Torpids 1939Torpids 1939
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The Torpid Races will be begun at Oxford this afternoon. The river is well within its banks and the stream normal. Forty-two crews are entered, two less than last year, New College starting Head of the River. The crews are, perhaps, hardly up to the average, but they have had difficulties during the early practices.The order of starting is as follows :— [...]
New College retain their position
The weather was beautifully fine when the Torpid races were begun at Oxford yesterday, but the attendance was much below average.New College retained their place at the Head of the River after a good race with St. Edmund Hall, who were half a length behind at the finish. On the whole the racing was not very exciting and only 13 bumps were recorded — an unusually low number for the first day.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Worcester II, Wadham II, Brasenose III. Worcester II held their own without much difficulty as one of the Wadham II crew caught a crab near the Boathouse, and they finished a length and a quarter in front. Brasenose III made little impression on Wadham II until after passing the Cherwell, when they gained rapidly and were within a quarter of a length at the finish.
Third Division. Order of starting.— St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall II, Magdalen II, Exeter II, St. Peter's Hall II, Queen's II, Keble II, Brasenose II, University College II, Oriel II, Hertford II, Pembroke II, Merton II, Worcester II. St. Catherine's retained their position without difficulty. They drew away from St. Edmund Hall II all the way up and finished three or four lengths ahead. Exeter II bumped Magdalen II after passing the New Bridge. St. Peter's Hall II held their own against Queen's II until entering the Gut when Queen's II gained rapidly and overtook them at the beginning of the Green Bank. It was much the same with Keble II and Brasenose II, the latter making their bump coming out of the Gut. University College II came up a long way in front of Oriel II, who in turn finished three lengths in front of Hertford II. Merton II overtook Pembroke II at the Freewater Stone.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Keble, Brasenose, Hertford, Queen's, Worcester, St. John's II, Jesus, Balliol II, Wadham, St. Peter's Hall, Lincoln, Christ Church II, New College II, St. Catherine's. Keble held their own until coming through the Gut, when Brasenose made a fine effort and made their bump at the First Willow. Hertford maintained their position, Queen's, who followed them, being caught by Worcester coming out of the Gut. Jesus started well and bumped St. John's II midway between the New Bridge and the Free Ferry. Wadham rapidly overhauled Balliol II, who were caught just after passing the Launch Works. St. Peter's Hall and Lincoln rowed through well away from each other, but New College II got away quickly to catch Christ Church II near the New Bridge.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, St. Edmund Hall, Magdalen, Pembroke, University College, Balliol, St. John's, Christ Church, Trinity, Exeter, Oriel, Corpus, Merton, Brasenose. New College retained the Headship after a hard struggle with St. Edmund Hall, the latter being well up at the Boathouse. New College, however, finished strongly and got home with a bare half-length in hand. Magdalen lost to Pembroke in Iffley Reach, but coming through the Gut held their own and a good gap separated the two boats as they passed the University Boathouse. There was half a length between them at the Cherwell, but Magdalen were showing signs of distress and Pembroke eventually caught them on the post. University College paddled over, Balliol being overtaken by St. John's at the Free Ferry. Christ Church, after a hard struggle in Iffley Reach, managed to reach the Green Bank before being bumped by Trinity. There was a fine race between Oriel, Corpus, and Merton, which ended in Corpus bumping Oriel opposite the University Boathouse.
The Oxford University Torpid races were begun yesterday and continue until next Wednesday. There were two crews fewer than last year — 52 against 54.There were thirteen bumps, five of which were in Division II. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following table: [...]
St. Edmund Hall's challenge
The second day's racing in the Torpids was marred by cold, cheerless weather. The racing was again uninteresting, and not one bump out of the 12 recorded took place above the University Boathouse.There was, however, a very fine race fo the Headship between New College and St. Edmund Hall. After leaving the Gut, St. Edmund Hall again and again raised the hopes of their supporters. They appeared to make a shot when abreast of the New College Barge, and at the Cherwell there was only a foot or so between them and so they battled on to the finish with the issue in doubt until the semaphore fell with New College leading by a couple of yards. Contrary to expectation, Pembroke, who had bumped Magdalen on the previous afternoon, failed to make any impression on St. Edmund, who finished more than their distance ahead.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Worcester II, Wadham II, Brasenose III. The three crews rowed through, a good length separating each at the finish.
Third Division. Order of starting.— St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall II, Exeter II, Magdalen II, Queen's II, St. Peter's Hall II, Brasenose II, Keble II, University College II, Oriel II, Hertford II, Merton II, Pembroke II, Worcester II. St. Catherine's went away well at the start, and retaining their position throughout finished two lengths ahead of St. Edmund Hall II. St. Edmund Hall II lost considerable ground to Exeter II coming up Iffley Reach, and Exeter II were only half a length behind as they left the Gut. St. Edmund Hall II, however, regained ground along the Green Bank, and further improving their position under the wall, finished almost their starting distance ahead. Magdalen II were soon pressed by Queen's II and were bumped just before entering the Gut. Brasenose II, after a sharp struggle in Iffley Reach, bumped St. Peter's Hall II at almost the same spot. Keble II maintained their position, as University II quickly lost ground to Oriel II, who bumped them at the Free Ferry, while Hertford II were bumped by Merton II just after passing the Weir's Bridge. Pembroke II and Worcester II rowed over.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Brasenose, Keble, Hertford, Worcester, Queen's, Jesus, St. John's II, Wadham, Balliol II, St. Peter's Hall, Lincoln, New College II, Christ Church II, St. Catherine's. Brasenose retained the Headship without extending themselves and finished a length and a half in front of Keble. Worcester followed up their previous success as, after pressing hard in Iffley Reach, they bumped Hertford coming out of the Gut. Queen's, in getting clear, came very wide out on the Berkshire [towpath] shore, with the result that Jesus came very near bumping them up the Green Bank. Queen's, however, drew away again and eventually passed the post a length and a half in front. St. John's II held Wadham in Iffley Reach, but the latter came up rapidly after passing the Ferry and made their bump at the top of the Gut, and at almost the same spot Balliol II were bumped by St. Peter's Hall. Lincoln and New College II rowed over wide apart, but Christ Church II found St. Catherine's much too fast for them and were bumped near the Free Ferry.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, St. Edmund Hall, Pembroke, Magdalen, University College, St. John's, Balliol, Trinity, Christ Church, Exeter, Corpus, Oriel, Merton, Brasenose. St. Edmund Hall gained rapidly on New College and coming out of the Gut the latter were only leading by about three-quarters of a length. St. Edmund Hall made up a lot of ground, and at Saunder's Bridge there was little daylight between the two boats. New College went across the river near the Cherwell to gain some little ground, but St. Edmund Hall pressed strongly again along the Barges, about two yards separating the crews at the finish. Pembroke followed a long way behind St. Edmund Hall, but kept their distance in front of Magdalen. St. John's pressed University College from the start, and made their bump in the Gut. A little lower down Balliol were bumped by Trinity. Christ Church were losing ground to Exeter from the start and were bumped under the Willows, leaving Corpus to row over while Merton after a hard struggle up the Green Bank bumped Oriel just before reaching the Boathouse.
The Oxford University Torpid races were continued yesterday in colder weather and with rain falling. There were twelve bumps altogether, and another exciting race for the headship New College getting home by only a few feet. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
A good race for the Headship
The Torpids were continued at Oxford on Saturday in fine weather, and there was an unusually large number of spectators.New College retained their position at the Head of the River, but St. Edmund Hall gained rapidly on them over the second half of the course, and only a few feet separated the boats at the finish. Pembroke, the third boat, showed much improved form and got within two or three yards of St. Edmund Hall. Much confusion was caused in the Second Division when Jesus claimed to have bumped Queen's at the Boathouse. The Queen's cox failed to acknowledge it and Wadham then bumped Jesus at the Cherwell. The matter will come before the committee for decision. There were fewer bumps than on either of the previous days, only 11 being recorded in the four divisions.
The races will be concluded on Wednesday.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Worcester II, Wadham II, Brasenose III. The three crews rowed up in their starting order, but there was an interesting race between Wadham II and Brasenose III, the latter being right up at the Boathouse. Wadham II, however, drew away again along the Wall and finished a length in front.
Third Division. Order of starting.— Christ Church II, St. Edmund Hall II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Magdalen II, Brasenose II, St. Peter's Hall II, Keble II, Oriel II, University College II, Merton II, Hertford II, Pembroke II, Worcester II. There was a good race for the Headship over the first half of the course, but after leaving the Gut St. Edmund Hall II went up fast and overtook Christ Church II before reaching the Red Post. Exeter II consequently paddled over, as Queen's II were never dangerous and were five or six lengths behind at the finish. There was a short struggle between Magdalen II, who started slowly, and Brasenose II, the latter making their bump at the Concrete Bridge. St. Peter's Hall II rowed over, Keble II, after a hard tussle, being caught by Oriel II under the Willows. University College II, after struggling through the Gut, fell to Merton II at the Long Bridges and Hertford II, after losing rapidly to Pembroke II, were bumped near the Free Ferry.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Brasenose, Keble, Worcester, Hertford, Queen's, Jesus, Wadham, St. John's II, St. Peter's Hall, Balliol II, Lincoln, New College II, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall II. Brasenose again rowed up head of the division without exerting themselves, but Keble were always losing to Worcester, who made their bump at the top of Iffley Reach. Hertford rowed over but there was a fine race between the three following boats — Queen's, Jesus and Wadham. They were within a few feet of each other at the end of the Green Bank and Jesus appeared to bump Queen's at the Boathouse, but the latter's cox did not acknowledge it. Wadham then drew up on Jesus and caught them at the Cherwell. St. Peter's Hall bumped St. John's II just before entering the Gut, and Balliol II went down to Lincoln just after getting through the New Bridge. New College II and St. Catherine's came up some distance apart.
The disputed bump between Queen's, Jesus and Wadham was awarded to Jesus.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, St. Edmund Hall, Pembroke, Magdalen, St. John's, University College, Trinity, Balliol, Exeter, Christ Church, Corpus, Merton, Oriel, Brasenose. New College kept well away from St. Edmund Hall up Iffley Reach and were about a length in front at the Red Post. Pembroke in turn were steadily gaining on St. Edmund Hall. As they came up the Wall New College seemed to be quite safe, but St. Edmund Hall made a fine effort after passing the Cherwell and New College passed the post only five feet ahead. Pembroke, who also finished strongly, got to within two or three yards of St. Edmund Hall. Pembroke came in some lengths away from Magdalen. Trinity bumped University College on coming out of the Gut. The following boats, Balliol, Exeter, Christ Church, Corpus and Merton, all finished well away from each other, but Oriel were outpaced by Brasenose, who made their bump at the Long Bridges.
There were 11 bumps on the third day of the Oxford Torpids, and a disputed bump by Jesus, whose claim to have caught Queen's in Division II, before they fell to Wadham was awarded yesterday.New College kept their place at the head of the river, but only after a terrific struggle with St. Edmund Hall. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
The Torpids were continued at Oxford yesterday in beautiful weather, the sun shining brightly during the racing, while there was an almost entire absence of wind.The racing was far more interesting than on the previous days, and it was a red letter day for St. Edmund Hall, one of the smallest of Oxford colleges, who realized their ambition by wresting the Headship of the River from New College. St. Edmund Hall have always maintained their rowing traditions, notwithstanding the difficulties they have experienced in manning an eight, which on one occasion forced them to transfer their coxswain to the bow thwart. Pembroke, unlike St. Edmund Hall, failed to reproduce their previous form, and were well behind St. Edmund Hall when they made their bump. Trinity are evidently coming into their own again, for they bumped St. John's before half the course had been covered. Worcester also continued their victorious career, and Merton II gained their fourth success when bumping Keble II.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Worcester II, Wadham II, Brasenose III. The boats finished in their starting order well away from each other.
Third Division. Order of starting.— St. Edmund Hall II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Queen's II, Brasenose II, Magdalen II, St. Peter's Hall II, Oriel II, Keble II, Merton II, University College II, Pembroke II, Hertford II, Worcester II. St. Edmund Hall II held their position without undue exertion, for although Christ Church II gained some ground, they finished at a strong paddle nearly a length ahead. Christ Church II in turn kept well away from Exeter II, a length separating them at the finish. Queen's II, after two previous successes, were bumped by Brasenose II in the Gut after a hard struggle up Iffley Reach. Magdalen II, St. Peter's Hall II, and Oriel II provided a most interesting race over the first half of the course, for while St. Peter's Hall gained on Magdalen they were at the same time losing to Oriel. St. Peter's Hall, however, put in a determined spurt near the Ferry and saved the situation by bumping Magdalen when Oriel were within a few feet of them. Keble II were soon in difficulties with Merton II, who continued their victorious career by bumping them at the Launch Works. Pembroke II and University College II had a sharp struggle in Iffley Reach which ended in favour of Pembroke near the Free Ferry.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Oriel, Worcester, Keble, Hertford, Jesus, Queen's, Wadham, St. Peter's Hall, St. John's II, Lincoln, Balliol II, New College II, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall II. Worcester were soon gaining ground on Oriel, and coming up fast through the Gut made their bump opposite the Long Bridges. Keble held Hertford up Iffley Reach, but then fell away, and Keble [?] bumped them just after coming out of the Gut. Jesus held their own against Queen's, who were hard pressed by Wadham as the boats came into the Willows Reach. Wadham overlapped at the Boathouse, but although Queen's drew away slightly along the wall, Wadham came again and made their bump just before reaching the Cherwell. St. Peter's Hall in the meantime had been gaining steadily on Wadham, and were within half-a-length when the latter made their bump. St. John's lost ground to Lincoln at the start, and the latter, making ground rapidly after clearing the New Bridge, made their bump at the Free Ferry. Balliol II and New College II had an interesting race over the first half of the course, and coming out of the Gut little more than a quarter of a length divided them, but Balliol were forced to give way opposite the Red Post. St. Catherine's finished some distance in front of St. Edmund Hall II.
First Division. Order of starting.— New College, St. Edmund Hall, Pembroke, Magdalen, St. John's, Trinity, University College, Balliol, Exeter, Christ Church, Corpus, Merton, Brasenose, Worcester. Another close race was anticipated for the Headship between New College and St. Edmund Hall, but St. Edmund Hall getting well away at the start, wiped off the greater part of the starting distance in Iffley Reach, and coming out of the Gut were less than half a length behind. From this point St. Edmund Hall steadily reduced the lead and putting in a well sustained effort, after passing the Boathouse, made their bump at the Cherwell. Pembroke, who had pressed St. Edmund Hall closely on Saturday, failed to make much impression on them, and were a long way in the rear, but some lengths in front of Magdalen. Trinity rapidly overtook St. John's in Iffley Reach and made their fourth successive bump at the Gut. University College were always losing ground to Balliol, who bumped them opposite the Long Bridges. Exeter finished two lengths in front of Christ Church, who lost ground to Corpus, but finished a third of a length in front. Corpus were well away from Merton, who had had a hard struggle to escape Brasenose who in turn were bumped by Worcester at the Free Ferry.
For the first time in 17 years [i.e. since first 're' entering Torpids] St. Edmund Hall became the head boat yesterday in the Oxford Torpid races. For three days they had pursued New College without success, but yesterday bumped them about 100 yards from the winning post.Other successful crews so far are Merton II and Brasenose II, each of whom have gone up four places. There were 13 bumps yesterday. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
The Torpids were continued at Oxford yesterday, when there was a bitterly cold wind and a lot of lumpy water in the more exposed stretches of the river.St. Edmund Hall, who had deprived New College of the Headship of the River on Monday, retained their position, New College being bumped by Pembroke after a good race.
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Worcester II, Wadham II, Brasenose III. The three crews rowed through, although Brasenose III gained on Wadham II and finished within half a length.
Third Division. Order of starting.— St. Edmund Hall II, Christ Church II, Exeter II, Brasenose II, Queen's II, St. Peter's Hall II, Magdalen II, Oriel II, Merton II, Keble II, Pembroke II, University College II, Hertford II, Worcester II. St. Edmund Hall II held their own without difficulty, although Christ Church II, driven on by Exeter II, gained on them. Christ Church II came out of the Gut leading Exeter II by half a length, while the latter, in turn, were being hard pressed by Brasenose II. Exeter II, however, did well along the Green Bank and not only succeeded in holding Brasenose II but drew on to Christ Church II and eventually bumped them at the Corpus Barge. Queen's II went down again, being overtaken by St. Peter's Hall II below the Gut. Magdalen II also went down again, Oriel II gaining rapidly from the start and catching them after passing the New Bridge. Pembroke II bumped Keble II at the bottom of the Green Bank after a good race. University College II, Hertford II, and Worcester II rowed up at wide intervals.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Brasenose, Oriel, Hertford, Keble, Jesus, Wadham, Queen's, St. Peter's Hall, Lincoln, St. John's II, New College II, Balliol II, St. Catherine's, St. Edmund Hall II. Brasenose rowed over but there was an exciting race between Oriel and Hertford. Gaining steadily up Iffley Reach, Hertford, who had bumped Keble on Monday, were within half a length, and at the Boathouse a canvas separated the two crews. Oriel gained a few feet along the Wall but Hertford came up again at the Cherwell and finishing strongly made their bump opposite the Brasenose Barge, driving Oriel right into the Wall. Jesus caught Keble at the Gut. Wadham rowed over but there was an interesting race between Queen's, St. Peter's Hall and Lincoln. There was very little between them coming out of the Gut, and when St. Peter's Hall eventually bumped Queen's at the Willows Lincoln were within a few feet of them. New College II caught St. John's II near the Free Ferry and St. Catherine's overtook Balliol II just before entering the Gut.
First Division. Order of starting.— St. Edmund Hall, New College, Pembroke, Magdalen, Trinity, St. John's, Balliol, University College, Exeter, Christ Church, Corpus, Merton, Worcester, Brasenose. St. Edmund Hall retained the Headship, which they had won from New College the previous afternoon, without unduly exerting themselves. New College, however, were always being caught by Pembroke, who showed much improved form. Less than a quarter of a length separated them at the Boathouse and Pembroke, with a splendid effort along the Wall, made their bump at the Oriel College Barge. Magdalen followed, hotly pursued by Trinity. After coming through the Gut there was a quarter of a length between them at Saunders Bridge, but Magdalen managed to hold them along the Wall and finished three yards ahead. St. John's finished three lengths behind Trinity and much the same distance in front of Balliol. Exeter, who gained rapidly after leaving the Gut, bumped University College near the University Boathouse, while Worcester continued their upward career by overtaking Merton at the beginning of Iffley Reach.
There was an unpleasant change in the weather for the fifth day of the Torpid Races at Oxford yesterday, a strong wind blowing across the stream.St. Edmund Hall retained their position at the head of the river.
Bumps yesterday numbered 12. For the fifth day the Division IV crews rowed over. Bumps are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
St. Edmund Hall Head of the River
There was an unusually large attendance to watch the final day's racing in the Torpids at Oxford yesterday, although conditions were by no means genial and the crews again had to contend against a strong southerly wind. St. Edmund Hall succeeded in keeping their place ahead of Pembroke and thus, for the first time since the races were held, finished Head of the River. They had a very capable stroke in P. H. Mathews who, with three other members of the crew, only came into residence last term.The racing did not produce nearly so many bumps as usual, only 71 being recorded in the six days. Worcester were the most successful crew with six bumps to their credit, and they might have further increased their record but for Corpus, the boat in front of them, catching Christ Church when they were well on to them. Their crew included no fewer than five freshmen. Brasenose II and Merton II both made five bumps, but St. John's II and Magdalen II each lost six places [as did Oriel].
The Head of the River crew was :— [as below]
Fourth Division. Order of starting.— Worcester II, Wadham II, Brasenose III. Worcester II rowed over but Brasenose III, after starting with great dash, were right up to Wadham II coming out of the Gut, and after overlapping along the Green Bank caught them at the New College Barge.
Third Division. Order of starting.— St. Edmund Hall II, Exeter II, Christ Church II, Brasenose II, St. Peter's Hall II, Queen's II, Oriel II, Magdalen II, Merton II, Pembroke II, Keble II, University College II, Hertford II, Worcester II. Exeter II gained on St. Edmund Hall II and after being well up at the Cherwell, finished within a length of them. Brasenose II came up on Christ Church II in Iffley Reach, and although the latter held their own coming through the Gut a determined effort by Brasenose II at the beginning of the Green Bank enabled them to make their bump at the Willows. St. Peter's Hall II rowed through but Queen's II were caught by Oriel II opposite the Long Bridges. Magdalen II experienced their sixth successive reverse when Merton II, coming up fast, overtook them at the New Bridge. Pembroke II rowed over but Keble II made poor headway against University College II who, coming up the Green Bank, partly rowed past them and made their bump in the middle of the boat near the Red Post. Hertford II and Worcester II rowed over.
Second Division. Order of starting.— Brasenose, Hertford, Oriel, Jesus, Keble, Wadham, St. Peter's Hall, Queen's, Lincoln, New College II, St. John's II, St. Catherine's, Balliol II, St. Edmund Hall II. Brasenose kept well away from Hertford all the way up and finished nearly two lengths ahead. Oriel were being pressed by Jesus when the crews came out of the Gut and the latter made their bump soon after passing Saunders Bridge. Keble held Wadham up Iffley Reach, but after passing the Ferry the latter gained rapidly and caught them at the end of the Gut. Queen's and Lincoln provided and interesting struggle, for although Queen's were nearly two lengths down coming out of the Gut they hung on and reached the Keble College Barge before being bumped. New College II paddled over, St. John's II falling victims to St. Catherine's coming through the Gut, Balliol II and St. Edmund Hall II finished their distance apart.
First Division. Order of starting.— St. Edmund Hall, Pembroke, New College, Magdalen, Trinity, St. John's, Balliol, Exeter, University College, Christ Church, Corpus, Worcester, Merton, Brasenose. Pembroke soon began to gain on St. Edmund Hall who, coming out of the Gut, held a lead of a length. After passing the Boathouse St. Edmund Hall drew away a little, but then Pembroke in turn improved their position. St. Edmund Hall, however, were equal to the occasion and, holding them in the last 100 yards, passed the Post a bare quarter of a length to the good. Pembroke were lengths ahead of New College when the latter went well away from Magdalen, who had to row hard to escape Trinity. The next four boats rowed up wide distances apart and the only bump recorded was when Corpus, after getting to within half a length coming out of the Gut, caught Christ Church at the Willows, Worcester being within half a length of Corpus at the time.
St. Edmund Hall win Oxford Torpids
The Oxford Torpid races concluded yesterday when St. Edmund Hall, who first entered 17 years ago [actually they'd first entered Torpids in 1901], won the Headship for the first time — a most creditable achievement for a small college.Another of the smaller colleges, Worcester, had the distinction of making 24 bumps and reaching the first division for the first time for some years [actually only since 1935]. The successful St. Edmund Hall crew were: [as below, except M.H.H. Boyd, P.H. Matthews, and Fowler from Taunton school]
Bumps yesterday are indicated by brackets in the following tables: [...]
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