Men's Novices Fairbairn Cup

Submitted by Chris Quarton on Mon, 17/12/2012 - 17:09

Entering three Men's Novice Boats into the Fairbairn Cup for the first time in many years, we felt that the term had already been a successful one - any strong race results would be the icing on the cake.

Leopards (NM1) were the first to race, and got off to a strong, if relaxed, start.  So relaxed, in fact, that certain members of the crew weren't even aware that the race had started! The crew held a good rate throughout the course. Leopards' control and composure meant that they could easily have been mistaken for a senior crew to anyone watching from the bank, and finishing 9th overall they achieved a time that many seniors would be pleased with too.

Jaguars (NM2) were next. Thanks to some chaotic marshalling, they found themselves behind Selwyn NM5: not an ideal situation for the Clare Novices' Plate holders. Despite being given an enormous (90s) time gap, Jaguars still managed to catch them by Chesterton Footbridge, and Maria had to call a rate drop to avoid a crash. Fortunately this lasted for only a short time before Jaguars swept past on the inside line. Jaguars completed the race as strongly as they started it, finishing fifth overall and in doing so claiming the title of 'fastest second boat'. 

Perhaps a special mention should go to Kieran Hall, who rowed for Jaguars having already subbed in for Leopards earlier in the day, and gave his all to both performances. 

Panthers (NM3) followed strongly behind Jaguars, and should be very proud of their performance. Maintaining a solid rate throughout the course they avoided any major incident to finish ahead of a good deal of other third boats and even Trinity Hall NM1. 

The real victory at this Fairbairn Cup is one that belongs to the whole novice squad - the strong results from all crews reflect a real strength in depth, that was only possible thanks to the enthusiasm and and commitment of all this year's novices, whether they rowed in fairbairns or not. With so many keen novices becoming seniors, next term should be an interesting one!