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St. Peter's Hall bumping Brasenose II. in the Torpid Races at Oxford, which began yesterday. The entry for this year is the largest on record.
The entry for the Torpid Races this year is the largest there has ever been, for there is an increase of two crews from last year. Worcester have withdrawn their second crew, but Merton and Lincoln will both have two crews and Balliol will have a third crew.There is a strong stream running and the river has risen several inches. The weather outlook is most unpromising.
The places of the last three crews have not been officially settled, but the following is the probable order of starting :— [as shown above]
The Oxford University torpid races, to be rowed for the first time on full-length slides, start to-day and continue until next Wednesday. Thirty-seven crews will compete, as against thirty-five last year.Worcester have taken off their second boat; Merton and Lincoln have put on second crews and Balliol at third. The order of starting is: [...]
The Third Division crews row at 2.30, the second at 3.30 and the first at 4.30.
There was a welcome change in the weather for the opening of the Torpid races at Oxford yesterday, and when the Third Division rowed there was almost a dead calm and the sun was shining brightly. There was, however, a strong stream running, the river having risen two or three inches during the night. Thirty-seven crews competed and this was the first occasion on which long slides have been allowed. The racing was fairly prolific of bumps, 11 being made in the three divisions. Some doubts had been expressed at the ability of Worcester to retain the headship, but they did so although Balliol at one time caused them some anxiety. Balliol, in turn, had all their work cut out to escape Corpus and another fine race may be anticipated this afternoon between the three leading crews.There were one or two instances of indifferent steering, but no crew lost a place through over-anxiety. The best performance of the afternoon was to the credit of Queen's, who, after seeing St. Edmund Hall catch Hertford, went all out to secure an overbump at the expense of University II, and only failed by a very narrow margin. St. Peter's Hall continued their last year's sequence of successes by catching Brasenose II and Balliol justified their enterprise of putting in a third crew, who caught Lincoln II soon after the start.
Third Division.— Order of Starting.— Wadham II, Jesus, Magdalen II, Brasenose II, St. Peter's Hall, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Oriel II, Keble II, St. John's II, Merton II, Lincoln II, Balliol III. Wadham got well away at the start, and were a long distance ahead of Jesus when the latter, who had been losing ground all the way up Iffley Reach, were caught by Magdalen II. Coming through the Gut, St. Peter's Hall were soon well on to Brasenose II, and although the latter spurted hard at the Ferry they failed to get away, and were bumped near the Free Water Stone. Christ Church were always losing to Exeter, and were unable to get through the Gut. Keble quite outpaced Oriel and caught them at the top of Iffley Reach. St. John's came up well ahead of Merton, but Lincoln, getting away badly, were promptly overtaken by Balliol III just after passing Haystack Corner.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Exeter, Pembroke, St. John's New College II, Oriel, Trinity, University College II, Hertford, St. Edmund Hall, Queen's, Wadham II. St. Catherine's were never in any danger of losing the headship; in fact, they gained ground on Lincoln and finished fully three lengths in front. Lincoln, on the other hand, had all their work cut out to escape Exeter, who were well within a length of them. On coming out of the Gut Exeter gained further after passing the Boathouse, but at the Cherwell Exeter steered wide, and Lincoln, keeping a good course, managed to get home in safety with three-quarters of a length to spare. Pembroke were soon in difficulties, and St. John's, making up rapidly in Iffley Reach, overhauled them near the Free Ferry. A little higher up New College fell victims to Oriel. St. Edmund Hall, getting away very smartly, soon had the measure of Hertford and brought them down near the Weirs Bridge. Queen's, who had gained a little on the Hall at the time, then went in hot pursuit of University. They made ground splendidly along the Wall, and at the Cherwell looked like effecting their purpose, but University replied with a determined effort, and, although getting very ragged, managed to hold their own to the end and pass the post three yards to the good.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— Worcester, Balliol, Corpus, University College, Magdalen, Brasenose, Wadham, Keble, Christ Church, New College, Balliol II, Merton, St. Catherine's. There was an interesting race between the three leading crews, and while Balliol gained on Worcester, they, in turn, lost ground to Corpus, who were within a quarter of a length of them at the Boathouse. The latter steered a bit wide, which rather spoiled their chance of success, and Balliol ultimately finished about a quarter of a length to the good. Worcester, after being hard pressed, escaped Balliol with half a length to spare. Magdalen soon found the measure of University and overtook them at the Free Water Stone, while Brasenose fell victims to Wadham just before coming into the Gut. Keble held their own against Christ Church without much difficulty and finished practically their starting distance ahead. Balliol II. made up rapidly on New College and caught them on entering the Gut, and a fine race all the way up between Merton and St. Catherine's ended in favour of the former, who finished with a quarter of a length in hand.
First Day's Racing produces Eleven BumpsThe first day of the Oxford Torpid races, for which thirty-seven crews are entered, produced no fewer than eleven bumps in the three divisions.
In the Third Division there were five. Magdalen II caught Jesus at the Long Bridge; St. Peter's Hall and Exeter II both made bumps in the Gut; Keble II caught Oriel II at the Ferry, and Balliol III ran into Lincoln II at Haystack Corner. There were three bumps in the Second Division. St. John's caught Pembroke at the Ferry, Oriel overtook New College II at the Free Water Stone, and St. Edmund Hall bumped Hertford at the Weirs Bridge.
There were also three bumps in the First Division, in which Magdalen caught University College, Wadham overtook Brasenose, and Balliol II bumped New College.
Worcester had little difficulty in keeping their position at the head of the river.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
The weather was unpleasant at Oxford yesterday for the Torpids, there being a squally southerly wind, with a lot of bumpy water. Twelve bumps were made in the three divisions, and again the majority of them took place below the Long Bridges.Worcester were quite unable to reproduce their form of the previous afternoon, and were bumped by Balliol just before reaching the Cherwell, after Balliol had failed to make their bump near New Cut. Corpus also failed to do themselves justice; in fact at one time it appeared likely that they would be bumped by Magdalen, but, after leaving the Gut, they pulled themselves together and, drawing away towards the finish, reached home with a substantial margin in hand. Wadham made another bump at the expense of University, and Brasenose were bumped by Keble early in the race. Balliol II made a determined effort to emulate the example of their first and third crews, but after they had drawn near Christ Church held them and finished a third of a length ahead.
There were five bumps in the Second Division, St. Catherine's and Wadham being the only two boats to row through. Later on, however, St. Catherine's firmly established themselves in the First Division by bumping Merton near the Ferry. St. Peter's Hall also continued their victorious career in the Third Division, and Exeter II might have had a bump to their credit at the expense of Brasenose II, but they ran into the bank just as they were making their final effort, and so Brasenose escaped disaster.
Third Division.— Order of Starting.— Wadham II, Magdalen II, Jesus, St. Peter's Hall, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Keble II, Oriel II, St. John's II, Merton II, Balliol III, Lincoln II. Although Wadham steered a wide course through the Gut, they easily kept away from Magdalen, who were relieved of any anxiety through St. Peter's Hall bumping Jesus at the Free Ferry. Brasenose had their work cut out to keep clear of Exeter, who were within half a length at the Red Post, but spoiled their chance of success when they fouled the bank 100 yards from home, which enabled Brasenose to reach home in safety. Christ Church were bumped by Keble at the Water Stone [sic], but Oriel paddled home well in front of St. John's, who had nothing to fear from Merton, who were bumped by Balliol at Haystack Corner.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— St. Catherine's, Lincoln, Exeter, St. John's Pembroke, Oriel, New College II, Trinity, University College II, St. Edmund Hall, Hertford, Queen's, Wadham II. There was a fine race between the three leading boats. Lincoln were within a length of St. Catherine's when Exeter made a fine effort and bumped them at the Red Post. Pembroke were bumped by Oriel at the Free Water Stone, and Trinity bumped New College on entering the Gut. University College were bumped by St. Edmund Hall at Salter's Launch Works, and Hertford were bumped by Queen's at the Free Water Stone.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— Worcester, Balliol, Corpus, Magdalen, University College, Wadham, Brasenose, Keble, Christ Church, Balliol II, New College, Merton, St. Catherine's. Balliol soon began to gain on Worcester, although the latter were well clear of them at the end of Iffley Reach. Coming out of the Gut, however, Worcester took a very wide course, and Balliol, making a determined effort after passing the Red Post, overlapped. Worcester drew away slightly, but Balliol came again and made their bump opposite the Worcester College Barge, Corpus at the time being some distance in the rear of Balliol. Corpus had some difficulty in shaking off Magdalen, who came up splendidly in Iffley Reach. After leaving the Gut, however, Corpus recovered, and, leading by a length at the Red Post, finally finished two lengths ahead. Wadham showed a fine turn of speed at the start, and bumped University College just before reaching Weir's Bridge, and Keble bumped Brasenose at the Free Water Stone. Balliol II and Christ Church rowed a hard race all the way up. A length divided them at the Red Post, and Balliol drew closer along the Wall. Christ Church, however, stayed on well, and eventually got home by a third of a length. New College rowed through, Merton being bumped by St. Catherine's at the top of Iffley Reach.
Worcester Displaced from Head of the RiverThere was an unpleasant change in the weather for the second day of the Oxford Torpid racing. A gusty southerly wind blew straight across the river, making the shelter of the Berks bank a necessity, and form was consequently upset.
There were three bumps in the Third Division, but Magdalen II gave a disappointing show and never looked like catching Wadham. St. Peter's Hall went up a second place by catching Jesus at the ferry; Keble bumped Christ Church II at the Free Water Stone, and Merton II fell to Balliol III at Haystack Corner. There were five bumps in the Second Division.
Worcester was displaced from the head of the river by Balliol, who caught them opposite the Worcester barge after a terrific race. Wadham bumped University College; Keble caught Brasenose, and St. Catherine's made their position in the First Division secure by running into Merton. There were twelve bumps altogether as against eleven on Thursday.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
There was much better weather at Oxford on Saturday for the third day of the Torpid Races. The sun shone brightly, but there was a strong wind blowing, and the crews had a hard time with both wind and stream against them.Five bumps were made in each of the three divisions, making a total of 15, which has seldom been equalled. Balliol, who had wrested the headship of the river from Worcester, kept their place easily, but Worcester were again bumped, this time by Corpus. They seemed to be troubled by the boisterous weather and failed to get past the Boathouse. Unfortunately for Magdalen the two boats drifted across the river. Magdalen were impeded and lost ground to Wadham, but did not seem to be in danger at the time. Wadham, however, promptly seized their chance and, making a fine effort along the Wall, bumped Magdalen just before reaching the Cherwell. Wadham thus made their third bump. Oriel, St. Edmund Hall, and Keble II also again improved their positions.
Third Division.— Order of Starting.— Wadham II, Magdalen II, St. Peter's Hall, Jesus, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Keble II, Christ Church II, Oriel II, St. John's II, Balliol III, Merton II, Lincoln II. Wadham had no difficulty in keeping ahead of Magdalen, who were hard pressed by St. Peter's Hall from the start and were overtaken by the Willows. Jesus again lost a place, this time to Brasenose, at the same spot as on the previous day. Oriel had bad luck, as their bow broke his oar and fell in the river. That allowed St. John's to catch them near Haystack Corner. Balliol paddled over, but Merton were bumped by Lincoln in the Gut.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— Merton, Exeter, Lincoln, St. John's Oriel, Pembroke, Trinity, New College II, St. Edmund Hall, University College II, Queen's, Hertford, Wadham II. Exeter failed to make much impression on Merton until they were coming along Iffley Reach, where they steadily gained ground and made a bump at the Red Post. Oriel were well up on St. John's in the Gut, and after an unsuccessful effort at a bump St. John's got away again. Oriel, however, were not to be denied and came up again, and after a sharp struggle compelled St. John's to strike their colours by the Boathouse. St. Edmund Hall bumped New College II at the Ferry. This was their third successive bump. University College II fell to Queen's at the same place, and Wadham II overhauled Hertford just after passing the Weirs Bridge.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— Balliol, Worcester, Corpus, Magdalen, Wadham, University College, Keble, Brasenose, Christ Church, Balliol II, New College, St. Catherine's, Exeter. Balliol retained their place at the top without any difficulty. Worcester were less fortunate, for Corpus pressed them hard in the Gut and after a spirited struggle coming out of the Gut Corpus bumped them along the Green Bank. Wadham continued their winning sequence by catching Magdalen at the Willows. University College were again bumped, for Keble caught them. After coming out of the Gut Christ Church fell to Balliol II at the Long Bridges, while under the Willows St. Catherine's made their third bump, catching New College.
The Torpid races at Oxford were resumed on Saturday under very favourable conditions, and a large crowd saw no fewer than fourteen bumps, a higher average than either of the two previous days.Wadham, Oriel, St. Edmund Hall, St. Peter's Hall, and Keble II each made a third bump. In the third division Wadham rowed over, but St. Peter's Hall bumped Magdalen II, and almost at the same spot Brasenose ran into Jesus. Keble II overtook Exeter coming out of the gut, and St. John's II caught Oriel at Haystack Corner. The latter were very unfortunate, as their bow broke his oar, and was thrown into the water.
There were also five bumps in the First Division. Corpus went up at the expense of Worcester half way along the green bank, and this caused Magdalen to go wide, and they lost a place to Wadham. Keble struck University at the bridges, where also Balliol II caught Christ Church.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
Corpus go HeadDelightful weather again favoured the continuation of the Torpid Races at Oxford, the sun shining throughout the afternoon, while there was not enough wind to inconvenience the crews, and they now seem to be finding their level, as only 11 bumps were recorded against 15 on Saturday. The headship again changed hands, much to most people's surprise, Balliol being bumped by Corpus. Just before coming into the line for home at the Long Bridges Balliol were well away and appeared in no imminent danger of losing their place, but they went all to pieces along the Green Bank and were quite unable to shake off the challenge of Corpus under the Wall
Worcester again experienced disaster, this time at the hands of the irrepressible Wadham, who thus made their fourth bump. They must be a very fast crew, as Worcester failed to get beyond the Bridges. Balliol II made some amends for the failure of their first crew by overhauling Brasenose half-way up, and University will have hard work to prevent them from continuing their upward career to-day. St. Catherine's made a good effort to overhaul Christ Church, but had shot their bolt at the Boathouse, and were held all the way. After this Exeter experienced a piece of luck, as they escaped Merton in the Second Division through one of the Merton crew catching a crab and then went on and bumped New College, and so firmly established themselves in the First Division. St. Edmund Hall continued their upward career unchecked, Trinity being the victims on this occasion. St. Peter's Hall and Keble II also increased their winning sequence. St. Peter's Hall, however, gave their supporters a fright, as their bow caught a crab at the start and Magdalen II got in very dangerous proximity. They recovered themselves just in time, and, rowing in determined fashion, made their way into the Second Division at the expense of Hertford.
Third Division.— Order of Starting.— Hertford, St. Peter's Hall, Magdalen II, Brasenose II, Jesus, Keble II, Exeter II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, Oriel II, Balliol III, Lincoln II, Merton II. St. Peter's Hall although catching a crab at the start promptly recovered themselves and went all out for Hertford. They made little headway early on, but began to creep up through the Gut. Hertford were now showing signs of distress, and were unable to resist the challenge of St. Peter's Hall, who made their bump under the Willows. Magdalen were hard put to it to keep away from Brasenose, the latter being within a length at the New Cut. They were, however, unable to maintain the pressure, and Magdalen eventually got home by a few feet. Jesus again went down, Keble catching them at the Free Water Stone. Exeter, Christ Church, and St. John's rowed through their respective distances apart, but Oriel again had the misfortune to catch a crab, and were bumped by Balliol at Haystack Corner, Lincoln and Merton rowing over.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— Exeter, Merton, Lincoln, Oriel, St. John's Pembroke, Trinity, St. Edmund Hall, New College II, Queen's, University II, Wadham II, St. Peter's Hall. Merton got away well and pressed Exeter from the start, and were gaining all the way at the Red Post. When a bump seemed imminent one of the Merton crew caught a crab, and Exeter were able to get away again, but, even so, Merton again drew up and finished only a length behind. Lincoln made a great effort to stave off Oriel, who, however, were not to be denied, and made their bump at the Gut. St. John's and Pembroke could do no more than row over, but St. Edmund Hall again improved their position at the expense of Trinity at the Free Ferry. New College were no match for Queen's and were forced to acknowledge defeat at the Gut. University II were soon in difficulties, and Wadham, who went off at a rare pace, caught them at Weirs Bridge, St. Peter's having gained no ground over Wadham when they made their bump.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— Balliol, Corpus, Worcester, Wadham, Magdalen, Keble, University, Brasenose, Balliol II, Christ Church, St. Catherine's, New College, Exeter. Balliol lost some ground to Corpus in Iffley Reach, but they came out of the Gut with a substantial advantage. Along the Green Bank Corpus made further headway with their long, telling stroke, and, putting in a fine effort at the start of the Wall, made their bump just before reaching the Cherwell. Wadham soon begin to draw in on Worcester, and, although the latter held them through the Gut, they fell away again and had to strike their colours at the Long Bridges. Magdalen kept well away from Keble, althought at one point the latter gained ground. Magdalen, however, drew away again and finished practically their starting distance in front. University rowed over for the first time, but failed to make any impression on Keble, although they were well away from Brasenose when the latter succumbed to Balliol II at the top of the Green Bank. Christ Church were not so smart as St. Catherine's at the start and St. Catherine's were within a length at the Long Bridges. They gained further to the Red Post, from which point Christ Church held them, and reached home nearly half a length ahead. New College again experienced disaster and fell victims to Exeter coming out of the Gut.
The Oxford torpid races were continued yesterday, when, in the First Division, the headship again changed hands.Corpus bumped Balliol opposite their own barge, and went to the top for the first time in many years. Wadham went up at the expense of Worcester, whose colours were lowered at Long Bridges; and Exeter caught New College.
Bumps are indicated by brackets in the appended lists: [...]
Balliol Bumped AgainThe fifth day's racing in the Torpids at Oxford was again favoured with fine, brilliant weather, but there was a bothering wind, which increased very much in force and was blowing half a gale when the First Division rowed up. There was, however, again an immense attendance, the towing path being crowded during the First Division racing.
The Third Division racing proved very uninteresting, as, although four bumps were recorded, only one occurred beyond the Bridges and there was not one close finish. St. Peter's held their own at the Head of the Division without an effort. Hertford and Jesus both continued their downward career, falling victims to Magdalen II and Keble II respectively. This made Keble's fifth successive bump. The Second Division was remarkable for the fact that the Head Boat, New College, was the only crew to row up, and they had had a very anxious time of it lower down, where Merton went very near to bumping them. Merton, in their turn, were being hard pressed by Oriel and, coming out of the Gut, it was impossible to say what was going to happen. Merton, however, went wide and New College drew away, but along the Willows there was little daylight between them. Oriel put in a fine effort at the Boathouse and settled the question by bumping Merton near the New College Barge. Merton were then right on to New College. Lincoln were a length ahead of St. John's at the Boathouse, but they had bad luck in that they had to make a wide detour in order to keep clear of the Merton oars. In addition to this bow broke his seat and they were bumped at the Exeter Barge. All the other four bumps took place below the Long Bridges, and St. Peter's Hall got well into the Division by catching University.
There were some rather unexpected happenings in the First Division. Balliol, who had gained the Headship and then lost it again, experienced a second disaster, this time at the hands of Wadham, who went all out to row them down as soon as possible and effected their purpose at the Red Post. Balliol lost ground coming out of the Gut. The best race of the afternoon was provided by Worcester and Magdalen. The issue was in doubt right up to the finish, both crews struggling to the bitter end, and in the result Magdalen got the better of the duel when Worcester were within a few feet of the winning post. University College and Brasenose again went down, the former struggling on to the Magdalen Barge before being caught. But the last three boats came up at wide intervals. Wadham, Oriel, St. Edmund Hall, St. Peter's Hall, and Keble II have all gained a place each day.
Third Division.— Order of Starting.— St. Peter's Hall, Hertford, Magdalen II, Brasenose II, Keble II, Jesus, Exeter II, Christ Church II, St. John's II, Balliol III, Oriel II, Lincoln II, Merton II. Having bumped Hertford the previous afternoon, St. Peter's Hall paddled through, but [sic, Hertford presumably] were soon hotly pressed by Magdalen II. They came through the Gut half a length ahead, but failed to withstand the determined challenge of Magdalen along the Willows and had to strike their colours when passing the Red Post. Keble II continued their victorious career and, getting well away at the start, caught Brasenose II at the Ferry. Jesus managed to hold Exeter II in Iffley Reach, but Exeter got their measure coming through the Gut and made their bump at the Long Bridges. Christ Church II paddled through, but St. John's II lost to Balliol III from the start and had to give in near the Weirs Bridge. Oriel, Lincoln, and Merton paddled up a long distance apart.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— New College, Merton, Oriel, Lincoln, St. John's Pembroke, St. Edmund Hall, Trinity, Queen's, New College II, Wadham II, University II, St. Peter's Hall. A magnificent race was rowed between New College, Merton and Oriel. Merton were well up on to New College at the Ferry, with Oriel close up, and they came out of the Gut with about six feet dividing each. Merton went wide, which enabled New College to get away again along the Willows. The Oriel crew were right up to Merton and an exciting struggle ended in Oriel making their bump at the New College Barge. Merton at that time were only a few feet behind New College. St. John's gained on Lincoln at the start, but Lincoln came out of the Gut quite a length ahead. Passing the University Boathouse the Lincoln bow broke his seat and, to add to their troubles, they had to go wide to avoid fouling the Merton boat. The result was that St. John's came up and bumped them opposite the Exeter College Barge. St. Edmund Hall soon began to make up on Pembroke and, spurting hard at the Ferry, caught them in the Gut. Trinity held Queen's until after passing the Weirs Bridge. From this point Queen's drew up rapidly and bumped them when coming into the Gut. New College II again experienced disaster, Wadham gaining steadily all the way up Iffley Reach and bumping them between the Ferry and the Gut. University fell victims to St. Peter's Hall opposite the Weirs Bridge.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— Corpus, Balliol, Wadham, Worcester, Magdalen, Keble, University, Balliol II, Brasenose, Christ Church, St. Catherine's, Exeter, New College. Corpus rowed up, but there was an interesting race between the next two boats, Balliol and Wadham. Balliol held their own in Iffley Reach and, coming out of the Gut, had an advantage of a length. From that point, however, Wadham gained rapidly and made their bump near the Red Post. Worcester and Magdalen provided a most exciting struggle. Worcester were a length to the good at the Willows, but from that point Magdalen kept creeping up. They were within a quarter of a length at the Cherwell and, although Worcester struggled on most pluckily, they failed to withstand Magdalen's final challenge and were bumped literally on the post. Balliol II gave another proof of their excellence by overhauling University near the Magdalen Barge and Brasenose succumbed to Christ Church, after a hard race, at the Red Post.
The fifth day of the Oxford Torpid races provided some exciting racing, especially in the second division, New College being the only crew to row over.Oriel caught Merton opposite New College barge, and Lincoln, whose bow broke his slide, fell to St. John's opposite Exeter barge. St. Edmund Hall, Queen's, Wadham II, and St. Peter's Hall also made bumps, and the two hall crews went up a fifth time. There were four bumps in the first division. Wadham caught Balliol at the Red Post and threaten to depose Corpus from the headship. Magdalen bumped Worcester after a desperate race a few yards from the winning post, Balliol II caught University College, and Christ Church bumped Brasenose, who thus lost their fourth place. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables. [...]
Corpus at Head of the RiverThe Torpid races were concluded yesterday at Oxford. The weather all through has been most favourable during the races. There were 76 bumps made, and that is many more than usual.
Corpus finished Head of the River, a position they have not occupied since 1883. They well deserved their position, and although many anticipated their downfall yesterday at the hands of Wadham, one of the lightest crews on the river with five bumps to their credit, they were never in any danger of being caught and had practically a length in hand as the boats passed the winning post. The last day's racing has often proved uninteresting, but there were plenty of exciting moments yesterday, and in one instance it was a question of which boat bumped first, Christ Church II. claiming that they had bumped Jesus before Balliol III. caught them. Balliol were given the verdict, and that was their fifth success, a fine performance for a third crew. Worcester oddly enough after maintaining their position at the head of the river went down four places in succession, and the races will be memorable as the head place was in turn held by three different crews — Corpus, Worcester, and Balliol.
Oriel, who like Corpus have always been a keen rowing college, did best of all the colleges in the matter of bumps, making seven in the six days and finishing up with two yesterday over New College and Exeter. They thus firmly established themselves in the First Division. Three other successful crews were St. Edmund Hall, who are now taking a prominent place in every branch of sport at Oxford, Keble II, and St. Peter's Hall, who, after starting bottom of the river last year, have now worked their way into the Second Division, an achievement of which they may well be proud. Queen's, whose star has been very much on the wane for some years, did well to gain five places, and it was unfortunate for them that they had to start behind St. Edmund Hall, with whom they have intimate associations, and so miss a bump on the first day. New College, once a great rowing college, went down five places, and their second boat did even worse, while both University College crews did badly. Hertford and Jesus also fared badly, neither even getting the full length of the course. Although two or three of the leading crews were quite up to the standard, there were an unusual number who were weak.
The following was the order at the start and finish :— [...]
Third Division.— Order of Starting.— University College II, Magdalen II, Hertford, Keble II, Brasenose II, Exeter II, Jesus, Christ Church II, Balliol III, St. John's II, Oriel II, Lincoln II, Merton II. There was a fine race between the two leading crews over the early part of the course. Magdalen II soon gained ground, but coming through the Gut University College drew away again. Along the Green Bank, however, Magdalen made a great effort, and, drawing up, made their bump at the Red Post. Hertford were soon in difficulties, and had to give in to Keble at the Free Water Stone. Exeter II and Brasenose II had an exciting race, and up to the Long Bridges neither could claim the advantage. Along the Green Bank, however, Exeter begain to draw up, and were within three-quarters of a length at the Red Post. All along the Wall a bump seemed to be imminent, but a great effort by Brasenose in the last stages enabled them to reach home three yards to the good. Jesus were hotly pursued by Christ Church II, who in turn were hard pressed by Balliol II, and as they came through the Gut it was a question whether Christ Church or Balliol would bump first. Jesus, however, apparently just managed to steer clear of Christ Church at the moment when Christ Church were bumped by Balliol at the Long Bridges. Oriel II got off the mark well, and, gaining ground all the way, caught St. John's II in the Gut. Lincoln II and Merton II rowed over the full distance apart.
Second Division.— Order of Starting.— New College, Oriel, Merton, St. John's Lincoln, St. Edmund Hall, Pembroke, Queen's, Trinity, Wadham II, New College II, St. Peter's Hall, University II. There was a grim struggle between New College and Oriel, and New College easily kept ahead until, passing the Ferry, Oriel began to creep up, and, gaining all the way along the Willows, made their bump at the Red Post. Merton and St. John's rowed through without mishap, but Lincoln, who had been hard pressed all the way, fell to St. Edmund Hall in the Gut, while Pembroke fell to Queen's and Trinity to Wadham II at the Long Bridges. St. Peter's Hall continued their victorious career at the expense of New College II, whom they bumped at the Free Ferry. University College II were unable to make any impression on St. Peter's Hall.
First Division.— Order of Starting.— Corpus, Wadham, Balliol, Magdalen, Worcester, Keble, Balliol II, University College, Christ Church, Brasenose, St. Catherine's, Exeter, Oriel. Wadham went off at a great pace and had gained considerable ground on Corpus by the time the crews reached the Gut. A length separated them at the Long Bridges, and at the Red Post Wadham had still further reduced the lead, but from that point Corpus, who were exceedingly well stroked by the Etonian C. P. M. Blathwayt, held them, and eventually passed the post with a length in hand. Magdalen soon began to gain on Balliol, and, after being half a length behind at the Bridges, overlapped them at the Red Post. Balliol sprinted, but failed to maintain the effort, and Magdalen, coming up again, made their bump at the New Cut. Keble made Worcester go all the way, but never got close enough to cause anxiety, and three-quarters of a length separated them at the finish. Balliol II followed twice that distance behind Keble, but there was a good race between Brasenose and St. Catherine's, which resulted in St. Catherine's making a bump in the Gut, and nearby Exeter fell to the irrepressible Oriel, who thus made two bumps during the afternoon.
The following are the names and weights of the Corpus, Wadham and Oriel crews :— [as below]
Corpus win HeadshipThe Torpid races concluded at Oxford to-day when Corpus finished at the Head of the River, a position they last occupied in 1883.
Altogether, there were 76 bumps, 11 on Thursday, 12 on Friday, 15 on Saturday, 11 on Monday, 14 on Tuesday, and 13 yesterday.
Bumps were made in the third division yesterday by Magdalen II, Keble II, who went up six places, Balliol III and Oriel II, a claim by Christ Church for a bump on Jesus not being upheld.
In the second division Oriel, St. Edmund Hall, and St. Peter's Hall each made their sixth bump. There were four bumps in the first division. Magdalen caught Balliol at the New Cut, Christ Church bumped University College opposite the Corpus barge, and St. Catherine's overhauled Brasenose in the Gut, where Oriel caught Exeter. Oriel were the most successful crew, with seven bumps. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
Sir, — May I, as an elderly Corpus cox, point out a slight error in your
account of the Torpids? The C.C.C. "togger" went Head in
1883 and stopped there in
1884 and
1885. In
1885 the VIII. also went Head—a record, I believe, at
that time (see Sherwood's History of
Oxford Rowing).
The Corpus Torpid
It is unclear which "record" the author is referring to. Certainly
there had been several
previous occasions when the both the Torpids and Eights Headships had been
held by the same college.
Yours very truly,
J. C. Michell.
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