All race reports for Mark McKelvie
Event: Emma Sprints 2007 - Division 1
Posted as: Mark
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On the whole though it was pretty good for most of the race - just need to work on squaring early and fully and everyone really pushing together as a unit when the instruction to do so comes through.
And don't panic when you're next to a crew! Although now that that's out of the way you should be OK for Clare Novices.
Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2007 - Student Novice VIIIs
Posted as: Mark
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Grassy seemed OK, but now I need to work on trying to take those corners slightly tighter, and also trying to refrain from shouting.....
Great work nonetheless girls! The rhythm felt generally very good and it was nice moving along at that sort of speed.
Event: May Bumps 2008 - Saturday
Posted as: Mark
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For each race we assumed something likely to happen would happen, and then we planned around it.
For this race it was that St. Eddies would continue their fine bumping work (having bumped, double overbumped, and bumped again earlier in the week) and bump Magdalene early on, giving us the chance to give Tit Hall one last good run for their money up the Reach.
Credit to Magdalene, who we underestimated, as they had overlap on us in the Gut, steering for but missing our stern on several occasions, before emerging as a three boat sandwich at the Plough with Eddies very close behind.
Having said that, I'm sure it was exciting for the crowds seeing that bump happen along with Eddies ploughing into Magdalene's stern.
As side note, it has been a great pleasure coxing W2 again - despite the outcome it really has been great fun and we have rowed very well together over the weeks. Many many thanks to Jenny without whom this would have been possible!
Event: May Bumps 2008 - Friday
Posted as: Mark
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We didn't quite have the power to finish off Jesus in the Gut, always staying close behind and that was followed up by a massive push from Hughes, bumping us with only a few feet between us and Jesus on Grassy.
Event: May Bumps 2008 - Thursday
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We proved today that we were quicker than Tit Hall with a really good row, but the nature of Bumps means that we were once again denied a deserved bump.
Mark + crew
Event: May Bumps 2008 - Wednesday
Posted as: Mark
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An excellent start had us flying towards First Post corner only to meet bumped out Clare II and Jesus III sitting across the river. Various hard pulls on the strings along with alternating hand-brake cornering resulted in us holding it up to prevent a strokeside blade impaling the Jesus cox.
We were told to keep going despite this, but we never recovered, rowing in sixes due to a strokeside crab from hitting the Jesus boat. We held off Tit Hall II for a great amount of time considering this.
We contested the result but we were thoroughly disappointed by the final decision.
Bring on tomorrow.
Mark + crew
Event: Champion of the Thames Eights Head 2008 - Women's 1st Div. Mays
Posted as: Mark
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Despite this the push up the Reach was solid and fast, and the pushes brought good bursts of speed where necessary.
Overall, a really good row.
Edit to Harriet: Not at all! I am just as surprised as you - clearly the judge likes his corners tight, just like his rudder strings...
Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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For some reason the photos came out in the wrong order, they should have been in a nice moving sequence...perhaps someone clever could fix that?
Event: Radegund Mile Head Race 2008 - College VIIIs
Posted as: Mark
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Rating slightly higher than planned at around 32, but it was controlled and seemed quite comfortable.
A committed push to the finish with all sorts of noises from the boat in addition to the cox speakers!
P.S. Now that the result has come up, I wonder if we entered 6.30 or 6.34 as our predicted time, because if it was the former then that is a bloody good prediction, and we might even win that prize!
Event: Cardinal's Regatta 2008 - Mixed IV
Posted as: Mark
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I noticed I started talking about spinning in the first race report, and how it was "worrying" given that I saw a Cambridge boat. I forgot to mention something that was even more worrying whilst spinning after the race and that was how we almost capsized with my eagerness to get bowside to back her down as we were still moving after easying - we took water on board over the saxboard, that's how close it was.
Lesson number 24: Stop fully before spinning a IV.
Event: Cardinal's Regatta 2008 - Mixed IV
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Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Saturday
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My stomach twisted when I thought that Corpus decided to 'do a Newnham' today, i.e. row much more poorly compared to what they were capable of doing the day before, with a Newnham double whistle coming around First Post corner before we had even had one whistle.
We got stuck in though, knowing the bump had to come soon or never, and loads of credit to the girls for digging in, with a double and triple whistle coming virtually together. Convincing bump in the Gut!
Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Saturday
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Thursday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Friday
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That took us by surprise but we went on to row over quite solidly with a comfortable gap behind us. Unfortunately there was no chance of an overbump since we were started third, so it is really disappointing that we are no longer on for Blades.
Despite the result, that was a fantastic piece of rowing, and it was really pleasing to have such power and commitment in the boat - let's finish on a high tomorrow!
Event: Emma Sprints 2007 - Division 1
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2007 - Plate
Posted as: Mark
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We were the stronger crew overall, I believe, and if we weren't as unfortunate as we were with the wind then it's quite likely that we would've had that race.
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2007 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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Starting off not straight led to bowside crashing into a barge barely 20m from the start.
The crew were quite quick to react, only for confusion between 'wind it up' and 'hold it up' to lead to very confused rowers and a very suprised bankparty. Surprise was followed by horror as screams of 'hold it up' from the bank preceded a second crash into a barge a few places down. This led to bow taking a significant blow to the chest, but he was courageous enough to keep going.
Third time, VERY unlucky.
Bowman met a third barge again just before Elizabeth Way at speed, leading to a scary meeting between bow and his oar. The bowman was launched right out of his seat into the river, head first, in front of the bank party.
Boat brought in as bow man went back to the boat house, leaving the crew completely confused and exasperated.
Raced for time shortly after the IVs with Jij subbing in, sitting at seven.
Racing for time was relatively good, although the rhythm displayed didn't look like the excellent rhythm that was demonstrated so well by the crew in the outings leading up to the race - probably due to a combination of panic and the unnerving start. You clearly had the ability, unfortunately it could not be demonstrated when it was needed.
But heads up guys, don't let this put you off, and learn from this. Let's hope nothing like that happens again.
Event: Fairbairn Cup - IVs 2007 - Senior IVs
Posted as: Mark
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A little wobbly in places, but those were soon rectified and a couple of slightly wide corners, but generally really pleasing.
Highlights of the race included Kristina's vocals on Long Reach, and just after Ditton corner before the finish:
Mark: 'Wind it up 2'
Alex: 'NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!'
Oh, and a marshall that was not happy about me 'disobeying' him, never mind; I tell my crew when to go, not him.
But a really good race, I'm really pleased I had such a brilliant crew. Bring on the Lent term!
Event: Newnham Short Course 2008 - 2nd division
Posted as: Mark
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Would've shaved a few more seconds off had Darwin actually conceded the line when we were up their stern, eventually forcing us to overtake towards the end, but all in all it was a good indication that Bumps racing should go well later this term.
Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 2nd division
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 2nd division
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Pembroke Regatta 2008 - 2nd division
Posted as: Mark
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Lost to a strong Jesus crew who were physically bigger, yet we held their advance from around the railway bridge to 3 lengths and didn't let them have anymore, and in fact were gaining on them about 100m before the bridge.
Do that again in Bumps, and I will be shocked if we don't bump every day.
Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Tuesday
Posted as: Mark
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Clare are going to be tough; we need to get them before they get Corpus, otherwise it'll be Newnham all the way!
Event: Lent Bumps 2008 - Wednesday
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But some excellent drive in the water around corners kept the speed up, and the commitment along Plough made me so proud to cox such a crew - Clare really did push at this point and I thought we'd lose them but you all gritted your teeth and coming round Ditton we cut into them and claimed our Bump.
Event: Cardinal's Regatta 2009 - Fancy Dress
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Cardinal's Regatta 2009 - Fancy Dress
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Being the worst bow-seat cox possible, Gonzalo coped with my "helpful" instructions well, especially when the closer-positioned Sonya sat at 5.
The row down was good, perhaps because we mainly rowed down in fours and sixes, but when we did row down all eight I only caught mini/moderate crabs.
The starts were good, despite hesitation in the inexperienced bows that the rate might go beyond 26. Unfortunately, we never got the chance to release out killer start onto the opposition.
Gonzalo lined up up perfectly, verified by myself and Danny at 2 and bow, but the combination of experience at stroke, 6 and 4 (and the fact that Alasdair at stroke swapped his macon with a Magdalene cleaver just before the race) meant that before Gonzalo could call "wind", bowside macon plastic met concrete bank and by then there was no chance.
The orange-skinned, green-haired characters took advantage of the gap and then opened up to the finish.
P.S. Sonya made her outing.
Event: May Bumps Getting-on Race 2009 -
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Peterborough Sprint Regatta 2009 - WIM3
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Peterborough Sprint Regatta 2009 - WIM3
Posted as: Mark
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The start was OK, soon getting ahead of Star BC and by the halfway point we were slowly moving up on Cantabs to beat them by a length. If we row like this in Bumps then there will be a good battle mid-division.
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Wednesday
Posted as: Mark
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I thought Eddies had been bumped as you passed me at the Railway bridge until I saw them row pass some moments and many lengths later.
Go get Jesus tomorrow!
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Wednesday
Posted as: Mark
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A disappointing result, but there's a very good chance of doing very well tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to your race then.
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Thursday
Posted as: Mark
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Event: May Bumps 2009 - Thursday
Posted as: Mark
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Through the Gut Corpus were going round Grassy and coming up to the Plough 4 lengths was called which shortly went down to 3 lengths and then 2 coming round Ditton.
The whistles soon followed and FaT IV reclaimed the IVth headship in style by overbumping in the straight leading up to the Railway Bridge. An incredible row!
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Thursday
Posted as: Mark
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I thank the crew for the instant change in pressure as Christs decided to clear to the left instead of the right at First Post, and the combination of a quick change and a hand in the water meant we got through the Gut unscathed. I would also like to add that, despite the closeness of 6's and stroke's blade to the cox, I did expect us to just miss her as the bows swung to the right. If there was any chance of hitting her I would have held it up.
We settled into a relaxed rhythm once Christs had bumped Clare, Queens' never being a threat. Onto the Reach I saw Girton almost across the river and some white water, assuming they had bumped someone in front. It turned out that they had in fact caught a massive crab and we closed to less than 3 lengths - a bump on them being a double overbump. They got it together and we both rowed over comfortably.
Overall a decent row that sets us up well for the rest of the week. Let's finish the Bumps with a positive score!
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Thursday
Posted as: Mark
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Event: May Bumps 2009 - Friday
Posted as: Mark
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Well done girls and Danny! You've managed to do what I failed to do last time, good luck for the final push tomorrow!
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Friday
Posted as: Mark
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I had a slightly tighter line on First Post and entering the Gut the third whistle and bump came quickly and cleanly.
Event: May Bumps 2009 - Saturday
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Event: May Bumps 2009 - Saturday
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Event: May Bumps 2009 - Saturday
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The first whistle came in the Gut and my tighter line round Grassy brought us the second and third whistles going in the Plough. I steered right after the continuous whistle which sent the bows over their stern, just missing them, but a few strokes later we hit them firmly to the enjoyment of the crowd around the Plough.
Event: Cardinal's Regatta 2009 - Fancy Dress
Posted as: Mark
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This was Jesus' choice of race, and so we decided to choose racing upstream towards the railway bridge first.
We rocketed off towards the bridge, rating about 39 all the way and then on the horn of the marshall we easied and strokeside immediately held it up, followed by bowside rowing on with strokeside backing down. This was pretty mental, with white water everywhere.
Our choice of going downstream for the second leg was clearly good with Jesus spinning before us, but still spinning after we had started racing again for the finish.
It looked good as we approached the kink, despite us rowing horribly and scrappily and with Jij catching a crab, but we took the title with the middle of our boat crossing the line just as Jesus' bows crossed it.
Epic.
Event: Cardinal's Regatta 2009 - Fancy Dress
Posted as: Mark
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Bow: Katie Sexton (Christ's)
2: Fran Knight (Christ's)
4: Vin Shen Ban (Christ's)
5: Richard Heywood (Pembroke)
7: Tara Lee (Pembroke)
Event: University IVs 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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Counterpushes were effectively negated around the railway bridge, and from there we slowly opened the gap up towards the finish.
Event: University IVs 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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A better start for us meant we were quick to break down their initial spurt, and once again we slowly opened up the gap from around the railway bridge onwards.
Event: University IVs 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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We thought it was a nice touch that the Jesus bankparty decided to follow us all the way to Ditton to watch our warm up exercises, and we are also grateful for their support.
This race was closer than the last, and once again Jesus cut to the chase from the start, gaining the advantage that we had come to expect. From there it took a little longer to claw our way back, but we did so, neutralising their advantage at the kink and using our advantage on the inside of the railway bridge.
Credit to Jesus for a very solid and close race!
Event: University IVs 2008 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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Downing got off to a good start, and we gained very slightly after this, but they were much bigger and happened to be marginally stronger than us, and ever so gradually opened up the gap from then on. Pushes only held them or made us gain a tiny bit, and coming under the railway bridge a combination of the wind and exhaustion made us wobble slightly.
The length and pressure remained to the finish but at the end of the day Downing deserved to win for being the faster and stronger crew and credit to them! Indeed, all crews we have competed against have shown great sportsmanship and we have really appreciated this.
But I think we as a crew have silenced our critics well, and as a crew we have done exceptionally against our opponents, particularly when I, as the cox, just happens to weigh more than the average weight of the rowers, and I am taller than the average height of them too. Clearly, tall and well built rowers don't necessarily make for fast boats...
Mark (5'7", 58kg)
Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2008 - Cup
Posted as: Mark
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An early crab in the start was quickly corrected, but it had caused an irreversible seat failure meaning the majority of the course was rowed in sixes. To then lose with overlap shows how strong and able the crew was - expect a comeback for Novice and Senior Fairbairns!
Event: Fairbairn Cup - IVs 2008 - College IVs
Posted as: Mark
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After defeat in the Final to a very strong Downing in Uni IVs, and the subsequent focus on VIII's rowing and the sheer lack of outings in that IV, I must admit I did not envisage us getting in the top 3 after a tough VIII race, let alone being the winners!
I can't describe fully how good it feels. We worked so hard up to Uni IVs; it seems our pure determination and nerve got us our just reward!
*Added on 15/12/2008*
Now I thought I'd write a descriptive report here.
We decided to keep the same start - a gradual build to race rate from backstops - as we did in the VIII earlier that day, peaking at 31, settling to 29.
Coming round Elizabeth Road bridge I noticed we had already gained on Emma before they suffered a temporary seat failure outside the King's/Selwyn boathouse. It wasn't too long until they recovered and we started to close them right down in the straight approaching Chesterton.
A conversation between me and Philip about making sure Emma gave way later on meant I let the rating slip to about 27/28 before I realised but then we powered back up coming into Chesterton, immediately after which we started to overtake as we came round the corner. We were even at the P&E and fully clear at the Railway Bridge.
Halfway down the Reach we managed to wind it up to 31 before the IVs lads cheered us as we approached Ditton.
Possibly the best row we've had as that IV.
Event: Fairbairn Cup 2008 - Senior VIIIs
Posted as: Mark
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We had decided beforehand that a result of 5th or 6th would be very good, and put us in a decent position to tackle Lent term. Our result of 5th shows that we really can go into Lent term with high hopes, and, with a solid set of training when we return I think we can have some really good, positive rowing.
Many, many thanks to Jon, Tom and Jenny - over the few weeks we had to train our outings improved significantly, and I doubt we would've gotten that result without their help and inspiration.
Event: Lent Bumps 2009 - Wednesday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2009 - Thursday
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We knew Jesus would give it all off the start due to a fast Downing chasing them, and our aim was to hold them off for long enough so that Downing would have a shot at the Headship later in the week. Unfortunately our lack of momentum round First Post meant that Jesus closed rapidly and we were bumped on the entrance to the Gut.
Our lack of experience showed today, as it did yesterday, but every time we go out there we build on that experience, so come Mays, and even next Lents, we'll be in a better position to fight back.
Event: Lent Bumps 2009 - Friday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2009 - Friday
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We were quite sure that Downing would bump us at some point, so our plan was to make it as hard as possible for them. With a demoralising bump on Thursday it was a case of damage limitation.
Our start was not perfect, but much better and a lot more relaxed than Wednesday or Thursday despite Downing getting an early whistle at First Post. That was the last whistle I heard from behind and we managed to stride (finally!) to 30 before squeezing to our race rate of 32. By this stage Jesus had opened the gap by an extra length or so.
We had a good Grassy corner thanks to bowside, and a good push into the Plough. By this stage I noticed Jesus wasn't getting any smaller. A tight Ditton thanks to strokeside pressure brought us back on station with Jesus, and an almighty push followed by an excellent rhythm brought us our first whistle (confusing several in the boat, given Downing was far behind!). A quick check of the cox box showed 31, and I could see ahead that Jesus was rating much higher than us, and their faces showed exhaustion. This was followed shortly by two blasts, the Jesus cox steering to the left and my voice apparently going up in pitch.
Absolutely loving the ride at this stage another squeeze got us three, then a continuous whistle. Calls to steer left along with a bumps push were followed by bow hitting 7's blade, creating an unusual double cross shape on the bumps chart, and completely messing up people's BumpIt predictions...
Utterly ecstatic, we don't care how the rest of bumps goes. We proved we weren't a spooning crew and we deserved a place high in the table, despite our general lack of experience.
***Video*** at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm4V21WVtKo
Event: Lent Bumps 2009 - Saturday
Posted as: Mark
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Not many nerves existed now since there was nothing to really lose. Even if we were bumped we had already stopped the general consensus that we would go a long way down, and that made us very happy.
We showed that, despite having a slower start, we were quicker than Jesus over the course, and we knew that Jesus would have their whistles early on in this race.
Our start was perhaps the best out of all our bumps races, but the stride took a little longer than yesterday. Jesus got two whistles very early on and for quite a long time too, around First Post and into the Gut - turned out to very optimistic given there was still about a length between the boats during this time(?)
No more whistles followed and we opened up the gap from then on. Onto the Plough we were probably about on station with Emma, if a little out, but coming around Ditton Emma gradually opened up the gap until the end showing their speed and strength.
An excellent row from Emma who showed how they deserved the Headship this time round, but also an excellent row from the girls who beat the odds to drop no further than 2nd.
To overcome so many disappointments with injury, obvious from our performance at Pembroke Regatta, and no permanent replacement up until a week before bumps we have done ourselves proud.
Many thanks to all our supporters, and especially to Julijana for subbing in whenever we've needed her, to Kim for being our lifeline, to Jenny and Anne for supporting us on the bank, and of course to Iain who kept us going through the rough times and got us up to speed despite all of the hurdles.
We're already so up for fighting for it back next year.
Event: Pembroke Regatta 2009 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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Unfortunately due to problems with injury, and a squad so small that we could only rely on temporary subs, we took the decision to swap over 3 and 4, in the hope that this may work without having to lose people.
This was the second time that 3 or 4 had rowed on the other side, their first being in a tub a couple of days before, so it was a big ask to have their first VIII outing as the regatta race.
Quite simply, it didn't work. King's went off hard on the start and had 3/4 of a length on us, and any time we started to make up ground we'd catch multiple small crabs which would set us back again. How we managed to only lose by a length I don't know.
The good thing to come out of it though I suppose was that it made many people think we were on our way down for Bumps, and because of that, we as a crew thought there wasn't much that we could lose.
Event: Women's Head of the River Race 2009 - Novice VIIIs
Posted as: Mark
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I can't believe we came second in our category by just 0.7seconds! But well done to Downing for putting in a good race!.
We seem to have a habit with coming second in races - Winter Head-to-Head, Bumps, WeHORR...
So I went down yesterday (Friday) evening for the coxes' pre-race chat and then returned after several Tube delays to Liz's just before 11pm.
We left Liz's this morning, and got to Imperial BC, our kind hosts, at about 10am at the same time our boat arrived thanks to Cantabs.
Building the boat on the side of the street with some cake and a cup of tea I decided to carry out my plan of taping up the first few inches or so of the area of the rigger triangle, just out from the saxboard, in order to prevent any splashes/waves from making too much of a mess in the boat. Despite two rolls of duck tape, I ran out by the 5th rigger and abandoned the plan, leaving the boat looking like half the riggers were kept on by tape.
The row up was a little splashy and rocky and fraught with incompetent crews and extremely hostile (Cambridge college!) coaches. But it wasn't too long until we had spun and approached Chiswick bridge.
Our rolling start was fine, albeit a little slow to get up to rate, and within the first minute we were preparing to overtake. Exeter Oxford were out of the way, yet a slow Durham Amateurs sat in the line and refused to move, despite advanced calls. I was forced to steer around to overtake, but as we did they decided to move into us, causing a blade clash, with Liz catching a semi-crab.
The rhythm was generally good, and later down the course we had really good pushes at 30/31 although they were really rushed when I called them. I didn't help with the fact that I didn't really cope with the river being so wide, especially later on, and Cambridge style "stay-to-the-right" lines meant that the scenic route was taken for chunks of the course - I certainly noticed the loss in speed approaching Hammersmith where I was much closer to the Surrey side than the Eyot (sorry Simon!). This meant that the pink boat of Churchill just ahead, battling Downing now and again, would move closer or further away depending where we were on the course.
The push for the finish after the black buoy was very strong and committed and was a great finish to a fun race. Let's see if FaT W1 can go one better next year...
Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2009 - 4th division
Posted as: Mark
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We had a good 1st leg, with a massive push off Ditton really lifting the boat into a new gear. A slight wobble on Grassy was quickly rectified, followed by a slightly poor line by me on First Post and a slight wobble with our final push for the finish.
The 2nd leg was also good, closing on Pembroke constantly off the start. We started to move wide to overtake coming out of Ditton and closed to the point of overlap when we then wobbled and Pembroke stopped our gain. An all-out push from the kink brought us just 1 second behind Pembroke at the finish.
Still a long way to go, but a very surprising and a throughly deserved result for our first race of the term!
Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Thursday
Posted as: Mark
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Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Friday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Friday
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A good start and a good row towards the Ditch. A tight corner by Swords on First Post was followed by a not-so-tight corner on Grassy (but not as bad as mine last year on day one). This meant Clare closed and, as the video shows, got within inches coming down Plough Reach.
Coming into Ditton first meant getting hit by the wind first, causing overlap, forcing Swords to go left. Pushes and pushes came down the first part of the Reach, one of the earlier one practically bringing the bow ball of Clare almost in line with Swords. The girls show great nerve to return every Clare push which meant after Clare had given their legs 10, FaT opened up the gap. They continued to open the gap all the way to be several lengths clear by the bridge.
Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2010 - Mays Lower
Posted as: Mark
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We had a few subs who we are thankful to. I particularly enjoyed some smooth, effective stroking from George and some no-nonsense and, at times, very stimulating coxing from Sonya. I was a slave to her orders when she told me to get it in quickly on Grassy. Kudos to the eruption of banter in the short break from Dom.
As for the race, we hit the rhythm well on the Reach; it was chunky around 28. Seemed like good corners and a semi-OK push for the finish.
2nd leg seemed quite good, perhaps rating a little higher when we pushed hard against a slowly closing Sidney crew but we held it together well on the Reach, enough to prevent them getting any more than overlap. Good training for Bumps. Bring on the next race!
Event: Champion of the Thames Eights Head 2010 - Men's 5th Div Mays
Posted as: Mark
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That aside, our start was not great but we hit a really good rhythm in the first section of the Reach. Unfortunately it seemed that we could not believe how good the rowing felt at this stage that we lost it all again, eventually scrambling over the finish.
More training on the cards now.
Event: Cambridge 99's Regatta 2010 - 1st division
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We had a decent start and seemed to be holding level with King's for at least the first quarter. Unfortunately the race was generally rushed and a little panicked and King's just seemed to be a little more together and slowly opened the gap from just after the kink.
Event: Fairbairn Cup 2009 - Lower VIIIs
Posted as: Mark
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On the whole the composite NM1/2 boat performed adequately with a decent spar with Black Prince women on the Reach.
Unfortunately we crashed after Elizabeth Way and several boats started to bunch up around Grassy - we had to easy to allow others to safely overtake but we ended up going in the bank.
At least we've done senior Fairbairns now so for those who plan to stay on we'll know how it feels come next year!
Event: Cambridge 99's Regatta 2010 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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Generally the Reach was quite comfortable, we started to feel the rhythm more than in the first round and we weren't rushing as much into the front end either.
We were about 1+1/2 to 2 lengths up approaching the Railway bridge but then all of a sudden the Girton crew put in an enormous push, visibly eating up the gap between us on every stroke, probably closing by a length in their burst. Credit to the Girton crew for such an attack - it felt like we had nothing to respond to it but it was however all they had after that and we slowly opened up the gap between the bridge and the finish.
Event: Cambridge 99's Regatta 2010 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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The start was slick and we immediately went up in the first 10 or so strokes; a lead which we gradually opened up so that we had a several lengths of clear water at the finish.
Event: Cambridge 99's Regatta 2010 - 1st division
Posted as: Mark
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The start was not as clean as the last, with Emma going up slightly in the first quarter and slowly extending that to 1 length up by the kink. We didn't cope well with the strond wind just after the kink, missing loads of water and the rhythm failing. From that point Emma opened up to about 3 lengths as they crossed the line.
On the whole, an excellent set of races and we improved significantly just in this day of racing so I have high hopes for Bumps!
Event: May Bumps 2010 - Wednesday
Posted as: Mark
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We had a good start, it was chunky and sharp, and as we approached the Ditch we got one whistle, two as we approached First Post corner. Behind us, ARU II were crabbing several times, once during their wind, but didn't seem to make up any ground lost when they got it back together again.
Unfortunately we just didn't quite have the coordination to execute a finish manoeuvre on Tit Hall III and along the entire course we moved towards and away from them between one length and half a length. We had a really good push on the Reach but it was too late by that stage. I congratulate Tit Hall on being committed as we closed and having the nerve to keep going despite us closing at several points in the race.
Tomorrow we will be sharper and more fluid than today - it was a good row today but there is more. We'll be taking the fight right back to them again.
Event: May Bumps 2010 - Wednesday
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Event: May Bumps 2010 - Thursday
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We set out with the mind that we would attack the course harder and bump Tit Hall III before the Reach. We expected few problems from ARU II behind us; instead the only issue we thought we'd have was with Clare III ahead of Tit Hall who were potentially catchable for them.
Out start felt good, solid, committed and sharp. Thanks to Iain and Rachel's initial line we powered up towards the motorway bridge. Luckily, one of the few things I heard from Rachel (due to a faulty coxbox) was the stride, which we settled into really well. We approached the motorway bridge and encountered our first problem: ARU II had closed and was closing rapidly. At one point I was worried we were going to be bumped as they closed to within one length whilst we still hadn't got a whistle. The crew did impeccably though; we gritted out teeth and pushed hard at the same rate and held them with about 1/3 of a length between us just as we closed on Tit Hall to one length. That one whistle kept us going and at that point I had the confidence in the crew to hang on in there.
As the second whistle came, ARU II started to die, their burst had failed to finish us and they dropped away in the Ditch. We then got three whistles and Rachel called for the Bumps push - the second and only other call I heard in that race - which was also relayed via the bankparty. We took the rate up, squeezed extremely hard and rapidly closed on Tit Hall to bump them as we entered the Gut.
An excellent row in my opinion, and well done to both Tit Hall for closing to about 2/3 length off Clare III in front of them, and of course to ARU II for their do-or-painful-row-over push in the first section of the race which was a surprise.
And here's a video of it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu8z5eHBMI0
Event: May Bumps 2010 - Thursday
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Event: May Bumps 2010 - Friday
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The start was a little bit wobbly, I just managed to put my blade back in in time after a tap as the gun went off, but we soon got into a really good rhythm and powered through the motorway bridge. We got our first whistle approaching the Ditch, and as soon as we got our 2nd whistle we rapidly closed down on Clare to bump them before First Post. Hopefully more of the same tomorrow!
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgVTiVEVVoo
Event: May Bumps 2010 - Saturday
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St. Catz had blasted off the start to open up the gap between the motorway bridge and the Ditch. We had to dig deep since we were concerned Downing III ahead of them could be quite slow.
However, Downing held them off and as we approached First Post we started to claw back ground on Catz; we were inside station entering the Gut and closing to nearly 1 length as Catz started the corner.
Because a boat was on the inside of Grassy both the Catz cox and Rachel had to take a wide line, the Catz boat not making it and parking on the bank. Massive calls for bowside pressure and strokeside lightening up saw us bring it round and we would've made the corner had Catz not been unfortunate enough to be stuck there in front of us.
A disappointing bump; we would've liked to have bumped properly and I suspect the battle would have gone to the Reach which would've been exciting if not exhausting.
Nevertheless, up 3 was the 2nd best result of Fat this term; I have been very pleased with M4 and throughly enjoyed the time together. Thanks to all members and coaches for making it such a fun and successful crew. Good luck to next year's M4!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1JhpA858M0
Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Wednesday
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I was watching in the Gut and at Grassy. I thought you'd have had them just comingout of Grassy but they put in a do-or-die push to hold you to Ditton. The same place they got us last year. Good luck for the next 3 races!
P.S. Just found a video of the bump http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78OLDaQNfOg
P.P.S. I was told this year's W1 got Emma earlier than Emma got us last year, contrary to what I wrote earlier. I apologise to Julijana for this mistake.
Event: University IVs 2009 - 1st division
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The draw strokes were messy but the crew managed to recover from them quickly but, as we expected, Downing took at least 1 length off us from the start.
We managed to find our rhythm and hold Downing around the kink, and we may have even made up a tiny amount of ground as we hit our cruising speed but now and again the rhythm would go and Downing slowly opened the gap from between the kink and the bridge.
After the bridge we had a good period where the boat really found its rhythm again but by that stage our lack of high rate work started to show and the rowing became really scrappy towards the end, Downing continuing to open the gap, with us suffering a mini-crab in the final straight.
We have rowed together better beforehand and I think at this stage the crew has a good platform on which to build to then go out and defend the championship for the Fairbairns IVs race.
Event: University IVs 2009 - 1st division
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Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2009 - Novice VIIIs
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This was the first time the official NM2 boat rowed together and indeed "all eight" (although we did have subs who we thank for subbing in!) and the first time I feathered in an VIII, the second time ever in a boat.
The start was uneventful and we paddled away down First Post Reach without too much of a problem; the line round First Post corner was tight.
A push in the Gut gave us our best 10 strokes out of the race and then we parked on the outside of Grassy. We pushed off quickly and parked again a couple or so lengths down.
The rate started to go up nervously down Plough Reach and coming on to the Long Reach timing was lost and blades started to get stuck. Then we parked just after the Railway bridge.
From here to the finish ratio was about 1:1 (or at least that's how it felt in the bows) and we soared through the line.
We have something now to build on, we'll be back for Clare Novices!
Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2009 - 3rd Mens Novice VIII
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Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2009 - Cup
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The start was fine with no major issues, and Katie kept us in line for that critical start period. The 2 man of Magdalene failed to drive his blade successfully in their start and they subsequently swung towards our stern. This gave us 1 length or so on them as they recorrected their course.
Magdalene actually proved to be the faster crew as up the entire length of the Reach every stroke gave them an inch or so more than us and by the railway bridge they had drawn level. Some excellent coxing by Katie brought us a really tight line around the bridge giving us a crucial canvas length ahead of Magdalene and an all-out push for the finish with a screaming bankparty meant we held them with about a foot to spare. It was so close there was only one finish horn.
Note: Do not wear Fairbairns lycra nor the Mays cap for Clare novices which can confuse the marshalls.
Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7-ih8Lu_3k
Lovering's inappropriate/appropriate cry at 0:58!
Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2009 - Cup
Posted as: Mark
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The angle which we set off was described as "potentially boat-wrecking" but an immediate switch to a quiching strokeside and bowside squeezing their guts out in the draw strokes meant we got away with the 7 man getting stuck for just a few strokes.
Girton in the mean time had a powerful start and opened a reasonable gap within the first 20 seconds. We only learned in the crew chat afterwards that Girton went on to suffer a bad crab at 2 whilst halfway down the Reach at which point we started to make ground. I would've wound it up if I had known but instead started to under-rate as a headwind picked up towards the bridge.
We wound it up quite nicely with a push off the bridge which makes me feel I under-rated throughout most of the race, but it's something for me to build on as we aim for Fairbairns.
Well done to Girton who went on to the final - it's nice to know you went out to one of the fastest of the competition, and many thanks also to our bankparty!
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2009 - 1st division
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An excellent line round Chesterton set us up well for the middle section only for us to lose the the timing and balance as we tired just outside the P&E which led to me catching a crab followed by a near-ejector crab between the P&E and railway bridge and a couple of mini crabs further up the boat.
A great wind-up for the finish off the railway bridge gave us what I feel was our fastest piece of rowing throughout the race. And not a bad result at all.
Event: Fairbairn Cup 2009 - Senior VIIIs
Posted as: Mark
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I know I overuse the word but that was an *incredible* result and performance and the squad looks so strong for next term to go out and do what I failed to do last Lent - bring the Headship home on the last day. It's all yours for the taking now!
Event: Fairbairn Cup - IVs 2009 - College IVs
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It was quite obvious from the Selwyn boathouse that you were slowly gaining on CUW and you continued to slowly make ground throughout the course. The rhythm was good and the strokes long and hard. Absolutely textbook.
Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2010 - 2nd division
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Event: Pembroke Regatta 2010 - 1st division
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Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Tuesday
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It didn't seem panicked and I believe the coming races will be the moments when we fight restore our position by holding out for the boats that Emmma and Queens' bring down for us.
Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Tuesday
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Despite this M4 gritted their teeth to put in a committed fight as Fitz got 3 whistles coming under the bridge and the bump swiftly followed around the outflow.
Event: Lent Bumps 2010 - Wednesday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2012 - Wednesday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2012 - Friday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2013 - Thursday
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Event: Lent Bumps 2014 - Thursday
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Event: Women's Head of the River Race 2014 - Intermediate 3 VIIIs
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