The Club's Results

Facts first:

3rd third eight,

Beat 5 first eights (Sidney, Peterhouse, King's, Homerton and Tit Hall)

Beat 6 second eights (New hall, Peterhouse, Homerton, Tit Hall, Downing and St. catz)

I'd say that's a pretty solid result (although Disney 2 did beat Disney 1). Anyway as far as the race went:

The marshal said go we didn't. He looked perplexed Kristina sorted herself out with a little too much interference from my side I have to admit. Set off on Kristina's go, straight into the bank, the reasons being 3fold: me interfering , Kristina not being straight and half of strokeside airstroking on the first stroke (that was a mouthful).

We pushed off in front of Jesus boat house and wound it straight from there. As a result we weren't quite up to speed at the start line. Didn't matter to much though because the crew settled into a good rhythm coming out under Emma Footbridge. The push out of QE Bridge worked well bringing the boat back up to speed so that by the Willow tree we were only 10s down on NW2. We more or less held that till Chesterton FB where we were 15s down. A big lift on the legs once we were straight sent us off towards the railway B. This was the best push off the race with a massive change in boatspeed.

Having done pretty well until then, we lost a lot of time between the P&E and the railway B. Me staying on meadowside and almost falling off my bike in the mud probably didn't help. At the railway B we were suddenly almost 50s down on NW2. A last hard push out of the bridge sent us onto the reach where a motivational "I can see the boat in front (Homerton W2, who we beat)" came from Kristina. The wind to the finish was good, some solid power in the water as far as I could see from the bank. Only downside: we crossed the line 1 min slower than NW2 and with Kristina couting down strokes and getting to the number 6, oh well better luck next time.

All in all a good race and I think NW3 can be really proud of their time.

One last point: we did have a couple of minor crabs from Louise at stroke + 2 complete overheads from her, one just after QE bridge and one on the reach, funnily enough the two parts where we didn't actually loose that much time. (S.C. Mertes)

i think christian's said it all! :) i just wanted to add that i've had such a great time coxing you all, you've made novicing the 2nd time round so much fun!! sorry for all the crashes along the way but hey, we made it round chesterton in one piece woop woop!! remember to push for the calories (700 an hour!)/doughnuts/thomases and hope to see lots of you back next term :) (Kristina)

The two colleges melded well considering the lack of preparation. After a slightly shaky start you guys settled down to a good steady rhythm. There were occasional slips but fast recoveries! Overall you guys should be really proud of going the distance! (Jane)

Well done girls. Considering you didn't know your crew order before the race (...) I was most impressed with how this row went. A few slips in rhythm were quickly corrected and a good time was achieved! I hope you have all enjoyed this term, and hope to see you all back next term! (Lyns)

The weather was against us this afternoon. The wind picked up which made starting hard as the boat was constantly being pushed into the bank. But this did not dampen anyone's spirits and all VIII put in a gutsy row which paid off in a good time which you should all be proud of. Sadly beyond the finish was crowded which made spinning and returning stressful - sorry for shouting! Hope you all enjoyed your time as novices. (Harriet)

This was a gutsy row, despite difficulties caused by strong wind. An unfortunate gust blew us off course allowing Peterhouse to sneak past, but the girls pulled out the stops and gained some ground back from a standing start.

I have loved lbc-ing this term with you all. I look forward to seeing you all continue the progress you have made next term when you become valued members of the senior squad. (Clair)

As ordered by their cox, the crew beat at least one 1st crew and a couple of 2nd crews. I think if I had realised the slight deviation between what Jesus had promoted as the Finish and what turned out to be the finish Selwyn also would have had it coming. But who cares now... amazing result, girlies! I think we can be duly proud of this row!!

Thanks to all eight of you for what has been a truly worthwhile addition to my boatie schedule... I wouldn't have wanted to novice cox with any other crew in the world...

I love you, girls *sob*

xx (Pia)

A video of the crew coming past the P&E can be found here. (BJ)

I didn't see the race, but can I just say congratulations to the 3rd women for being the 2nd fastest 3rd boat on the river (behind those Maggie beasts). Well done girls - stonking result! (Dan)