Paul Townshend, boathouse manager and rowing coach, gives us a rundown of all the action on the river from day two of the May Bumps.
“Under much more rain-filled skies, Day Two of the May Bumps came and went with more great performances and some very promising results for THBC.
“M2 led the way again and once again put in another performance that should fill all with pride. Off the start THBC pulled out half a length from Peterhouse M2 and go into a strong rhythm chasing Clare Hall M1 in front. All crews held station for the length of First Post Reach before through The Gut their older and possibly more experienced foes from Peterhouse slowly ate into the gap held thus far by THBC before finally achieving the bump just after Grassy Corner. That the crew has learned how to race more since the Lent Bumps is clear for all to see and we all look forward to more progress and learning being made over the final two days. Well done M2.”
“W2 had a tougher day than yesterday and were chased by another more mature and more experienced crew in the form of Hughes Hall W1. THBC fought for over five minutes and held Hughes Hall until the crews entered the Long Reach and there is no doubt that the crew will come back again tomorrow ever more determined to recapture the valued slot in Division 2 before the week is over. Well raced W2.”
“M1 put on a much improved display holding a fast-starting crew from Christ’s before rowing away and enjoying a very strong row-over managing to reduce their rate to 26 strokes per minute as they crossed Top Finish. They will be starting from station 3 again tomorrow chasing Caius M2. A very good, confidence boosting row from our M1. Well done to all concerned”
“Performance of the day? That has to be THBC W1. After a strong row-over yesterday, the crew were intent on stepping on from yesterday’s row and they certainly did that. From the gun, W1 were never threatened by a fast Catz W1 crew immediately behind them and proceeded to eat into the gap between them and Pembroke W1 who managed to evade them the previous day. W1 executed their race plan to perfection closing in to three whistles outside The Plough and performed a textbook bump 15 strokes past Ditton Corner. W1 now move up to Station 7 in the Top Division which represents THBC W1’s highest position in the May Bumps since 2006. Tomorrow the crew will be wanting to improve still further on today’s excellent performance as they chase Newnham W1.
“Final mention for supporter of the day must be awarded to ‘Pip’ the dog who valiantly endured the rain to show yet again unwavering support for all things THBC and W1 (and even managed to position themselves in exactly the right spot to see W1 make their bump. Well done Pip – Bonios on the way for you).
“As ever, all THBC crews raced well, gave their all, gave the always vociferous THBC support something to cheer while all the time doing so in the correct spirit of competition and with smiles on their faces. That goes for the coaches and bank parties too! Well done to all. Row Hall!”
M2 Push from THBC @ 2:50pm Race @ 4pm
W2 Push from THBC @ 3:30pm Race @ 4:45pm (possibly again at 18:15 results depending)
M1 Push from THBC @ 4:20pm Race @ 5:30pm
W1 Push from THBC @ 6:30pm Race @ 7:45pm
Image credits: Picture of Pip the dog by “Kitty’s mum”. Other images by The Master of Trinity Hall, Mary Hockaday.