Early divisions started strong, with many boats that bumped yesterday continuing on the same trajectory towards ‘blades’ at the end of the week, for which they need to bump each day.
One of the day’s biggest wins was for Queens M2, who bumped up to first in Division V, becoming the ‘sandwich boat’. This means that they would row in Division IV as well on the same day to allow promotion and relegation between the divisions. To secure a place in Division IV for Friday, they needed to bump again. This was not an easy task, having just raced in the previous division. Incredibly, Queen’s M2 was able to achieve an overbump, as crews in front of them had already bumped and stopped racing. They now sit tenth in Division IV, but will be looking to continue improving throughout the week. To add a cherry on top of an already large cake, Division IV is the lowest fixed division, meaning that, if Queen’s stay there for the rest of the week, they will automatically qualify for Summer Eights next year.
On the women’s side, there were fewer overbumps than yesterday, as nerves began to settle and matchups got slightly more even. However, Oriel W3 demanded attention as they were able to achieve an overbump on Mansfield W2.
It’s always impressive when a second boat can bump a first boat; Univ W2 did exactly that, bumping Trinity W1 and evidencing the sheer strength of their programme. This was also shown through the sheer number of Univ crews taking to the water this week.
In the higher men’s divisions, St Anne’s, St Hilda’s, Exeter, and Worcester’s first boats continued an upwards trajectory, all bumping for the second day in a row. They will all hope to climb further this week, aiming for blades – an impressive feat from any college’s top boat.
On the women’s side, the top boats from St Hugh’s, St Catz, Somerville, and St Anne’s all bumped again. These crews are all on course for blades, and ones to watch on Friday and Saturday.
Crews in Division I on the men’s and women’s side were eager to show what they could do after yesterday’s racing was cancelled.
The men’s top division was a site of much change as only two out of the thirteen boats rowed over. One of the most notable bumps was from Oriel on Wolfson. This happened just as the crews were coming out of ‘The Gut’ – the narrow and curved part of the river, between Donnington Bridge and Longbridges. This meant spectators on Boathouse Island got a nice view of the events. The two top-dogs on the river, a bump on Wolfson means that Oriel now sits in headship position. Oriel, hungry for headship this year, will be thrilled to have taken it on the first day of Division I racing. They will be hoping to hold Wolfson off, who will undoubtedly come out all guns blazing over the next two days.
On the women’s side, in the top division only 4 of 13 boats rowed over. One of these boats was Pembroke, which remained in the top spot. Univ will be looking to challenge them tomorrow, as they were able to bump up into second place on the river today.
Nerves in the top divisions were definitely still a factor, especially after yesterday’s cancellation. After another significant rejig today, crews in the top division will need to keep their composure for the races over the coming days.
The racing action all builds towards an inevitable crescendo: Saturday, the final day of racing. As crews get more used to the course, competition and the racing format, races may become tighter, and faster. With the weather set to remain positive over the next two days, there is rarely a better time to row.
