Lady Margaret Hall Boat Club

A day like no other, perhaps, in the history of LMHBC. For today was the day of the Famous Five.
Five races.
Five Bumps.
Wherelse to start then with what some have described as "the greatest bumps race of all time". The previous days action had seen M1 disappointingly knocked back in their journey towards the promised land of division one. A 2nd place start in the second division chasing our dear boathouse neighbours and division leaders Trinity. Ensuring complacency was not an issue, the bump was attained early, meaning plenty of gas left in the tank for sandwich boat duties an hour later. An expectant crowd had gathered on Boathouse Island in hot anticipation for the bottom crew in the last division of the afternoon. A meandering chill on the wind was held sway by the late evening fleeting sunshine. As many know, pre-sunset on the Isis is a glorious time and what better way to complement the scene then with a rowing performance of staggering proportions.
The bottom four teams in the league were LMH, Worcester, Wadham and Exeter in ascending order. Half expecting a strong Worcester team to move away from them early, the overbump strategy was employed. From the gun, Worcester moved away to take on Wadham with LMH holding onto their coat-tails. Further up though, Wadham were on the heels of Exeter; bumping swiftly and decreasing the chance of an overbump to almost negligible. Worcester continued in their pursuit of Exeter and soon caught them coming through the gut. Four and half clear lengths of water now stood between LMH and a certain final day position in the top div. Coming into sight of their own boathouse, a cheer erupted. Many would have thought this to be followed by a subdued susurrous of sympathy upon seeing the impossible laid out before them- this is no ordinary boat club though, this is no ordinary team. The cheers continued, the boat moved swifter. The cox arrowed through the stream with precision and, certainly, a steely resolve overcame the crew. A solid belief bestowed upon them from the elating banks. Quickly, it was within four lengths...three lengths. Experienced stroke pair Mountain and Stevenson saw the possibility and moved up the gears. The central core of Joseph, Baremski, Chapman and ROberts responded. with less than a quarter of the course remaining the bank rider called "length and a quarter" then without a breath "quarter length away". With overlap the final push came, a dejected Exeter came into view of bowman Taylor and soon new boy Hobson had his number two blade over their stern. Five metres to the finish line, the bump was given. The support held their breath, hardly daring to believe what they had just witnessed until the final announcement came over the tannoy. Jubilation ensued, as all present had witnesed a fine ending to a great LMH day.
What of this result though, without the exploits of all the other crews before? First to race were the feted W2. This contest can be best described by one members Facebook status update: "draw..draw..draw..closing". Cox John had barely got himself settled into his seat before the bump on Green Templeton was attained. Being relatively inexperienced as a crew, these girls have come together well and much is expected of them on Saturday.
Second to start were M2, being pursued by a strong Pembroke III and chasing a falling Univ II. Their best start of the week so far instantly put them in contention for the bump. Pembroke made up half a length but were easily being held off once into the stride. However all attentions were focussed on the catch. Past Donnington Bridge, calls were being made from Clarke in the hotseat and Turnbull from the side. Power was being laid down and the inevitable happened just before the gut- an easy bump for M2. Those in the boat, including four first time bumpees, rightly celebrated, but as is the character of this squad their focus has quickly moved onto the next race: a date with St Johns II.
Last, but by no means least, on the Day of Five were the always elegant W1. After their fine response to Wednesdays race with a bump, the good form continued. Chasing Jesus for the second time they really looked to set down a marker but unfortunately could not make up the ground before the prey caught Brasenose. The spirit that captain Hooper has instilled in this side meant that the fight continued and almost without realising, they cruised past Brasenose as well; almost a suprise for some in the boat as the call to wind down was made. Nevertheless, the celebrations were still well earned. A third time chasing Jesus on Saturday is a definite carrot for Charlies Angels.
With all that excitement, you would be a fool to miss tomorrows action...
M1 12th in division 1, chasing Worcester
W1 4th in division 3, chasing Jesus
M2 7th in division 4, chasing St Johns II
W2 10th in division 5, chasing New College III
The Time. The Place. The Moment.

As the lazy sunshine of early March bore down over ChristChurch Meadow we were treated to an exhilirating, anxious but ultimately mixed day for LMH on day two Of Torpids. With extra divisions included due to the receeding stream, M2 joined M1 and W1 on the Isis- all looking to carve a small niche for themselves in the illustrious history of this great club.
The early contenders today were M2, making their season bow at second in the div 4 half division. Chasing St. Antonys and being followed by a heavily built-up Worcester 2nds they had their work cut out. With their usual cox bank riding (due to the days racing restrictions), the ever-reliable Karen Clarke entered the fray; these two ladies demonstrating the drive (and shouting abilities) that has given LMHBC such success in recent years. A tenacious start from the men gave a good pace entering the gut closing over half a length on their prey and holding fast. However, a much quicker start from Worcester meant LMH were caught in a real dog fight for a bump. Coming through the gut, there was but a half blade length between cox and pursuer. Hearing good calls from Coach Lysons, and quick thinking from stroke Ashcroft, the call came for the power ten. Quickly, a length gap reopened, and to further compound Worcesters day, they were caught by fast approaching Pembroke. Caught so well in fact, that they sheared off a bow side rigger leaving LMH to watch as they careened into the bank before being passed by two further crews. With just clear water behind and a difficult chase ahead, M2 relaxed into a nice stride to complete a comfortable row over. A sporting round of hip hip hoorays between LMH and Antonys showed the appreciation from both teams of an extremely hard fought contest. Antonys went on to claim a bump when rowing again meaning M2 chase Univ 2nds on Friday. Looking to improve on their performance, M2 can take great heart from one of the most competitive races of the tournament.
The success story of the day was the div 3 wonder girls W1. Those on the bank will have heard the raucous cheer from the base of boathouse island as news came over the tannoy that LMH had bumped Corpus through the gut. Elation shared by the girls who came back from a tricky first day reinvigorated and ready for action. Gliding like an emperor penguin through the water, those plucky Lemon Tarts put on a first rate display. Their elation was renewed when informed by those upstream they had actually gained two places as Corpus had gone on to bump St Antonys themselves. Looking to go faster on Friday when chasing Jesus, this begins a good platform to accelerate through the division...with an outside possibility of promotion come Saturday? We anticipate!
Last to row today for LMH were M1. After a gallant but fruitless Wednesday, it was hoped that they could up their game and seal the 1st division berth of which they so desperately deserve. It was not to happen today as they were bumped by Worcester 1st, leaving them to row over the remainder of the course and drop into second place for Friday. It would be a heartless man who would not give thought to those poor unfortunates Trinity who now sit between LMH and a place in the top division. There will be hearts of lions and blood on the water come race time when those 8 men and 1 lady take to the water and finally prove to all their quality.
Tomorrow...
M1 2nd in division 2 chasing Trinity
W1 5th in division 3 chasing Jesus
M2 8th in division 4 chasing Univ II
and finally the "ones to watch" have arrived...
W2 12th in division 5 chasing Green Templeton
Torpids. At the river. Start at 12:00. Be there!

With the weather causing havoc with the river levels, a reduced day of Torpids saw two LMH teams in action. M1 and W1 were in the strange positions of being sandwich boats straight from the start.
First to race were W1, looking to continue their recent good form from last year and eager to impress the rest of a very talented squad. With their division slashed in half, LMH were sat at the bottom of the last division racing that day with only 6 teams ahead. A good result today would see them cement themselves in the upper echelons of division 3. Despite a good start, they were not able to bump Jesus before they had bumped Corpus. Slightly easing off the gas, the unchased LMH had a comfortable row over. Looking dangerous for racing on Thursday.
The only other boat in action today was M1. Having been heavily criticised by members of Worcester 1st VIII (claims of a bump within 10 strokes being bandied about) LMH showed them how it was done on the water. A clear row over at the top of the division demonstrated just what potential this boat has. This race was followed an hour later by the mens 1st divison. Chasing Wadham, LMH on their second race of the day showed the real intent which has got top div boats quaking in their collective riggers. Alas, the bump was not to be achieved today, but hopes are high for Thursday with a more aggressive race plan!
Commendation to both our coxes today who have shown themselves to be quite the dab hand at these tricky racing conditions.
Tomorrow...
M1 at the top of division 2
W1 7th in division three chasing Corpus
M2 8th in division 4 chasing St. Antonys
And looking forward...
Friday will see the introduction of "the crew to watch" into Torpids action. Be. Very. Excited.

Unfortunately for LMH, another year of promising Novice rowers had their hopes of rowing glory dashed by bad weather. After being unbeaten on the first day of racing all teams were in promising positions until the competition was abandoned for another year. Here is hoping for better luck with the weather next year!

After our fantastic result in Torpids we were optimistic about racing in Summer Eights. A breakdown of the racing shows, that despite falling two places in Division III, we had a challenging competition from which we can draw many positives.

Wednesday:

Starting 9th in Division III we managed to hold off the threat of Christ Church II, even though they were within a foot of us outside LMH boat house, to row over convincingly.

Thursday:
Bumped by Christ Church II

Friday:
Rowed over comfortably

Saturday:
Bumped by Wolfson II who came from nowhere to win blades.

Although disappointing we made a strong effort which we intend to build upon. With W1 retaining virtually the same crew we look forward to the year ahead.

Having missed out on Torpids, W2 were looking forward to their first bumps racing experience. With three members of the normal crew away on a fieldtrip, for a few rowers it was their first racing experience and the remaining crew had only previously raced in the Christchurch Regatta. Considering the eight rowers had had little water time together, to drop 3 places in the ranking was a well fought Summer Eights and the W2 squad are looking forward to their continuing improvement next year to maintain a 2nd women’s boat within the club.

Wednesday

Starting at the bottom of Div IV, we were the sandwich boat, unfortunately bumped by Balliol II, but rowed over at the top of Div V.

Thursday

A positive day, managing to maintain our position to row over.

Friday

Bumped by Keble II
Saturday

Worcester II managed to run over our cox during the warmup, damaging the boat and the cox, resulting in a frantic return to the boathouse to replace both. Having practically raced to the start line to get their on time, we were then bumped for a second time by Worcester II. Happy to return to shore to hear our cox was OK and enjoy the scorching sunshine to support the rest of the crews.

Overall Ranking: 3rd- Div V

Net change: -3

This year in Summer Eights M1 moved up 3 places in the rankings moving into Div II. Here is a breakdown of each days racing:

Day 1: Rowed over comfortably at the top of Div III ahead of Merton who were bumped by Christ Church M2 giving us the opportunity to save our energy for second race as sandwich boat in Div II. After a shaky start we managed to gain overlap on St Peters coming into the gut. Unfortunately, a few strokes away from bumping, the klaxon was sounded due to a crash in the gut denying us the bump.

Day 2: In our first race we had to row over ahead of Christ Church M2. After pulling away around 4 lengths clear we conserved ourselves for our race in Div II. This time we managed to bump Peters coming out of the gut despite a fairly scrappy race on our part.

Day 3: On Friday we had our best row. We started behind Mansfield and after a good start and a good stride caught them without too much trouble coming into the gut.

Day 4: Much the same as day 3, we ended up bumping Brasenose coming into the gut.

Overall, a good result for M1. Our success this year was largely due to getting good race experience at Bedford a few weeks prior and to good continuity of crew members. In addition, our determination and continued gruelling training with our coach Peter Haining allowed us to comfortable achieve 3 bumps and finish solidly in div II. Undoubtedly we will have the same attitude next year and with a bit of luck we can achieve what were unlucky not to this year and get blades.

Overall Ranking: 10th – Div II
Net Change: +3

With a crew bearing only 1 change from that of Torpids, the LMH M2 felt confident going in to Summer Eights. We rowed on posting a time to be reckoned with. With crews not qualifying above us, we rose 8 places, and into Div 6 after rowing on.

Wednesday: Unfortunately the crews 2 and 4 places in front of us were unable to hold off the inevitable bumps on them before we could bump or overbump, thus we rowed over on the first day. It could however have been worse, as we started with one rower falling off his seat. Almost caught by St. Hildas, we managed to recover and pull away comfortably.

Thursday: An very fast bump today; before Donnington Bridge, on St. John's M4. Although, they were wearing skirts...

Friday: Our second bump on St. John's in two days; this time it was the M3. The circumstances were similar, however, with the bump coming again before Donnington Bridge. They were, this time, properly attired.

Saturday: At last a chance at a decent race, LMH M2 were chasing St. Hugh's M2; the crew who we were aiming to double-overbump on Wednesday. We started well, and had canvas on them by the gut, but they held us off until Boathouse Island (or maybe we just wanted to bump in front of our adoring fans?) when we bumped them nice and properly.

Overall, while we were disappointed not to have got the bump on day 1, we were happy to have ended the week with 3 bumps, leaving us in a good position for next year. With the M2 likely keeping the same crew, Torpids and Eights are looking promising...

Overall ranking: 8th Div VI
Net Change:
+8 from Rowing on
+3 from Bumps

Over 70 people (including over 20 alumni, some of whom were meeting up all together for the first time in 40 years) turned out to celebrate the Boat Club's achievements at Summer Eights. We hope to hold a bigger and better dinner next year, in order to give the current students a chance to reverse their post dinner boat race defeat.

Our first race started rather disastrously ... after pushing off from the raft we heard a few words from our cox before it all went silent...the coxbox (luckily not the cox) had died. So we had to row on towards our bung-line with the knowledge that we would be racing our first race (first race ever for two of the girls! And also only their 10th outing ever, due to the terrible weather we'd had over the last term!) without a coxbox. We were ready to do our best though. But not really used to starting without hearing the cox, the first strokes were rather rocky...and as the pressure from bow and stroke side was unequal we ended up grazing the bank – not quite crashing, but I think we might have grounded to a halt even so... - and got bumped by Corpus Christi. After that we didn't manage to get away in time so Brasenose bumped us. Oh dear. Very bad start indeed.

On Thursday (with a coxbox this time, what a relief!) after having a faster start than the previous day, unluckily we caught a crab before the bridge and got bumped by Lincoln. But we showed a good reaction this time and managed to pull away fast, even getting a ¾ of a length away from Corpus Christi through the gut. We didn't manage to catch them, but we had proven to ourselves that we were capable of good powerful rowing.

And on Friday we had the confirmation of this with LMH W1's first bump in years ! Our coach had insisted that we needed to concentrate on getting prepared much more efficiently before the start of the race itself. And this did indeed pay off. We got to the bung-line with a comfortable amount of time to settle down and get focused and when the gun went we showed how good we actually were and managed to catch and bump Lincoln back well before the gut.

Saturday was even better, as we got a real bump, catching New College II just after Donnington bridge. It was over so quick we hardly had time to realize what had happened !

So all in all, after a disappointing start, and even if we end up one place lower than we started, it was a very positive race for us : this term the crew started to feel really united and this showed in our capability to react as a unit, and this combined with hard-going land sessions made it possible to row well and bump, even if we'd only had a handful of outings before Torpids ! So after years of free fall for the LMH W1, it seems as if the tide is turning... Prospects are looking good for Summer VIIIs !

Overall ranking: 6th – Div III
Net Change: -1

The Boat club dinner will be held on Saturday of Summer eights (30th May). Alumni should have received invites from the development office. If not please contact club.president@lmhbc.com.

Much like M3 we have had very limited water time this term. Despite an admirable performance at rowing on we failed to qualify for Torpids. With a bit more water time it will be a different story at eights.

The weather this term made it difficult to have outings for the 3rds. While they did race IWL, we only managed to have 2 other outings, and thus the result was that the M3 failed to Row on. A disappointing, but not unexpected result.

The M2 moved up a place this year in Torpids, with one bump and 3 row overs.

Wednesday: In the last 3 seconds before the start gun, we were blown in the direction of the opposite bank, rather than the St. Anthony's crew ahead of us. The first coxing calls of out Torpids were "2 and 4 drop out", and so, after suffering a slight brush with overhanging branches, we recovered from the canvas which Brasenose had on us to pull away nicely. Chasing an overbump on Pembroke, we were closing in, but ran out of river in which to catch them.

Thursday: We knew we could catch the Pembroke crew ahead of us, and so it was proved as we gained overlap in the gut. Our coach saw contact here, but we carried on our pursuit, and with less than 1/4 of a length between us for the rest of the race, we (finally) got them going past Boathouse Island.

Friday: Chasing a falling Balliol crew, the distance was reduced to 1/2 a length as we exited the gut, however St. Anthony's caught a crab, and Balliol bumped out, with Anthony's recovering in time to get going again. The chase was hard, and we were equal and ended up 1/2 length off them.

Saturday: Our battle with St. Anthony was to be fought again, and Saturday saw us put in our best rowing from a technical perspective. Coming past the end of boathouse island, we were close, however, a crab was caught, and so again we rowed over.

Overall we were delighted with the quality of the rowing given the lack of water time. We feared anything could have happened, so we are proud to have moved up, and not to have suffered any bumps.

Overall Ranking: 8th - Div IV
Net Change: +1

This year in Torpids M1 managed to stay flat in the rankings keeping us 1st in div II. Here is a breakdown of each days racing:

Day 1: We managed to successfully row over at the top of div II, after which we bumped Queens within 30 strokes

Day 2: Started off chasing St Johns. Unfortunately, they bumped Wadham along Greenbanks. This left us the task of going after Wadham for the overbump. We had overlap with them past the boathouses but couldn’t quite catch them.

Day 3: Started off chasing Wadham, got within quarter of a length twice before the gut where we tried to clip the inside of their stern. Unfortunately, this ended in us steering into the bank which resulted in getting bumped by Hertford.

Day 4: Rowed over at the top of div II comfortably keeping Worcester at bay. We couldn’t quite catch Hertford who bumped Wadham along Greenbanks.

Overall this was a disappointing result for M1 as we were hoping to finish in div I. However with our crew staying nearly identical for summer eights we hope that the experience gained from these races will be give us the opportunity to do well in summer eights.

Overall Ranking: 1st – Div II
Net Change: +0

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