May Bumps 2024: Day Four

M2 Superb attitude and “most polite” crew

M2 arrived in the drizzle knowing that they would have their hands full holding off a very experienced and powerful Jesus M3 crew which had enjoyed a couple of bumps already in the week. Despite their best efforts this is how the race unfolded with M2 sadly being caught in The Gut in their final race of the academic year. This crew must not be disheartened. As seven first-year students they have made absolutely enormous strides and it has been an absolute pleasure to coach them this term. They must use this week as a springboard to begin to look towards next year and beyond. So many lessons learned, so much experience gained and all done with a superb attitude and a smile on the faces of all nine members of the crew. They have been a credit to themselves and College and even our esteemed bank party christened them the most polite crew she had ever bank partied! Well done to all members of this crew and I can’t wait to coach you all again next year.

W2 Exceptional sandwich boat

W2 once again raced at the Head of Division 3 and again held off a strong Lady Margaret W2 despite the 25mph headwind down the majority of the race course. This meant that for their seventh, and final (!), race of the week W2 would throw everything at Robinson W1 in an effort to secure their place in Division Two for next year’s May Bumps. The headwind remained and despite every ounce of energy being spent by the crew, in the end the accumulation of races over the week finally took their toll, meaning that Robinson W1 (who had raced a more civilised four times over the week) managed to hold on and keep THBC W2 at bay. This has been an exceptionally positive week for this young crew of four first year and four second year rowers and with their cox gaining ever-more experience of the Bumps I am certain that all members of the boat will have many more successes in their Bumps careers. Well done to all!

M1 Another battle for crew who should feel proud

M1 were once again sandwiched by two very fast boats for their final day of this year’s Mays. In front of them was yesterday’s opposition, Wolfson M1 and behind them was a speedy Churchill M1. The equation appeared simple once again. Revenge yesterday’s bump by Wolfson before Churchill had the opportunity to catch from behind. A very fast practice start before The Plough gave the crew confidence for what was to come. When the cannon did fire M1 took off and were soon clocking not-seen before speeds leading THBC to  began closing on Wolfson around First Post Corner and through The Gut. Awkward clearing of crews around Grassy Corner in front led both THBC and Wolfson to go wide around Grassy Corner and for one fleeting moment it appeared that M1 were about to bump. Less than 2 feet separated the two crews before Wolfson found new reserves of energy to slowly inch away and in doing so that gave hope to Churchill M1 behind. With Churchill claiming whistles just before Ditton Corner M1 fought incredibly hard and held off their pursuers until finally THBC had no more to give and Churchill managed to complete their bump and in doing so win their blades for the week: so many congratulations to Churchill for their achievement. THBC M1 should be enormously proud of how they fought this week. In the final race the rate never fell below 41 strokes per minute and this fight and determination typifies the 2024 crew. Five, hopefully six, members of this crew will be returning next academic year and the lessons learned from this year will prove invaluable. Well rowed all and I am looking forward to seeing what you can achieve going forward.

W1 Builds on past successes to end 5th on the river: Row Hall!

The final race of the day, and the 2024 Mays, was W1 and their quest to place 5th in the Top Division of the May Bumps. In their way stood a strong and successful Churchill W1 who were up one place so far this week. With confidence gained from the extremely mature performance against Newnham W1 yesterday THBC had a superb warm up and hit their fastest start of the year outside The Plough on their way to the (in)famous station six and the outflow. Thanks to the efforts of the bank party including last year’s Women’s Captain, Evie Mollitt, THBC got off to an immense start with minimal rudder needed and were soon getting into a long and powerful rhythm fully expecting a long battle with Churchill. By First Post Corner, W1 heard their first whistle and upon doing so stayed in their rhythm continuing to eat into the lead of the crew in front. A super line around Grassy Corner earned THBC two whistles which increased to three just as the crews arrived by The Plough. At this point the sheer volume of the THBC support lifted the crew who moved into another gear and onto continuous whistles. Overlap arrived as the crews exited Ditton Corner and only five strokes later the bump was complete! Another superbly executed bump by this crew of ‘home-grown’ rowers and cox. To be placed 5th on the river is a monumental achievement for THBC and the 2024 crew. One should also acknowledge the crews that have preceded them. In the last three years THBC W1 has risen 11 places in the Mays with one row over (Day One of this year’s Mays). Everyone that has contributed to this achievement in whatever capacity should be enormously proud. THBC now sits at its highest position in the May Bumps since 2006 as well as 6th on the river in the Lent Bumps. Well done to all involved for another superb year.

Conclusion

“And with that we conclude the rowing year. I will be sad to say goodbye to those that are leaving us this year and I can’t wait to hear all about what comes next for you. Keep in touch and you will always be welcome back at THBC.

“Already, I am looking forward to welcoming back our returning students as well as meeting the next generation of THBC athletes when they arrive towards the end of September.

“Finally, thank you to everyone that has helped make the 2023-24 academic year another wonderful year and for continuing to make THBC the amazing club that it is. Row Hall!”

All pictures credit Mike Thornton