St Catharine's College Boat Club

Bumped Clare Hall I

We knew that Clare Hall W1 were a weak crew: they had slipped into the division by default (rather than the Getting-on-Race) and were consequently looking set for spoons. Catz W2 arrived hyped at the boathouse, knowing that it was now our turn to take them down. But we weren’t complacent: the row down was nervous with everybody focused and being encouraged to smile by the bank party!

We arrived as the second crew at the start and were surprised that there were no other crews in sight. Then eventually we saw a stream of boats coming down the Cam, far in the distance, all following Clare Hall. They were looking a weak crew, but we showed them no mercy.

We had strokeside pressure off the start, with the draw, wind, and lengthen sequence going to plan and whistles coming within the first 20 strokes. We stayed calm under the pressure, following the good rhythm set by stroke and continued to push hard onto them. More whistles came, and we bumped before the motorway bridge!!

CONGRATULATIONS to the ex-novices for their first ever bump and to everyone for keeping their heads in the game even in all the excitement. It wasn’t the hardest fought bump, but it’s still a big achievement and well deserved by all.

Tomorrow we’re chasing Sidney Sussex W2 (who we nearly over-bumped in sixes), so although it might be a longer race, we are hopeful for a strong end to the four days.

Massive thanks to our amazing sub Sarah Kidd for rowing us to victory today J

#W2NEVERLOSE