Magdalen II by St. John's at the Weirs Bridge.

  First Division
  The order of starting was :— Merton, Balliol, University, Magdalen, Christ Church, New College, Balliol II, Wadham, Brasenose, Worcester, Lincoln. A keen race was anticipated between Merton and Balliol for the headship, but the former easily maintained their starting distance throughout. University sustained another defeat, the third, Magdalen bumping them at the Long Bridges. Wadham finished within half a length of Balliol II after an exciting race.

  The races will be continued to-day.

• The Daily Telegraph Mon 28 Feb

  Merton Remain at the Head

  The Oxford Torpid crews have, so far, had most unfavourable conditions for this year's racing. Saturday was even worse than the two previous days, especially late in the afternoon when the First Division crews were sent on their journey. Conditions became so bad that the foul weather flag was hoisted, and many of the crews took the precaution to use canvas on their bows. The wind reached almost gale force and the water was very rough. Despite the conditions a very large crowd assembled in anticipation of seeing a close race for the headship between Merton and Balliol. In this, however, they were disappointed. Not at any part of the course did Merton cause their friends anxiety, and they finished strongly a good two lengths ahead. As they are a lighter crew this was an extremely creditable performance, and suggests that Merton will carry off the headship. There was, in fact, only one bump in the First Division, University, who started top, making their third descent when Magdalen caught them at the Long Bridges.

  The most number of bumps was made in the Second Division, Lincoln, Exeter, Pembroke, and St. John's each going up, and the former had the satisfaction of making their third bump. The difference bad weather makes to some crews was shown when Pembroke overtook New College II at the Long Bridges. On the two previous evenings New College had managed to row over. As was the case with the First Division, there was only one bump, by B.N.C. II, in the Third Division, and the total bumps for the day was only six, as against eight on Thursday and Friday. There was very little excitement in the Third Division, though at one time St. Edmund Hall made some impression on Christ Church II. The bump made by B.N.C. II was at the Weirs Bridge, where Worcester II lost their third place.

  In the Second Division the successful Lincoln crew came up very fast along the Green Bank, and ran into Corpus at the New Cut. Keble and Exeter had a very fine race. At the crossing it looked as if Keble might get home, but along the Wall Exeter spurted so strongly that they gradually reduced the gap and made their bump opposite the old 'Varsity Barge. Pembroke, having twice been cheated of their quarry, ran into New College II at the Long Bridges, and St. John's bumped Magdalen II at the Weirs Bridge.

  The appended lists show the order of starting in the respective divisions on Saturday...

• From The Times Tue 1 March

  The weather was so rough at Oxford yesterday that the afternoon's racing in the Torpids had to be cancelled. A strong southerly wind met the stream, with the results that from the Cherwell to Iffley there was a long succession of white-crested waves. The bank gave little or no shelter, the river being nearly level with the towing path. Worcester II were one of the first crews to get afloat, but no sooner had they left the raft than the boat began to fill, and one or two members of the crew had difficulty in getting ashore. Racing was then postponed for half an hour, but the same thing happened to St. Edmund Hall, who, on going down, had the water breaking in fore and aft near Saunders Bridge. Fortunately, the University crew had not gone out, and the President decided that no more risks should be taken and cancelled the day's racing.

  The only previous occasion on which the Torpids have been postponed was during the long frost of more than 30 years ago [1895]

• From The Daily Telegraph Tue 1 March, from Our Special Correspondent

  Impossible for Crews to Row

  Rarely, if ever, have such bad conditions been experienced by University crews at Oxford as those which prevailed yesterday, and the torpid races had to be abandoned for the day. This is believed to be unprecedented in the history of the races at Oxford, although about forty years ago [1895] they were postponed owing to the Thames being frozen. The river had rised a foot since Saturday, the wind was of almost gale force, and the river, almost overflowing its banks, resembled white-crested waves.

  The decision to abandon the day's racing was not made until two of the boats, Worcester and St. Edmund Hall, had been sunk, their crews having to swim to the bank. Other crews, to avoid a similarly unpleasant experience, had to row hastily into the shore. It was obvious by this time that to row through without immersion was out of the question.

• The Times Wed 2 March

  A Captains' meeting was held at the University Boat Club yesterday, when it was decided to extend the Torpid races over to-morrow. The weather yesterday was very variable, and rain fell heavily during the racing of the Second Division, but Monday's gale had entirely died out. Eight bumps were recorded in the three divisions. Merton kept their place at the head of the river without much difficulty, and Lincoln and St. John's continued their winning sequence.

  Third Division
  The order of starting was :— Magdalen II, Queen's, St. Catherine's, Christ Church II, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, Jesus, University II, Brasenose II, Worcester II, Oriel II, and St. John's II. Queen's went up on Magdalen over the first half of the course, but Magdalen held them without much difficulty and finished a length and a half in front. St. Catherine's lost ground to Christ Church II in Iffley Reach, and they were finally bumped at the Red Post. A fine race took place between Wadham II and St. Edmund Hall. Wadham had been gaining steadily, and were right up at the Cherwell. St. Edmund Hall, however, finished strongly, and passed the post half a length to the good. Jesus were bumped by University II under the Willows, and Worcester II were bumped by Oriel II just before reaching the Free Ferry.

  Second Division
  The order of starting was :— Lincoln, Corpus Christi, Exeter, Keble, Oriel, Pembroke, New College II, Trinity, Hertford, St. John's, and Magdalen II. Lincoln finished several lengths ahead of Corpus, although the latter were being hard driven by Exeter, who got to within a length at the Boathouse and finally finished half a length behind. Pembroke were close on to Oriel at the Free Ferry, and made their bump coming through the Gut. There was a fine race between New College II and Trinity, and the boats were overlapping at the Boathouse. New College, however, got away again, and after a splendid effort reached home with a quarter of a length to spare. Hertford were no match for St. John's, who made their bump at the Weir's Bridge.

  First Division
  The order of starting was :— Merton, Balliol, Magdalen, University, Christ Church, New College, Balliol II, Wadham, Brasenose, Worcester, and Lincoln. Merton kept their place at the head of the division without any great difficulty, although Balliol finished within their distance. Magdalen pressed Balliol, and the latter were no more than a length in front at the finish. University were bumped by Christ Church near the Free Ferry. New College paddled up and were well away from Balliol II when the latter were bumped by Wadham at the Willows, while Brasenose were bumped by Worcester at the Red Post, Lincoln being well behind at the time.

• From The Daily Telegraph Wed 2 March

  Oxford Torpids Resumed

  The Oxford Torpids, after being interrupted on Monday, were resumed yesterday, and it has been decided to continue them until to-morrow, to make up the full week. Conditions were again very unfavourable. The Second Division crews rowed in a torrential downpour, and throughout the afternoon there was a very strong stream running. The bumps totalled eight — three in the Third Division, two in the Second, and three in the First. In the Third Division a notable feature was the decline of Worcester II, who are in danger of finishing up at the bottom. In the Second Division Trinity lost a fine chance of making a second bump when they allowed New College II to escape after overlapping them. Merton again easily kept their position at the head of the river, but Balliol were hard pushed by Magdalen, who gained considerably along the Willows and then fell away. Bumps were made by Christ Church, Wadham, and Worcester, and St. John's have the distinction of going up each night.

  In the Third Division Christ Church II caught St. Catharine's just below the Boathouse, and St. Edmund Hall were hard pressed by Wadham II, and only got home by half a length. University II caught Jesus at the Willows, and Oriel II ran into Worcester II at the Free Ferry, this being Worcester's fourth descent in the four days. In the Second Division Pembroke made their second advance, when they caught Oriel in the Gut. New College II were hard pressed by Trinity, who overlapped them at the Boathouse. However, their cox showed bad judgment in getting on the wrong side of the New College boat, which consequently got home by half a length. St. John's bumped Hertford before the Weirs Bridge, and thus went up for the fourth time.

  Racing in the First Division was not so exciting. Merton rowed over a long way ahead of Balliol, who at one period were losing ground rapidly to Magdalen. The latter, however, could not keep it up. University fell for the fourth time, succumbing to Christ Church at Free Ferry. Wadham caught Balliol II at the Willows, and Worcester overtook Brasenose along the Green Bank.

  The appended lists show the order of starting in the respective divisions yesterday ...

• The Times Thu 3 March

  The Torpid races were continued at Oxford yesterday in wretched weather, rain falling at intervals with a strong south-westerly wind. The racing was rather more interesting, and nine bumps were made in the three divisions. St. John's continued their victorious career unchecked, and now have five bumps to their credit.

  Third Division
  The order of starting was :— Magdalen II, Queen's, Christ Church II, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall, Wadham II, University II, Jesus, Brasenose II, Oriel II, Worcester II, St. John's II. Magdalen II, Queen's, and Christ Church [II] had an exciting race, and as the crews passed the Boathouse it was a question as to whether Queen's would bump or be bumped. Christ Church, who had been a length behind at the Gut, however, stayed the better, and, making a fine effort along the Wall, obtained their bump at the Cherwell, Magdalen II being only a quarter of a length ahead of Queen's at the time. St. Catherine's had to extend themselves to escape St. Edmund Hall. Wadham [II] were being hard pressed by University II. Wadham, in order to escape, went right across to where the Magdalen boat had drifted, and collided with them, while University crashed into Wadham II. The impact smashed the bows of the Magdalen boat, and the force of the wind and stream severely damaged the two other boats, with the result that all three sank, and their crews had to swim for the shore. Wadham [sic] claimed the bump, which was subsequently allowed. [ Given the next day's starting order, it was Univ II given the bump on Wadham II ] Jesus made a good effort to escape Brasenose II, but without success, the latter bumping them at the Boathouse. St. John's II bumped Worcester II at the beginning of the Green Bank.

  Second Division
  The order of starting was :— Lincoln, Corpus Christi, Exeter, Keble, Pembroke, Oriel, New College II, Trinity, St. John's, Hertford, Magdalen II. Lincoln, without exerting themselves, paddled up quite four lengths ahead of Corpus, who had some difficulty in keeping away from Exeter. Pembroke had a remarkable escape from disaster, as their No.2, who was rowing with a bent rigger, caught a crab, and Oriel overlapped them. Pembroke managed to get going again just in time, and went in hot pursuit of Keble, whom they eventually bumped within a hundred yards of the winning post. Oriel were bumped by New College II at the Ferry.

  First Division
  The order of starting was :— Merton, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, University, New College, Wadham, Balliol II, Worcester, Brasenose, Lincoln. Merton again had no difficulty in keeping their position, and finished three lengths in front of Balliol. There was a splendid race between Balliol and Magdalen. The latter crew gained steadily after passing the Boathouse, and some excellent steering enabled them to get right up, only to miss their bump by a few inches. Christ Church followed a long way behind. University continued their downward career, and were bumped by New College just before reaching the Freewater Stone. Balliol were bumped by Worcester at the beginning of the Green Bank, and Brasenose finished their distance ahead of Lincoln.

• The Daily Telegraph Thu 3 March

  Three Boats Sink

  The fifth day's racing in the Oxford Torpids yesterday provided several exciting incidents, among which was the sinking of three boats. This happened in the third division, and was due to an error of judgment on the part of the cox in Magdalen's second crew. He had taken his boat past the winning post, but allowed it to drift back into the stream, with the result that Wadham II, in trying to get out of the way of University II, crashed into Magdalen. One of the Magdalen oarsmen was knocked out of the boat, and in the general scramble that followed all three boats were swamped, and their crews had to swim to the bank.

  There were four bumps in this division and three in the second division in which Keble, Pembroke, Oriel, and New College II provided further excitement. At the commencement of the race one of the Pembroke crew caught a crab, and Oriel overlapped them. Then Pembroke recovered, and as the result of a fine piece of rowing went on to record a bump against Keble. After the race, however, Oriel claimed they had made a bump against Pembroke, but their appeal was refused. Two bumps, making the number for the day nine, were recorded in the first division, in which University made their fifth descent.

  The appended lists show the order of starting in the respective divisions yesterday ...

• The Times Friday, 4 March

  The Torpid races were concluded at Oxford yesterday, when Merton finished at the head of the river for the first time in the history of their boat club. St. John's, who have recently passed through a lean time in rowing, made a bump on each day, but University, who started at the head of the river, went down a place on each day. Forty-five bumps were made in all.

  Third Division
  The order of starting was :— Magdalen II, Christ Church II, Queen's, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall, University II, Wadham II, Brasenose II, Jesus, Oriel II, St. John's II, and Worcester II, Christ Church soon started to gain on Magdalen, whom they bumped in the Gut. Queen's had no difficulty in keeping clear of St. Catherine's, but St. Edmund Hall lost ground to University II from the start, and were bumped half way along the Green Bank. Wadham kept well clear of Brasenose for the first part of the course, but, after passing the Boathouse, the latter came up rapidly. Good steering, however, saved Wadham, and they got safely home. Oriel II soon drew on to Jesus, and, coming along fast after leaving the Gut, bumped them along the Willows. Oriel, however, themselves had a narrow escape at the start, for they caught a crab, and only just escaped from St. John's.

  Second Division
  The order of starting was :— Lincoln, Corpus, Exeter, Pembroke, Keble, New College II, Oriel, St. John's, Trinity, Hertford, Christ Church II. Lincoln had no difficulty in retaining the headship of the division, but Corpus gradually lost ground to Exeter, and only got home by a few feet. Pembroke at one time looked like overhauling Exeter, but the latter spurted on coming out of the Gut, and eventually finished a length in front. A fine race was seen between Keble and New College II. The former retained their starting distance until entering the Gut, from which point New College gradually crept up, and Keble in the end passed the post scarcely a quarter of a length in front. Oriel provided St. John's with their sixth bump at the Free Water Stone, and Hertford bumped Trinity at the Red Post.

  First Division
  The order of starting was :— Merton, Balliol, Magdalen, Christ Church, New College, University, Wadham, Worcester, Balliol II, Brasenose, and Lincoln. The race for the headship of the river provided an excellent struggle. Balliol, rowing a much faster stroke than Merton, gradually crept up and, coming through the Gut, got to within a quarter of a length. Bad steering, however, lost them a length at the Long Bridges, and Merton got away. Balliol went after them again and gained rapidly until nearing the Cherwell, where they again lost ground through getting into the stream. Another spurt brought them up close again, but, on reaching Christ Church Barge, Merton made a determined effort and reached home with barely half-a-length to spare. University proved easy victims for Wadham, who bumped them at the Free Ferry. Worcester kept clear of Balliol II, but the latter lost ground steadily to Brasenose and had to go all out in order to escape defeat. At one time Lincoln flattered their supporters and, on coming through the Gut, they were only a third of a length behind Brasenose. Along the Green Bank, however, they showed the effects of two races in one day and, failing to maintain their advantage, finished three-quarters of a length behind.

  The order of rowing and weights of the Merton crew were :— [as listed below. 10 names are actually given, but E. Hunsworth (Silcoates), 10st 1lb, is omitted since he does not also appear in the list published in the Daily Telegraph]

• The Daily Telegraph Friday, 4 March, from Our Special Correspondent

  Merton Head of River

  Merton College, who wrested the headship of the river from University on the opening night of the Oxford University Torpids, maintained that position throughout the series of races which concluded yesterday. The only other occasion on which they have figured so prominently was as far back as [Eights] 1839, and then they were only at the head for one night. Their best achievement since that year was in 1888, when they made seven bumps.

  The successful crew rowed in the following order [some minor differences from the list in The Times]

  B:	H. W. Lawrie (Shrewsbury)	10st 8lb
  2:	R. R. Sheldrick (U.New Brunswick)	10st 4lb
  3:	C. E. W. Harrison (Beaumont)	11st 2lb
  4:	G. E. Scott (Marlborough)	12st 4lb
  5:	R. G. S. Whitfield (Rossall)	11st 5lb
  6:	C. Holyman (Walsall)	11st 8lb
  7:	A. A. Reynolds (Hastings)	10st 2lb
  S:	R. Phelps (Radley)	11st 3lb
  C:	J. M. Cole (Christ's Hospital)	8st 9lb

  The conditions yesterday were more pleasant than on any previous afternoon, but the crews still had to contend against a strong stream and wind. Bumps during the week numbered forty-five. St. John's were the only crew to make six bumps, while University lost six places and Worcester II five. In the third division Magdalen II again lost a place, Christ Church II catching them in the Gut. Queen's kept well away from St. Catharine's, but St. Edmund Hall soon lost ground to University and were caught entering the Gut. Wadham II and Brasenose II had a gruelling struggle along the Wall when only a few feet separated the two clubs. Thanks to the cleverness of their cox, Wadham just got home. Oriel II, after catching a crab at the start, recovered and bumped Jesus along the willows.

  Racing in the second division was equally exciting. Lincoln kept their position at the head, but Corpus, Exeter and Pembroke had a hard race. Exeter, pressed by Pembroke, came up rapidly at the crossing and along the barges a bump looked imminent. In the end, however, they could not quite manage it, Corpus getting home by a few feet, while Exeter had a length to spare from Pembroke. Keble lost ground to New College II, who had a bare half length in hand at the finishing post. St. John's made a sixth bump when they caught Oriel just after the Free Water Stone, and Hertford ran into Trinity near the Red Post.

  There was only one bump in the first division, in which Merton again held their own at the head of the river, a position they well deserved, but it was only after a really desperate race. Balliol used another boat, and rowing a particularly fast stroke got to within a quarter of a length of Merton coming out of the Gut. Here their cox took a wide course and Merton got away, but Balliol came again and under the Wall were within less than a quarter of a length. Still they went up, but could not get closer than a few feet. The only bump was by Wadham, who caught University at the Free Ferry.

  The appended lists show the order of starting in the respective divisions yesterday ...

• In other news ... [1927]

  Monarch: George V

  Prime Minister: Stanley Baldwin (Conservative)

  19 Feb

  A general strike in Shanghai in protest at the presence of British troops.

  Tue 1 March

  An underground gas and coal dust explosion at Marine Colliery, Cwm, Monmouthshire, kills 52.

  4 March

  A diamond rush in South Africa includes trained athletes, who have been hired by major companies to stake claims.

  6 March

  1000 people a week die in the UK from an influenza epidemic.

Return to Bumps Index