All race reports for Alex Manion
Event: May Bumps 2012 - Wednesday
Posted as: A. Manion
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With our brilliantly set boat pause paddling behind Jesus IV on the row down we knew there wasn't going to be much pressure from behind. This turned out to be guaranteed when Jesus apparently went careering off into the bank 5 strokes in - causing our stroke man to laugh. The race itself was not much longer going something along the lines of:
Draw - 1; Draw - 2; Draw - 3 (3/4 length down);
Wind - 1; Wind - 2; Wind - 3; Wind - they've got a cra-; Wind - 5 (1/4 length down);
Length - there; Length - there; L - HOLD IT UP (cox is hit by bow's blade)
Given the number of blunders on St Edmunds part our race was exceptionally short, though their multiple crabs are probably indicative of the carnage that will be occuring in our wash tomorrow. Solid 'row' boys, let's go out tomorrow and do the same.
Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2012 - Student Senior VIIIs
Posted as: A. Manion
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The sunglasses were put on, and we headed for the start. A solid rhythm and level platform made the wind up easy, getting to race pace in good time. Downing M1, however, decided to start only 3 lengths behind. This made for an interesting time down Plough Reach - where their cox decided to follow my rather erratic steering off the line, as opposed to taking the line they were (apparently) screaming at me to concede. 10 lengths off Ditton Downing had overlap, forcing us to the outside. The boys did a brilliant job here, making Downing work hard for the overtake. With our mega-sharp catches scaring the rowers, and the interlocking blades scaring the cox we managed to only lose 2 seats round Ditton. Onto the Reach Downing pulled away, leaving us in peace (and some wash). A strong row up the Reach was followed by a fabulous wind from the railway bridge. A reasonable time given circumstance, and looking forward to kicking some Queens' ass in Fairbairns.
