The Club's Results

There were fantastic performances form the 2nd VIII. Being a rower down, the amazing Emily Chappell offered to do 2 500m pieces for us. She gave everything for her first one, collapsing off the erg, only to get back on a few minutes later to put in another respectable performance. (Becca)

The 2nd novice women showed everyone that despite the club's poor track record, they are going to go fast this year. The crew and cox made it look easy, and had the added excitement of overtaking another crew around Ditton - a tricky manoeuvre that came off perfectly. Avoiding any major disasters they quickly recovered from the bad strokes and posted a good time. 

The crew dispatched Jesus C easily - even gaining 1/2 length's lead after 2 or 3 strokes. A good start! 

Unfortunately, errors by the start marshalls meant we crashed in to the tow path side bank off the start. The ensuing panic resulted in a number of further encounters with the river bank and gave our opponents a lead of about half the reach (a conservative estimate). However, some brilliant rowing and numerous disasters in the opposing boat meant that by the time both crews got going together Caius were just one length up!

The girls then had the excitement of a nail-biting side by side race through the railway bridge and to the finish... to a final verdict of a win by ~ 1/4 of a length!!! 

This was a good solid win. No major disasters, just superior boat speed. A very neat row, most of the way. 

Whilst the result was disappointing for everyone, the race was absolutely brilliant - the timing and technique were the best yet and everyone gave this absolutely everything. The start was extremely good, giving us a 1/2 length lead, but Downing's speed proved just slightly higher than ours despite everyone's best efforts.

Overall, a great performance from the 2nd novice VIII - almost without doubt the best ever.