The Club's Results

Lent Bumps 2020

The famous Cambridge University Bumps on the River Cam
Tue 25th - Sat 29th February

At the bottom of this page there is a link to Cambridge weather. Club members, please go here to add (or correct) results, crews or race reports.


Results Overview

Click a symbol or crew name to be taken to the relevant part of the page.

1st men's VIII Bumped Jesus Bumped Robinson Rowed over Bumped Downing
1st women's VIII Bumped by Pembroke Bumped by Clare Bumped by Churchill Bumped by Caius
2nd men's VIII Rowed over Bumped Jesus II Rowed over Bumped St. Edmund's
3rd men's VIII Bumped by Churchill II Rowed over Bumped by Fitzwilliam II Rowed over

Guide to the table

Double Overbumped
Overbumped - hit the crew 3 in front
Bumped the crew in front
Row over head of division
Row over - did not bump
Got Bumped
Got Overbumped
Got Double overbumped
Got Triple overbumped. D'oh.


1st men's VIII

4th in division 1
Up 3 - Bumped Jesus, Robinson and Downing
Wednesday
Bumped Jesus
Bumped Jesus just before the plough to take me to my joint highest position on the river ever (so far)

The perfect day to start off with, a relatively routine bump in 3ish minutes. Whistles steadily came to us before all of a sudden we were holding it up and pulling in by the houseboats. A good one to settle the nerves - bring on Robinson tomorrow. 
(H.J. Hampson)
Good start to the week to settle the nerves. Not our quickest but enough to get a fairly quick bump, keeping us fresh for a bigger challenge tomorrow (P. Robinson)
The start cannon really threw me off despite having heard both the 4 and the 1 minute cannon before, so our start wasn't quite as together as it could have been, but we still hit a pretty solid rhythm thereafter and hit Jesus fairly early. Jesus must have been sprinting flat out as we only got our first whistle going into the first post corner, but they rapidly came back to us and we bumped them shortly after Grassy, after having held prolonged overlap. 

Looking forward to marshalling on the other side of the PE for the first time tomorrow, and chasing Robinson who broke our blades on the last day of Lents last year.

P.S Big thank you to M2 who came all the way to Grassy to support us today - friendly cheers from the bank are always appreciated!
(D. Lee)
It is clear that Jesus had been reading their children's books. 

They huffed and they puffed until we came along and blew their house down just before the plough. 

A bump is a bump. 

We go again tomorrow.
(Harry Whelan)
Thursday
Bumped Robinson
They knew we would come
And we did
Lots more speed to come- will be shouting more at the crew tomorrow 
(R.A.P. Mitchell)
Following some drama on the row up between Pembroke and Downing, a technical bump was awarded so we knew Robinson had to row the course to escape. This probably didn't help our urgency, and we found a good, if a little too sustainable rhythm to hold them at just over a length until midway along the reach. On hearing a whilstle or two we started to close in, and managed to get the bump just before bottom finish. All to play for tomorrow but we still need to find the speed we are capable of. (P. Robinson)
A controlled row, we calmly waited for Robinson to "pop" before putting them out of their misery...

More fireworks are needed if we are to pull off a good result tomorrow.
(W.J. Hardy)
Friday
Rowed over
Not fast enough - Downing succumbed to Pembroke just past Grassy, we finished inside 2. 5 lengths of Caius.
Await rage tomorrow. 
(D. Lee)
Saturday
Bumped Downing
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. 
(Forbes)
I do like bumping into Downing's property.


(W.J. Hardy)
As promised.

After first bumping Downing coming into Grassy, we decided to channel our rage further by letting them go then promptly bumping them again 20 strokes later.
(D. Lee)
Got ‘em before the Plough. 

We really didn’t want to row on the reach today. 
(H.J. Hampson)
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1st women's VIII

10th in division 1
Down 4 - Bumped by Pembroke, Clare, Churchill and Caius
Wednesday
Bumped by Pembroke
Thursday
Bumped by Clare
Friday
Bumped by Churchill
Saturday
Bumped by Caius
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2nd men's VIII

11th in division 2
Up 2 - Bumped Jesus II and St. Edmund's
Tuesday
Rowed over
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.  (George Mears)

Doing a pre-paddle on the morning of the first race seemed like a good idea until we carb-loaded a little too effectively and I was unable to sleep until well after 1 AM. A short 5-6 hours later we avoided the outside possibility of a scratch during Stomp by successfully injuring our five-man's wrist during the pre-paddle.
My own wrists were distinctly unhappy as well (though I didn't want to say this too loudly to the crew); but after procrastinating with a prolonged foam-rollering session and figuring out that I could load the outside of my hand without stabbing pains in my forearms, I was beginning to feel pumped up for my first bumps race in 3 years.
Watching Homerton M1 push off during a huge downpour dampened our excitement just a little. We decided that our very own backsplash-generated weather system was quite wet enough without having to compound it with British winter rain, and simply sat out the shower.
Our relative dryness once again buoyed our spirits, and the pre-bumps nerves showed in a powerful - if very unsat - row-down. Having hidden our speed all term, it was comforting to comfortably hold station with Pembroke downstream and Hughes upstream for the row-down. Meanwhile, Jesus M2 two in front were left hundreds of metres behind, confirming our suspicion that we would be in for the long haul once they were bumped by Hughes.
First day nerves were apparent off the start: bow pair were spectacularly ineffective at tapping the boat into position, which probably cost us half a length or so. We responded by winding up to a comfortable rate 43, before chilling down to rate 40. The combined carnage of Hughes bumping Jesus M2 and Darwin catching Eddies within the first 30 strokes required some emergency evasive manoeuvres which likely cost us another half a length.
Consequently, Pembroke M2 behind were still on station at First Post despite our strong start. Coming out of First Post, our bank-party spotted Sidney 5 lengths ahead and the possibility of an overbump spurred us on. We steadily closed the distance to 3 lengths and moved away from Pembroke M2 down Plough Reach and were 2 1/2 lengths ahead by the time they were bumped by Homerton on the exit of Ditton.
Unfortunately, the lack of pressure from behind focussed our attention on the pain in our legs and wrists rather than the possible overbump, and we didn’t close the distance any further down the Reach.
Overall, a good row despite the initial difficulties down to Ditton, followed by a tired last km. A similar race on Friday with no danger from behind awaits - I’m excited to see what we can do!

(Neil I.)
After Hughes Hall M1 bumped Jesus M2 and Homerton M1 bumped Pembroke M2, we were left with four lengths to the boat in front of us and no crew in sight from behind. This was the first time in a while where M2 got to row a relatively long piece unimpeded in clear water. Great outing. See you boys tomorrow.  (Yi Lee)
As the first Bumps race for a few crew members, tension was high and off the start we allegedly hit rate 43.5 and a 1:24 split. After settling down to a more comfortable rate 40, we were set for a nice calm paddle.
There was a little panic in the stern when Bomber started to shout to get in the middle of the river right before First Post corner and Ilsu took a tight left turn to avoid crashing into Hughes Hall M1 who had just bumped up.
The rest of the race was a very solid row. We distanced ourselves from Pembroke M2 so they were at least two lengths away when they got bumped at the Reach spinning zone and we gained around 3 lenghts on Sidney Sussex M1. 
Hopes are high for Thursday when we’ll attempt to follow M1’s example up against Jesus.
(Alessandro Angelico)
Thursday
Bumped Jesus II
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.   (George Mears)
My lack of any serious training since Mays means I was glad that race was over quickly (Jedge)
After a term spent hiding our speed, out secret weapon at 5 seat entered in action. 
After a quick first whistle and a little hesitation, we rapidly got a second whistle. Homerton, whom we thought would be a bigger threat than Pembroke II on Tuesday, just disappeared behind us. We quickly got a third and then continuous whistle and bumped right after First Post corner.
This was the first bump for 5 crew members and we rowed home nice and proud cheering W1 and M1 who were getting ready for their divisions. Tomorrow, we expect a tougher and longer battle against Darwin or Sidney Sussex. But M2 is ready and hiding its speed no more!
(Alessandro Angelico)
Following in M1’s footsteps, M2 bump Jesus M2 on First Post Corner. Their defeat was short, our victory was sweet. Tomorrow, we go for Darwin.  (Yi Lee)
So much splash... (Neil I.)
Friday
Rowed over
Nothing exciting. We started slowly knowing we wouldn't be threatened from behind, so that meant we couldn't bump Darwin before they bumped Eddies. This also meant we lacked the aggression for the overbump, and lonely rowed over.  (Alessandro Angelico)
Deja Vu
I have been in this place before 
Higher on the streets
And I know it’s my time to go
(Lee Yi)

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. 

(George Mears)
Not aggressive enough: less rain, more splash tomorrow! (Neil I.)
Saturday
Bumped St. Edmund's
Like Thursday's race, but with a semi-successful rhythm. Got 2 whistles off the start, took a while to get 3 and sat there for a worrying amount of time. Got them coming into First Post.

We'll probably get fined for teaching Ilsu how to row strokeside on the way back...

This was a blast; looking forward to getting blades with this crew in Mays!
(Neil I.)
Writings were on the wall,
race plans were executed.
Draw, wind, rhythm and harden up,
we catch St. Edmunds coming around First Post.
M2 are giving no chances this term, 
expect us to do the same on the next.
(Lee Yi)
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. (George Mears)
Judging from the previous days and from the paddle to the lock, Eddies did not quite stand a chance against us. But Bumps are always a stressful affair, and this race proved to be the most stressful of our Bumps campaign, at least for me.

We got a whistle in 10 strokes, 2 whistles in 20, but then had to endure a minute or so with three whistles. Every time Ilsu was about to talk, I was expecting a "hold it up" but instead was amazed by newly invented calls (she replaced her signature "squeeze there!" with a "bump there!").
Finally, we got them into First Post corner, for what was, in the end, a strong and quick race. 

The pain was not over for me yet, as I had to endure rowing at Bow for the paddle home, while Ilsu was intent in having a celebratory crustacean banquet in the Stroke seat.
Excitement is high for Head of the River in three weeks. 
(Alessandro Angelico)
Such an amazing week for our boat, and even a more satisfying feeling for me and the two other novices in the boat, with this beautiful +2 result at the end. Despite my impressive incapacity to take taps at start on first days, adrenaline shot associated to the races was very addictive, and we are all already looking forward to May bumps!  It was not my most productive week at work (yes bumps and a full time job are not really compatible...), but it was really enjoyable to row with all these guys in a very nice crew spirit! Can't wait for HoR in 2 weeks! (Ludovic Pilloux)
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3rd men's VIII

11th in division 3
Down 2 - Bumped by Churchill II and Fitzwilliam II
Tuesday
Bumped by Churchill II
Given we had to work hard to beat Churchill's M3 in Pembroke Regatta, we knew staying ahead would be a tall order. We had a powerful start, taking the rate up to a never-seen-before 41 and pulling out half a length on Churchill. Meanwhile Clare Hall ahead got a very slow start, and soon we were on two whistles. However around a minute in, the power started dropping significantly, meaning Churchill were within a canvas by the time we arrived at First Post Corner. Here the boat slowed even more and by the time the race was stopped due to carnage in the Gut, Churchill had enough overlap to be awarded a technical bump. Not the result we wanted but a good learning experience nonetheless.
(Patrick Winter)
Wednesday
Rowed over
this is how we move  (Yi Lee)
We went into this race intending to row the full distance, and possibly bumping anything that came our way in the latter part of the race. On the first start, we settled in more quickly than yesterday, as per the plan. Out of First Post, Fitz had made up a whole length before the race was stopped at the same point as yesterday owing to more carnage.

On the re-row, our start was better and we denied Fitz the second whistle for much longer. However on the Reach it started coming apart and soon Fitz even had overlap. At this point, Gurpreet's evasive maneuvers and aggressive line through the bend under the Railway Bridge kept them at bay, and encouragement from our W1 (and from seeing that Maggie M3 were bumped) gave us just enough strength to get us home and (not so) dry.
(Patrick Winter)
Friday
Bumped by Fitzwilliam II
Going into the race, we were hoping we could hold off Fitz and use them to push us into Clare Hall. However, the entire day was against us, from the weather, our stroke hurting his arm in the Stomp and our three being on such a tight schedule that he jumped straight into the boat at the marshalling zone. The paddle-up was rocky but the practice start was very good.

At the start, we quickly gained a whistle on Clare Hall, but unlike the first race kept our cool and played the long game. We were slightly surprised when we reached Grassy without the entire race being stopped, although perhaps we would have rather that happened. By this point Fitz were around 3/4 of a length behind and our technique fell apart dramatically. Airstrokes and near-crabs all down the boat meant Fitz bumped us at the end of Plough Reach.
(Patrick Winter)
Saturday
Rowed over
With Queens M3 behind, we were confident we could row over, but the fact that M3 headship was at stake was in the forefront of our minds. Although the sun decided to come out today, the river level was well over the bank height at the boathouse and the current was extremely strong.

We got off to a strong start, then our prayers were answered as Queens suffered a crab that they failed to totally recover from, meaning they were bumped by Jesus M3 well before First Post. All we had to do now was fend off Lady Margaret. We pulled away from them in the Gut, but despite Gurpreet's skills with the rudder, the current pushed us very wide around Grassy and strokeside almost had to stop rowing altogether. But the worst was yet to come. On the Reach, the combination of current and headwind made it feel like we were rowing through treacle. Lady Margaret started gaining on us and worrying our bank party, but thankfully we didn't feed them enough breakfast at Stomp for them to come too close to us and M3 headship survives another year.

Although we may not have performed as well as we may have hoped at the start of the term (something something blades, Luke?), we gained some important racing experience and hopefully we can all win our first bump come Mays!
(Patrick Winter)
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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the following information, note that the results are unofficial.

Men's bumps charts

Men's bumps chart, Lent Bumps 2020

Women's bumps charts

Women's bumps chart, Lent Bumps 2020

Michell Cup points

Sidney Sussex40.00
Churchill26.40
Hughes Hall24.00
Fitzwilliam21.00
Pembroke16.80
Corpus16.00
Magdalene14.40
Downing10.00
Caius9.00
Queens'8.57
Robinson8.00
LMBC7.20
Emmanuel4.80
Selwyn4.00
Homerton3.00
1st and 3rd0.00
Darwin0.00
Girton-4.00
Newnham-4.00
Trinity Hall-9.60
Clare-12.00
Jesus-12.00
Peterhouse-16.00
St. Catharine's-18.00
Christ's-33.00
Wolfson-40.00

Ineligible after entering fewer than 3 crews:

Clare Hall6.00
Addenbrookes0.00
King's0.00
St. Edmund's-30.00
Anglia Ruskin-36.00
Lucy Cavendish-36.00
Murray Edwards-36.00

Cambridge weather: Tuesday text or graph
Wednesday text or graph
Thursday text or graph
Friday text or graph
Saturday text or graph