Our Bumps guide, Paul Townshend, boathouse manager takes us through another day of May Bumps where the sun returned, the wind died and the temperatures rose.
“With the wonderful weather came yet more superb results for THBC crews.
“Once again W3 were the first crew to line up and today illustrated just how much the crew had learned over the preceding two days. Their best row so far this week saw the crew make it halfway along the Plough Reach before finally being overhauled by the third boat from Hughes Hall. Station 5 tomorrow awaits the crew where they will seek to chase Hughes Hall while holding off Churchill W3.
“W2 produced a gutsy race today after bumping up on the first two days overhauling Clare W2 along the Long Reach for their third bump in a row. Tomorrow they will start from Station 2 in Division 3 hoping to bump Downing W2 to the head of their division.
“Having bumped up on the first two days, M2 rowed over today chasing Queen’s M2 all the way to the Top Finish in a performance that will without doubt have unified the crew and increased their determination to have another go at moving up into the top four of their division on Saturday.
“M1 produced their fastest start of the week and managed a very swift bump on Christ’s M1 just as they entered the gut. This was a result that should give the crew confidence going into the final day of this year’s campaign – the crew will start 2nd in Division 2 and will be chasing Caius M2.
“W1 kept their winning streak going by bumping Fitzwilliam half way down First Post reach in under 50 strokes making it three bumps in three days. Tomorrow THBC W1 will start at position 9 in the Top Division and will be looking to push one more time as they chase Downing W1.
“All of the THBC crews have had a wonderful week already and the club continues to go from strength to strength not only in terms of the results (which have been superb of course!) but also in terms of the sense of community and mutual support that is obvious within the students, coaches and supporters.
“Once again the support for THBC on the towpath was numerous, loud and inspiring to witness: whenever our crews pass with shouts of ‘Row Hall’ greeting them as they warm up and row to the start and return home after racing.
“Tomorrow we hope to see as many students (past and present), members of the Trinity Hall community as well as parents, family and friends cheering on our crews as they look to finish the 2023 academic year and Cambridge rowing season on a real high.”
Image by @bakergillard. Top image shows W1 with willow after their bump.
