All race reports for George Mears Mears
Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2019 - 1st division
Posted as: George Mears
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We started strong as we rowed through the first few points. However an unfortunate blade malfunction midway caused a slowdown of ~44 seconds. To our luck, our worst crab happened not during the race but two strokes into the paddle back to the boathouse. All in all an OK result, however we easily won the unofficial competition for best crew outfits.
It has been a pleasure training with NM1 and I can't wait to see what next term will bring.
Event: Lent Bumps 2020 - Tuesday
Posted as: George Mears
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Being the first ever bumps race for myself and the two other ex-novices of the boat, excitement and nerves were present. The start left a lot to be desired but once the rate maxed out and the rhythms were called we quickly proved that the 50 minute ergs weren't all for nothing. Unfortunately the plan for the long anticipated double overbump on St Edmunds soon went awry as St Edmunds could not hold off Darwin before Darwin could be bumped by Sidney. Clearly they were not paying attention to Ilsu at crew pasta. Thus we had to settle only for the possibility of an overbump, for which I am told 4 lengths is not considered "almost bumping". Thus one day and one repetitive strain injury to the wrist completed, hopes are high for a likely bump on Thursday.
Event: Lent Bumps 2020 - Thursday
Posted as: George Mears
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If anyone had any doubt that middle four were the powerhouse of the boat, they were quickly extinguished when our recently altered crew for today was revealed. Wearing a modest amount of stash and raising the average experience of the crew significantly, our very own coach decided to show us how it's done and prove himself worthy of his most recent nickname. With our 2 seat finally knowing how to take taps at the start, everything was set for a quick bump. And while the quality of rowing from the original 7 members of the boat perhaps didn't quite meet the standards set on Tuesday, a quick bump was indeed achieved on Jesus M2, the first ever bump for a majority of the boat. Hoorays were hipped, foliage was foraged, and we rowed home tall and proud to the encouraging cheers of W1 and M1. The full celebrations will have to wait for BCD however, as the battle plans are drawn up and preparations are made for tomorrow's race.
Event: Lent Bumps 2020 - Friday
Posted as: George Mears
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Unfortunately the pleasant weather from the previous days could not last forever, as the crew showed up to the boathouse with plenty of waterproofs and extra layers. Most members of the crew were not looking forward to the conditions, except for Jamie in which it was just rowing as usual. We also decided for some reason that today should be the day we arrive at marshalling earlier than usual. The number of splash jackets staying on during the race increased significantly from previous days; we didn't want Isaac, the latest rower turned bank party, to put any unnecessary strain on his wrist. The race itself was somewhat uneventful; we weren't able to gain anything on Darwin before they caught St Edmunds, and once again the overbump on Sidney proved to be unachievable. Hopefully conditions for tomorrow are more pleasant as we plan to finish off this bumps campaign on a high note with a bump on St Edmunds.
Event: Lent Bumps 2020 - Saturday
Posted as: George Mears
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With Isaac back in the boat after carefully following medical advice, everyone was ready and raring to go for the final day. Having just done our fastest split of the term during a practice start and with the sun shining, spirits had never been higher. After being told there would be disappointment if we didn't bump by first post, we decided to end the race quickly and live up to expectations. Unlike most races however, the chaos began well after the bump was made. Ilsu demonstrated the importance of advanced techniques such as feathering, the boat became essentially bow rigged with Sam stroking, and after seeing them with his own eyes, Alessandro has given up all hope of ever getting the catches all in on time. It's been an amazing term so far for M2 both in terms of results and crew spirit, and it will only get better going in to Mays.
