Torpids 2002Torpids 2002
In stark contrast to the situation in 2000–1, rowing in Michaelmas term was unaffected by flags, and an enjoyable Christ Church Regatta saw success for the women of New, and the men of Keble. This crop of novice rowers thus started training for Torpids, alongside the seasoned campaigners, never having experienced the usual frustrations of a winter on the Isis.The weather in Hilary was, unfortunately, not so kind. The red flag was raised in week 2, and stayed up for nearly 4 weeks. With rowing on cancelled, and the river level dropping, organisers were hoping for a repeat of Torpids 2001, when a dropping stream allowed the event to take place after nearly 4 months of flooding and high stream conditions. Initially hopeful, an unexpected downpour on the Sunday of seventh week saw the red flag return. With the river still on a high red flag status on Thursday, the Senior Umpire, acting on the advice of the Environment Agency, decided to cancel all racing. The weather also forced the cancellation of large events such as the Reading University Head on the Women's Eights Head.
The cancellation prevented us from seeing some fascinating battles. Pembroke were denied the chance to reclaim the Headship of the men's divisions that had been lost to Oriel in 2001. Amongst the women, Merton had looked extremely impressive in competition and would certainly have pushed hard for the headship. Osler-Green also returned having failed to defend the headship in 2001.
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