Murray Edwards College Boat Club

As it was the final day of bumps, W3 were in high and hopeful spirits on the row down. Throughout the week, our row downs had been solid and improving with each day; Saturday was no exception. The weather was slightly cooler than it had been for the past week which bode well for the anticipated conclusion of a row-over. Everyone was still relieved, however, that Lulu’s warning of thunder and lightning wasn’t realised.

Race time! Having moved one place further away from being right next to the cannon, we were fully prepared for the bang and as a result we executed one of our best starts yet. We knew our only chance of a bump would be to try and catch King’s W2 before they caught Fitz W2. Unfortunately, despite a terrific start and settling into a strong rhythm, King’s caught Fitz very quickly, causing us to take a wide line around grassy corner. At this point, we knew we were in it for the long run but got much satisfaction from pulling further and further away from Christ’s W3 with each stroke. It was an exhausting row but one to be proud of.

Upon finishing the row over, it is safe to say that the whole of W3 were extremely proud of themselves and the crew, despite not managing to bump King’s. It was the furthest we had ever rowed at race pace (which we kept up with ferocity and pride even as, behind us, Christ’s were eventually bumped). It was a fantastic and satisfying conclusion to the end of an immensely fun and rewarding bumps campaign. Our wonderful coach topped off the afternoon by whipping out the prosecco that we all enjoyed back at the boathouse.

Here’s to next year’s bumps! WELL HARD

Hope Mason, 7

The sun was out again and perfect rowing weather greeted us today. After yesterday’s strong row-over where we held Trinity Hall at comfortable distance behind us over the whole course we felt confident that this day was OUR day. To finally get our first bump, chasing Christ’s W2, just as our W3 bumped their W3 today.

Our division was delayed due to some carnage and re-row before and we entertained ourselves with some team weight-lifting exercises at our marshalling station (everyone can lift their cox, but we can lift our coach!). Our row-up felt strong, we were winding it up beautifully on the Reach and had a powerful, controlled practise start at the Plough. We felt confident to get that bump on Christ’s, and wanted to get it quickly. We felt the excitement, and the energy from all the Haribos we munched on when waiting for our row-up longer than usual.

To regain the lost time the 4-minute canon went off earlier than we expected, when we were not yet tucked in to our station. Slight panic could be felt in the boat after the 4-minute gun, and nervous excitement in anticipation of bumping today. After the start canon went off, we had a beautiful start with controlled powerful draws and winds. In contrast to Thursday, we didn’t quite manage to find a composed, sustainable rhythm straight away. We gained on Christ’s continuously, but not as quickly as we would have hoped. We had one whistle at first post corner, realised that we had to work harder to bump and finally managed to settle into a more powerful rhythm. We continuously gained on Christ’s from that point on. Encouraged by continuous whistles and the cheering crowd at Grassy Corner we managed to bump up on Christ’s W2 just out of the corner. Clearing away quickly and hugely pleased with our success we watched the division go past and then finally crossed over to get our first greenery and celebrate!

On the row home we proudly showed our greenery, sat up and looked strong, enjoyed the sun and the cheers from the bank. Tomorrow is the last day of Bumps and we are back to where we started from on day 1, station 4 chasing LMBC. We gained on them the first day, so we are confident to catch them today. It will be an exciting last race and we will give it our all.

Anna, now you know how it feels to bump! Let’s do it again!

Manuela Gross, stroke

The last two days had been tough on our W1 crew and we were especially ready for a revenge bump after the technical bump awarded to Trinity Hall yesterday. This time in our row up, there was a definite focus and will for that bump to come our way today. The weather was beautiful again and we had a nice solid practice start outside the Plough before taking our station between Homerton and Trinity Hall.

Before we knew it, the 4 and 1 minute cannons had gone and we were poised ready for the gun. Bang! Off we went, pushing hard through the draws and winds. Behind us it was clear that Homerton W1 had pushed off to a quick start. After a few strokes, Homerton were still pushing up on us steadily and we, as a crew, began to try and work together to push them away even harder. As we approached First Post corner, Homerton had 2 whistles on us but we were not going to let this go easily. Rowing around the bend, saw them gain a foot, then two, and before we knew it, the bump came just before Grassy.

The row had been short and we had all put everything we had into it, but today Homerton were just faster and more efficient. It was another hard day for us, our third time being bumped but we are Murray Edwards W1 and will not go down easily. Tomorrow is a new day and now we have even more passion and drive to push through for a bump or a row over. We will not let the past days hold us back or give in to our disappointment. No, we are going to go hard or die trying tomorrow and remind everyone who we are and what we can do. Well Hard!!!

Nadia Blackshaw, bow