All race reports for Forbes Anderson
Event: Lent Bumps 2016 - Saturday
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10 strokes of pure massive power almost resulted in the slaughter of an enemy crew-member.
Event: Head of the River Race 2016 - Novice Academic
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Approaching race day, it is safe to say that there was a fair amount of trepidation. The previous two weeks had been beset with illness - Ben, Matt, Marcus, Lydia, and I had all been unwell to varying degrees at different points, and missed various amounts of training. When it came to the three days training on the Tideway, we did not manage to train together as a full crew. Thankfully, we managed to arrange subs in the form of Hannah, John, Ian (Jake's friend from Imperial) and even Tom Rose. Coaching in the form of Tom Rose and Jon Davies throughout the week was helpful; however M1 was the evident focus and at some points it did feel that we were not truly in the spotlight and to some extent were looking after ourselves on the Tideway.
It was clear from the beginning that our resources were stretched and we were at our limits.What was notable about the entire week was how the club pulled together. Everyone did their part to ensure that the week went as smoothly as it could and that it could succeed. This was true with regard to accommodation (where thanks have to go to Jake, Alex, Jon, and our Esteemed Captain), transport, and general organisation. The club spirit was strong, and there can be no doubt that it helped us all pull through what was not an easy week.
Race day was the first day all the members of the HoRR M2 rowed together. Our morning paddle was fine, with limited enthusiasm from the crew. Overall, week in London had been lacking in drive. The crew had rarely been positive and the spirit in the crew was not one that reflected the fact that we were about to race the biggest race in the UK in a few days. It felt more than we were treating the Head of the River Race as a 6.8k piece rather than the privilege and challenge that it is. By race day, knowing that everyone in the crew was finally there certainly helped to change this. A focussed pre-race discussion with Tom Rose really sparked some motivation, and when it came to the push-off, it seemed we were quite excited and ready to seize the day; and that is what we did.
We wound up to a solid 33 and held it there for a number of minutes before striding down to 32/31. Although slightly slower rate-wise than planned, our strokes were solid and clean, even in the choppiest water after Barnes Bridge. We were quick to overtake Bristol's 3rd VIII (a thrilling event which included a prolonged blade-clash which is rumoured to have caused them to overhead crab) and soon after we overtook Chester's 1st VIII and Southampton's 2nd VIII. No-one managed to overtake us, although Christ's 1st VIII had powered past a number of crews to give us some pressure - this gave us a little more drive to push off them. Coming past Fulham we set the Goose on the loose and took an up 2, making a robust slog to the finish line, before winding down and taking a breather.
The crew can be proud of the fact that we kept the power up throughout the race. The row felt great, and so much of the work we had been putting in at the front end as well as at the finish paid off. This was not an easy race, but every member of the crew gave it their all on the day and seemed to enjoy the experience, and we achieved our aim to come in the top 250, securing a successful 238 out of 360.
I hope that all the members of the crew retain the positive energy we had after the race. Throughout the term, it has felt that M2 has lacked much positivity and this has affected the crew's progress. It has consistently been a boat which is, unlike M1 or M3, a mix of those who have rowed for a while, and those who noviced this year. This gap in experience has caused somewhat of a divide in the crew, and the atmosphere has been one of frustration and sullenness. This was unnecessary and it did not help any of the novices to improve. It was clear that the more senior members of the crew felt the novices had a long way to go to reach their level and had little patience for their improvement. Fortunately, this attitude changed over the course of the term, and both Lent Bumps and HoRR encouraged (and in many ways, necessitated) crew togetherness.
Three things, therefore, need to be kept in mind for the future:
(1) When we are in an VIII together, we have to work together as much as possible. In this vein,we must support one another and ensure that we are all coping with what is a difficult sport in the context of a large academic workload.
(2) This therefore requires a positive attitude - one that is based on encouraging everyone to do their best, to commit, and to become the best rower they can possibly be.
(3) The performance squad cannot be about turning up, going through the motions, and then leaving. A higher level of mental commitment is needed so that the crew operates smoothly and we can make improvements rapidly.
It has been an absolute delight to row with M2 this term, and rowing HoRR was an especially unforgettable experience. Many thanks to Our Esteemed Captain, Tom Rose, and Jake for making this experience so smooth and enjoyable. I hope all the rowers in First and Third take what they've learned from this experience and use it to take their rowing to the next level.
P.S. May the Goose forever be loose.
Event: Head of the Cam 2016 - 1st Mays
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A scratch crew with three triallists back in the boat plus
two entries from the Lents M2 made this an exciting, if nervous experience.
As it turned out, we could row quite well together. Tom
Rose's coaching for the past couple weeks on clean extraction and powerful
first half of the drive came into play well during the race, and served us a
good time in the end, seeing as we slaughtered most of the other M1s on the
water and the CULRC second boat. LMBC seem pretty far ahead (by 14 seconds), but
we've got a term to catch them up.
Our row up was one of slight dread as we were met by a
fairly furious hailstorm. Fortunately, this past, and when we wound up through
the motorway bridge start we were greeted by sunshine. The boat was moving
quickly and relatively smoothly through the water. Power and technique began to
sag around Ditton but Juliet called for a push and we bit down. Juliet took to
coxing the Empacher (her first time even touching the boat) with gusto and did
a great job, and when she called for us to 'stick the knife in' as we came
under the railway bridge, we rocketed through the lactate past the P&E to
Top Finish where we crumpled in an exhausted heap. I know that Tom and I were
well aboard the chunder train for the good part of the finale, but our
retention skills were as strong as the pain coursing through our bodies.
I think it's safe to say everyone gave their all in what was
a gruelling race, and the result reflects that perfectly. Being raced on the
same course, Head of the Cam served as excellent bumps practice, and has set
the stage for the Mays Campaign to come - we're looking good, fast, and driven.
Let's go smash Bumps.
Event: Lent Bumps 2016 - Tuesday
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This was a pretty good race. We came flying off the start feeling smooth and confident. We strode with slightly less precision than we have in recent outings, but did so to a stable 38. We strode again down and continued rowing notably well, holding Corpus M1 chasing us.
Darwin M1 smashed Downing M2 ahead of us and Corpus M1 began to gain. Lydia took some beautiful corners and we remained strong around Grassy coming up to Ditton, but we couldn't hold Corpus off. They were rowing well, and when they had their first whistle they made a massive drive and caught us.
Unfortunately, the Corpus cox thought it fit not to stop rowing and managed to hit our cox at speed. How considerate. I sense a fine coming their way.
A good row overall. We lost some steam and we need to push harder on Thursday; let's see if we can catch Corpus. Looking forward to seeing the GoPro footage.
Event: University IVs 2016 - 1st division
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Preface: I was thrown somewhat headfirst into the race with a message from Jedge the previous night, explaining that they had unexpectedly smashed the first round of Uni IVs and now needed to win the next round. Calculating that this would give me more pleasure (and I suppose, pain) than a lecture in European Union Law, I gleefully accepted Jedge's offer.
We had an encouraging (even promising) row-up to the start, pulling away (at least, in our minds) from the Gents' Coxless behind us. This was followed by an unusually short marshalling time for a CUCBC race.
Our start was rapid, high-rate, and meaty, and we held it high for quite some time, clearly moving on St Catherine's in front of us, before settling into a decent rhythm. We had a solid race until we'd come round Grassy Corner, by which point the lactic acid had begun noticeably to affect our rowing. Coming through the Plough Reach we were on the passable side of a shambles, and by Ditton it was clear that we had lost a great deal of the quality we had started with.
Fortunately, with a lot of noise we managed to wrench ourselves up a gear and hit a solid 34/35 as we powered down the reach. As Ed pointed out afterwards, it would have been ideal if we'd gone for 32 more often but actually moved more boat. However, the rate increase mentally stimulated the boat enough to give us a decent push down the Reach, and we hauled ourselves through the finish line with our energy spent. St Catherine's beat us by 9 seconds, but we were substantially faster than the previous day. It was especially pleasing considering that we had done precisely 0 outings in IVs, whereas the boat we were racing had been out in that IV frequently since the beginning of term.
Our best race? Of course not. However, the was a great effort made by everyone in the boat, and hopefully we can take a similar attitude - and then some - into Winter Head and ultimately Fairbairns in December. We were 34 seconds of LMBC in the same race; we will have to do our level best to close that gap come the end of term. Well done to everyone, it was a pleasure to row.
A special thank you to Kristina for some fabulous photos, but more importantly for being our bank party...somewhat surprisingly.
Event: Emma Sprints 2016 - NM1 Division
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It was apparent from the first two strokes that our guys were going to leave Emma NM1 behind in the dirt. It was rather amusing to see the consternation on our boys' faces when they were more than four lengths up and still thought there was a chance they could lose. A great start to a great day.
Event: Emma Sprints 2016 - NM1 Division
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This was a slightly harder race for the crew, as, despite having a less clean start than us, Christ's held us for a large part of the race. Still, the crew held it together and that was what made the difference.
Event: Emma Sprints 2016 - NM1 Division
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This was undoubtedly the most eventful race of the afternoon for NM1. Both crews had clean starts and surged forwards. However, we had the edge in our technique, and we gradually edged away from them. By 250m down the course, we had a clear lead approaching a length. However, the stroke man then had a sudden overhead crab, which led to a slight change of course and pace. There was a subsequent clash with the Caius boat, but 7 and Stroke together recovered from the crab, and the boat corrected course. Happily, we then pulled away from Caius
again, this time to victory. Our crew's prowess was noted by the marshals, who quickly dismissed Caius' challenge. A good row, which really demonstrated how this crew can work together and pull through regardless of the obstacle, an ability they have all shown since Queen's Ergs.
Event: Emma Sprints 2016 - NM1 Division
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This was the hardest race for the crew. Queen's held us to the end; however we pulled away consistently, to the point where we were almost one and a half lengths off them by the end. It was really encouraging to see everyone trying their utmost, after a tiring day of racing, to squeeze the boat onwards and push off Queen's. This effort was ultimately successful, and the victory was both hard fought, and well earned.
This race in particular is a good indication that this crew should do spectacularly this term. The attitude was just right, everyone kept their head in the boat and put all their energy into maintaining good technique through the pain, and pushing themselves for the win. Emma Sprints will be excellent practice for Clare Novices, which will be the real test of this crew's mettle before The Fairbairn Cup. Great row lads!
Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2016 - 1st division
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I have little to add to the other reports apart from pure 'hype'.
However, I must note that, as a member of the previous year's NM1 who were cruelly defeated by Fitz on two occasions (CNR and Fairbairn's), watching this confident crushing of Fitzwilliam College's First Novice Men's VIII. This utter obliteration was the most satisfying wave of pleasure I have experienced for some time.
Event: Head of the Nene 2017 - IM3 VIIIs
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Not the most usual or expected of races. We overtook three times, were overtaken by St Paul's' hungry 2nd VIII, and were impeded on an overtake by an overhead crabbing RAF crew.
It's quite clear that we're not rowing together. There are many odd things going on, and once our crew order is fixed we can (and must) really work on getting all the parts of our stroke and recovery together. I think the 8 of us can row sufficiently well - we just need to agree on what we are doing at each point in the cycle. We also need to keep our heads in the boat more - I know I was myself guilty of breaching this fundamental rule more than once on Saturday.
Not our best race, but we went in with a good attitude, and came out with a great one. Now we just need to make sure we all do weights, do our set ergs, and commit to every single stroke, every single outing.
Most importantly, the post-race "Nandanks" generated a new goal for the term: JESUS-PEMBROKE-CAIUS. Let's do it, lads. We've got it in us, now we know exactly what we're fighting for, let's go out and smash it over the next four weeks.
Event: Fairbairn Cup 2016 - Senior VIIIs
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We started off this term in a weak position. I can't imagine that our average 2k by the time Fairbairns came around was much better than 7:05. For an M1, even in Michaelmas, that's far from ideal. However, we came together significantly well technically, with RTT even noting that we were technically the best Michaelmas crew since we had headship.
I am of the opinion that our Fairbairns piece done over the lock was a better piece of rowing than this. However, we certainly gave it our all, and so fell apart slightly earlier than we would have had we solely focused on rowing our slick best. It was simultaneously pleasing and highly disturbing to see the pre-workout Marcus had downed before the race come surging from his mouth, along with the rest of the contents of his stomach, as we crossed the line.
We had very few outings as a crew all term, and our result, given our obvious lack of power, is pretty pleasing. As we approach Lent Bumps, we need to commit to every stroke, every outing, and make as many gains as possible in the short time we have, and take back revenge on the crews that beat us today. Let's hope Santa brings some gains this Christmas.
Event: May Bumps 2017 - Wednesday
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This bumps campaign had me witness the two most exciting Bumps races I've ever seen, and this was undoubtedly one of them. It is true that Clare M2 had been vying with Caius M2 for the honour of the fastest M2 on the river, neither crew being particularly slower than our M1, and both crews being considerably faster than our M2 all term. However, when this crew rocketed off the startline, it was clear that the river belonged to First and Third M2.
The crew absolutely gurned their way down the course, cutting through the wash and munching up a fast crew. Let it be known - Clare M2 was fast, but FaT M2 was rapid. Clare looked devastated, we looked elated.
Massive props to Rachel, whose coxing got my adrenaline going like crazy when we came round Ditton. Awesome. Well deserved bump guys.
Event: May Bumps 2017 - Wednesday
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Without a doubt the greatest race I've ever seen in any sport. What an legendary row for a top class bunch of guys. Pristine coxing from Sophie, awesome rhythm from Jon, and unmatched resolve from a crew that has been marred by setbacks all term.
Half the credit goes to JPD for his coaching wizadry; the other to the crew and especially Josh, Pete, Sam and Sophie who jumped into this crew in their first year of rowing and have risen to the challenge and then some. They will take their place as solid bastions of rowing at our club, and role models for the next generations. This crew earned beyond the shadow of a doubt its label of 1st Men's VIII on this day, with a row that will go down in the annals of history.
I will never forget the Jesus stern pair's face as our bowball danced at the tip of their stern. This is what rowing is all about. Badass rowing, guys.
Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2018 - 1st division
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Although our first leg was in no way lacking in guts, it didn't have the confidence or the togetherness required to really make the most of the tailwind and the stream. Considering this was our first outing as a crew (and with Marcus kindly subbing in for Pete, with Jon jumping up to the stroke seat temporarily), it is hardly surprising that things were moderately rocky and uncertain. However, as I'm sure Jedge will agree, as he and I are the only returners from last year's Lents crew, there is a lot more power than we had this time last year, and equally a great deal of potential to exploit and develop over the term under Jacqui's expert tutelage.
After what can only be described as a grueling and time-consuming selection process, we finally have the 9 friends who are going to gurn 804 up onto Christ's and Peterhouse's sterns in a month's time. The awesome attack which we gave in the second piece, despite an horrific headwind, is a great testament to the commitment and drive in this crew. From start to finish there was a positive, constructive attitude from almost everyone in the crew, and that really does bode well. I can't wait for an awesome term with you guys. Let's go smash it.
Event: X-Press Head Race 2018 - 1st Mays
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Pretty nifty race - partially because of two significant upgrades to two members of our crew, but also partially because a lot of what we've worked on over the term is really coming into effect. We've really strengthened the front end, and have come a long way in controlling our bodies and sitting up tall on the recovery. This has resulted in a much smoother boat, and we've got a much better platform to apply power.
We've gained a lot of speed this term, and we've got a lot of potential for next week. Can't wait to actualise that potential with the master of silk, JPD, in the final days before Bumps next week.
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2017 - 1st division
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Really solid effort from this crew. Strong rhythm through the middle and a rapid start, It was clear that everyone was exhausted coming through the railway bridge, but they tanked it to the end - and well past it thanks to Jesus' silent marshals.
Absolutely no doubt that 100% was put in by everyone. Hope to see as many of these guys as possible on Training Camp, and rowing with the Senior Squad next term.
Event: Cambridge Winter Head 2018 - College VIIIs
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An impressive time, which is partially a testament to strong mental commitment and having a 30r20 average above 8K. A gutsy race but with lots of technical improvements still to come. This suggests a lot of free speed can come aboard before Fairbairn's. Not the prettiest row, but clearly faster than a large number of prettier rows. And considering we didn't even have Jedge in the boat, I reckon we're going to take it to Pembroke (both Cambridge and Oxford), Emma, Oriel, and Downing at Fairbairn's this year.
Event: Emma Sprints 2018 - NM2 Division
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There were many unknowns before this rate. The 2-boat rule had prevented us from achieving as much high-rate work as we had wanted, or frankly needed. I impressed into them that we had to turn on a racing mindset and hit high and break the other crews off the start. Clare always have numbers and quality, so this draw was a little unsettling to those in the know.
Beforehand, we did a tasty erg, practising our start with discipline, moving together, attacking it with vigour. The row-up was solid, with the boys moving together, but we failed to get in any high rate work before the inevitable queueing began. I was now nervous.
On the startline, Maelle-Marie suddenly morphed into a monster and started revving the crew up like some kind of hellish motorbike to the extent that I was terrified. But boy was it HYPE. The vibes were all positive and everyone was itching to take it to Clare.
The marshall managed to say "Attention, Go" with a megaphone, quieter than I usually whisper without one, so Clare bounded out of the start on towpath side and Anna, Kerem and I were left to frantically shout go to our crew. Despite the 3 stroke advantage, and the frantic nature of the start, Maelle-Marie whipped the crew into rhythm and we surged off in front of Clare, not even giving them a chance for some level rowing. We tore down the Reach and ended up winning the race with about 4 lengths to spare (at least).
This was awesome - the boys had taken on board everything from the erg this morning and then some. And there weren't even any crabs!
Event: Emma Sprints 2018 - NM2 Division
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I was somehow convinced that we would be facing Caius NM2 this round, but upon learning it was Jesus NM2, and having seen Jesus NM2 in their previous race, I was not particularly worried.
And I did not need to be - our boys churned down the river at pace, and despite some rather large crustacean infestations in the last 150m, managed to cross the start line many lengths ahead of their opposition.
Event: Emma Sprints 2018 - NM2 Division
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This was the most nerve-wracking race - for different reasons before and during.
Before, Caius NM2 were about twice our size, and we knew that Caius NM1 were likely to be one of the best boats on the river. Therefore logic followed that their NM2, like ours, would be a serious challenger as well.
However, as soon as the boats went off the start, it became readily apparent that Caius NM2's threat was not in their power, or their technique. Instead, it was their cox, whose methodical inability to steer in a straight line became a weapon of mass destruction. Within about 10 strokes they had collided with us, although we were by this point about half a length up, so this only really hurt Ahmed and Leszek, who just smashed through them and whipped the boat on. Just like before the island at Henley, the Caius cox steered at it again, weaseling away and then sweeping back in for the kill. This time she managed to prevent most of our bowside rowing, which resulted in us curving back towards them, and eliminating most of their bowside presence.
It was from here that Maelle-Marie won the race. She kept everyone locked in, and steered straight through, and guided us out of the carnage. Gobsmacked by our resolve, Caius then decided to stop rowing altogether, which led to a monumental victory on our part. The Caius bank parties rolled in speaking off their seat coming off, only for the Emma management to laugh at them for their steering issues and remind them that technical malfunctions don't generate re-rows at Emma Sprints - plus we were never behind Caius at any point, and Maelle-Marie expertly kept her line. An expectedly exciting race in a highly unexpected fashion, but another testament to this crew's discipline and raciness.
Event: Emma Sprints 2018 - NM2 Division
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It's always nice to face the race-hosts in the their own regatta. We didn't expect Emmanuel to be the real opponent in this regatta, but they were very much so.
From the start we didn't manage to get away by more than a couple of seats. They were longer in the water and had better suspension, so our whipped cream was starting to suffer to their silky Waitrose single. However, eventually Emma got tired of silk and decided hemp was the way forward, and the boats drew level, and our boys even started to edge out by a few seat. It was at this point that Bow 4 decided they were hungry for some shellfish and decided to go digging. This slowed us down significantly, and allowed Emmanuel's bows to inch back ahead by almost half a length. However clearly the seafood was nutritious, as the boys immediately jumped back on the footplate, and started edging back towards Emma's bowball. I counted about 10 seconds where the bowballs were exactly level, fluctuations and all, coming past the kink. After this however, our boys knew it was all or nothing, and turned it up to 11 for the final 100m. We came through the finish line 3/4 of a length up from Emma with arguably the best race of the Regatta. Awesome stuff!!!! We capped this off with a swim in the river for Maelle-Marie, a trip to Nando's and our complementary winners' cocktails, to round off an altogether incredible day. Bring on Clare Novices!
Event: Fairbairn Cup 2019 - Senior VIIIs
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Aaaaand that’s a wrap.
Event: Lent Bumps 2020 - Saturday
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Since it'll be a while before we get the chance in Mays itself, it was nice to serve Downing justice for both Mays 2015 and 2017 by bumping Downing twice in the same race today.
Great row, clinical, and despite the intrusion of 2015-esque calls (emanating suspiciously from the direction of the Downing bank party) to "hold it up", the boys nailed them incontrovertibly coming out of Grassy. Memorable job, well earned, and capped off by Jon Glass dismounting his bike with such panache and power that it almost deforested the bank - just in time to serve the boys some much needed greenery.
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2021 - 1st division
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A tidy row, with good guts in the first half. Lost some legs by the time they got to the Railway Bridge, but carried it to the line. Great job by Sam Gerrard on the coaching front: notably the most together crew on the river today.
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2021 - 3rd division
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Strong row with a satisfying result to boot - hard to believe they're a novice fourth crew. Just four seconds off Maggie NM3...impressive! Great to see the depth in the squad continuing, even with the past year and a half.
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2021 - 1st division
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Only managed to see the tail end but witnessed some spicy overtaking. I'm sure it was a fun one!
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2021 - 2nd division
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Very cool result. Difficult to compare to Caius these days for some reason, but a solid gap between us and the rest of the field. This crew showcased some steely drive in this race as well as some clear speed, so it's exciting to see what that will add to the squad next term.
I also think Bomber really, really enjoyed Lee's triumphant scream of victory.
Event: Cambridge Head-2-Head 2024 - Open 8s Band 2
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Promising start to the term, only 20s behind the first 8 with only a few outings and a lot of subs. Radegund Mile will be the next step forward, lots of work to do in the meantime.
Event: Cambridge 99's Regatta 2024 - 2nd division
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Gutsy, close racing. Not their best start but that was the idea - with a different stroke man figure out how to race. Looks like we figured it out by the last stroke!
Event: Cambridge 99's Regatta 2024 - 2nd division
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Can’t feel too bad about this one - a Jesus “M2” crew with ergs in the 6:20s and what seems to be the Triallist strokeman from their M1, and only got 2 lengths on us. Jesus took the gas off a little after the bridge hence the reduced margin, but I am confident that it will take them some time to get in on us with dirty water in Bumps. Better start than the last but minutes 2-3 didn’t have the right execution. More to come!
