News

May Bumps 2016 – Reports

Posted 2016-06-08

Men’s Crews

M1	-1	+0	+0	+0	-1
M2	+1	+0	-1	+0	+0
M3	+1	+2	+1	+1	+5
Pemgibeers	+1	+1	+0	+0	+2

Women’s Crews

W1	-1	+0	+0	+0	-1
W2	+0	-1	-1	-1	-3
W3	+1	+1	+0	+1	+3

M1	Wednesday. Bumped by LMBC I. M1 set out with hopes of catching Caius for a chance to row over at head of the river for the rest of the week. Unfortunately it was not to be, with Caius resisting their early efforts, before moving on again down the reach. With hopes of the bump slipping away, the attention turned to keeping away from the fast-closing Lady Margaret 1 behind. Despite a push out of the P & E, the blade of the LMBC bowman made contact for the bump with 50m of the course left to go. Not the start M1 were hoping for, but with 3 days left, they will be hoping to make amends, and give the Pembroke crowd something to cheer later in the week. Thursday. Row over. After a disappointing result on the first day, M1 set out to bounce back and catch LMBC off guard from the start on Thursday. Pembroke set off strongly, gaining one whistle around first post corner, and another coming past the plough. Unfortunately, the whistles didn’t come fast enough, and Maggie were just about able to hold them at arms length. Down the reach, the advantage started to shift in their favour, and M1 ended up rowing over, a comfortable distance ahead of Jesus in fourth. Another day, another tough race but, sitting in 3rd with two days to go, it is still all to play for. Friday. Row over. M1 entered the Friday with dreams of a comeback to take the headship still alive. Characteristically, they set off hard, quickly gaining a whistle on LMBC, who had also gained on Caius in front. Into the gut, Pembroke established a more composed rhythm than they had found the previous two days, allowing them to make further headway on Maggie. Two whistles came on the entry into grassy but some rough water and a few missed strokes stalled their momentum. From there on out, Pembroke continued to throw all they had at Maggie, but with less and less of an effect. By the long reach, Maggie had slipped back to a length lead, and would finish comfortably ahead. A row over the final result. With a day left, the dream may be dead but the hopes of ruining Lady Margaret’s week remain very much alive. Saturday. Row over. Report to come.
W1	Wednesday. Bumped by Churchill I. Despite a very successful year so far, W1 faced a difficult first day, chasing a Lady Margaret crew with Novice pots from Nottingham regatta and being chased by a Churchill crew with four blues. An excellent start saw us push off Churchill and into Maggie by quarter of a length, which we maintained into the Plough. But Churchill were hungry for the bump, and having closed the gap made a big push into Ditton corner to a quarter of a length off us. A heroic drive out of Ditton meant we countered Churchill’s closing attack with a rate up, holding them off over halfway down the Reach with Maggie still a length in front. Unfortunately a determined second Churchill push finally forced the issue and gave them the bump. Nonetheless, a hugely impressive, gutsy row from W1 puts us in a strong position to fight back over the coming days. Thursday. Row over. W1 went into today ready to hit right back at Churchill. Another fantastic start saw us gain rapidly on them, and we gained a first whistle going into First Post corner. A strong push by Churchill out of the Plough lengthened the gap out again to just under a length and a half, with Jesus still well clear behind. However, at this point the bumps gods worked their sorcery of carnage. A bump on Ditton corner meant Churchill and Maggie had to hold it up, with Churchill sitting almost perpendicular to the bank for long enough for us to close up. This forced us out to the widest possible line on Ditton corner, which gave Jesus the chance to claim back all the water we’d pushed off them. With the gap now closing to near-overlap on the reach, W1 went into overdrive, pulling off a superb row all the way down the reach to keep Jesus clear. Winding it up for a big finish just past the Railway Bridge, we shut the door on Jesus and took it home with a truly gutsy row over. The corner escapade has ignited the fire in W1, and we will come to tomorrow hungry for vengeance. Friday. Row over. Yet another flying start from W1 saw us gain our first whistle on Lady Margaret going into First post corner. We kept our cool round bumps inside Grassy and took two whistles into Ditton. Just inside half a length, however, our legs began to fade slightly, and Maggie gained clear water in front as Churchill bumped out ahead. A determined push meant we still finished in style at the line, but din’t quite make it to the bump. We come back for one day more to settle unfinished business. Saturday. Row over. With a spooning Christ’s crew in front of Lady Margaret, W1 knew that we had to go out hard on day 4. We had a characteristic strong start, but two days of row-overs began to show in the legs. We didn’t get the early whistles we had done on previous days, and with Lady Margaret also motivated for a bump, they pushed away and caught Christ’s outside the Plough. We held Jesus II off without too much trouble with another quality row. The down one over the four days does not quite do justice to a crew which has had a fantastic term and year, and has shown some excellent technical skill and properly gutsy rowing throughout the week.
M2	Wednesday. Bumped Christ’s I! In M2’s first race they chased Christ’s M2, but the struggle was short lived. Pembroke had a good start from station 16, and heard the first whistle after 20 strokes. Christ’s crumbled under the road bridge, and Pembroke bumped early on First Post Reach, after just 90 seconds of racing. Thursday. Row over. M2 had a good start, making slight gains on Corpus I. However, spurred on by whistles on FaT II ahead of them, Corpus surged on and pulled back to station. Pembroke kept up the pursuit, but eventually Corpus bumped FaT on the reach, leaving Pembroke with a lonely row-over. Friday. Bumped by Clare II. M2 were sandwiched between FaT M2 ahead and Clare M2 behind. Under pressure from Clare, Pembroke lost length and power, and although they got a whistle on FaT, Clare made the bump on First Post Reach. Saturday. Row over. M2 rowed up on the the final day of bumps determined to bump back Clare, or fly and die spectacularly in the attempt. After a good start, Pembroke gained slightly on Clare, but, spurred on by the whistles, Clare accelerated away and claimed their fifth bump. Not content to settle for a row-over, Pembroke pressed on, leaving Sidney Sussex M1 far behind, hunting Downing M2 for the elusive over-bump. But although the chase came within four lengths (down from six and a half lengths off the start), Downing escaped. Having held station this year, the stage is set to continue pushing up Division 2 next year.
W2	Wednesday. Row over. W2 had a tough day today, but successfully rowed over. After a solid start Emma W2 had an optimistic whistle on us but we pushed them back and continued on to row over. Onwards and upwards tomorrow! Thursday. Bumped by Newham II. W2 had a really strong row today, putting up a huge fight against Newnham W2 who were chasing. Despite our best efforts, Newnham proved too strong and we were bumped on the reach – there is certainly motivation for tomorrow. Friday. Bumped by Robinson I Saturday. Bumped by Lucy 1. Report to come.
M3	Wednesday. Bumped Christ’s III! M3 set off from station 3, chasing Christ’s M3, who were chasing Queens’ M4. Pembroke had a reasonable start and wore Christ’s down to half a length down First Post Reach. However, the bow man in the Queens’ boat caught an overhead crab, and Christ’s made overlap coming round First Post Corner. With a heroic effort, Pembroke pushed round the corner, moving to three whistles at the bottom of the gut. Queens’ pushed on, evading the bump from Christ’s. Pembroke surged down the gut, quickly got overlap, then caught the Christ’s cox a hefty blow with their bow ball, bringing an exciting race to a decisive end. Thursday. Bumped Queen’s IIII in M5 and Selwyn III in M4. A quick two bumps for M3 today, taking them into the M4 division. With a solid start M3 rapidly gained on Queens’ M4 closing so fast at the end that Kevin didn’t have time to ring the bell for overlap before the Queens’ cox conceded, with the bump taking place just as they were coming around First Post Corner. This promoted M3 to the M5/M4 sandwich boat meaning they had to race again, this time chasing Selwyn M3. With a very strong start M3 was able to catch Selwyn before the motorway bridge, only having to row for a minute! Let’s hope the rowing tomorrow is over just as quickly! Video. Friday. Bumped Selwyn III. M3 rowed up confidently to their new, consolidated start position at the bottom of the 4th division. The crew remained slightly nervous at the start (as all crews should be at their start positions), leading to a slightly messy start sequence. This did not prevent them from rhythming into a nice pace, bumping FaT IV well before the motorway bridge. Saturday. BLADES! – BUMPED QUEENS’ IV AGAIN!
W3	Wednesday. Bumped Anglia Ruskin I! W3 off to a really clean start, settling early into a strong rhythm and soon gaining on Anglia Ruskin W1. Anglia Ruskin took some “interesting” lines, but still managed to close the gap on Girton W2. Determined to put their teams tough training to good use, pushes were called to GET THAT BUMP! Anglia Ruskin gained OVERLAP on the boat in front – but couldn’t finish off in time to hold off the victorious W3. A first bump for nearly everyone in the boat- looking forward to tomorrow! Thursday. Bumped Girton II. W3 started strong, powering through on the hunt for Girton W2. Anglia Ruskin valiantly tried to draw up to W3, and by the time we’d reached the motorway bridge, they’d drawn within station. But they stood no chance as W3 drove on, sitting up strong and relentlessly gaining on Girton. Several boat lengths upstream from the motorway bridge, the crews around W3 dropped away as Pembroke settled in and stayed strong. They bumped before first post, stealing the bump from Girton who were drawing close to St. Catherine’s W2. Hopes are high for tomorrow. May the fastest crew bump. Friday. Row over. After a strong start W3 got the first whistle on Catz after 20 strokes, they held it there as Catz gained on Selwyn, but were not quite able to close the distance. Multiple bumps in front left the outside chance if a double over bump which they valiantly chased all the way to the finish line. Saturday. Bumped up. W3 were in the middle of a sandwich. The pre race electric vibe became a tremendous start. We were soon a length down on Selwyn who responded with a push, but not enough to hold us off for long and after the second whistle the bump came quickly.
Pemgibeers	Wednesday. Bumped Homerton III! The Pemgibeers were feeling good going into bumps today, having all just completed their pre-race weight loss program. The new guys did an excellent job with their first haka, putting fear in Homerton M3’s eyes from the start. After a bit of a frantic start, the guys settled into a good rhythm and started to close the gap in front, and stretch out the gap behind. Going into first post corner, the haka fully came into play – Homerton M3’s 7 man succumbed to his fear and came off his seat. This shortened the inevitable bump, as the Pemgibeers smashed Homerton right in the corner. They’re feeling good about Tit Hall M3 tomorrow. Thursday. Bumped Trinity Hall III. As always, the Pemgibeers were feeling good going in today. Today we were graced by the presence Thomas Schute, here to keep the power in the arms and the speed on the slide. Following some excellent chat on the row up to marshal, the haka (as ever) petrified Tit Hall M3. The start was exemplary – at least 50% of our power went into the water. But truly what lead to our success today was the perfection of Izhan’s bung drop. Dropping the bung when the cannon goes is no small task, but we can rely on Izy to definitively release the bung into the water with grace and style. Propelled by this polished bung drop, the Pemgibeers rushed forward to happily bump Tit Hall on first post corner. Izhan, being a highly efficient cox, managed to combine the actions on bumping and pulling into the side in one magnificent surge to the inside of the corner. Jesus M4 look out. Friday. Row over. Saturday. Row over. Reports to come.

May Bumps 2015 – Reports

Posted 2015-06-16

Men’s Crews

M1	+1	+1	+1	+0	+3
M2	+1	+1	+1	+0	+3
M3	+1	+1	+1	+1	+4
Pemgibeers	+0	+1	+1	+1	+3

Women’s Crews

W1	+0	+0	+1	+0	+1
W2	+0	+1	+1	+1	+3
W3	+0	-1	-1	+1	-1

Wednesday. Bumped Jesus. M1 got off to a nervy start with the chain getting caught on the bank which pulled our bows out of line. Good coxing from Ed straightened us up and we had one whistle going into first post corner. After that we never looked back and began to grind Jesus down. Rowing in wash is never easy but the power was there and we finished it off for the spectators in front of the plough with FaT over 2 lengths behind. Good solid row by all but with things to improve on for tomorrow. Next up: Downing, who were bumped by Maggie.

Thursday. Bumped Downing. The successful campaign continues. Full credit has to go to Downing who really took it to Maggie today. Coming down plough reach we were only on station and Downing had 3 whistles on Maggie at one point. Thankfully for us they couldn’t sustain the pace and began to drop off coming round Ditton. We were then able to make the ground up quite quickly and bumped half way down the Reach. Solid row by all and onto Maggie tomorrow.

Friday. Bumped Lady Margaret. We had a clean start and coming out of it we found a very good rhythm resulting in one whistle going into first post corner, having only started at station 3. After that it was all over very quickly and we bumped just before Grassy. We found some speed today which we hadn’t had in the first two days so we’ll be taking that to Caius tomorrow.

Saturday. Rowed over. What a day. We got off to another flying start, although not quite as sweet as the day before. We gained quickly on Caius and got the first whistle in the gut. Sustaining our rhythm we had 3 whistles along plough reach and were rapidly closing in on the bump and the headship. Suddenly out of nowhere someone caught a boat-stopping crab and we were reduced to a standstill. Thankfully we had put a few lengths between ourselves and Maggie and they were still a long way off by the time we got back up to speed. We expended a lot of energy getting back on station with Caius and ran out of steam down the reach. In the end we let Maggie get a little too close for comfort and they crossed the finish line about as far behind us as we had been behind Caius at the plough.

To come so close to the headship and to fall short like that through a stroke of bad luck was pretty heart breaking for the whole crew and it was hard to see through that and realise what a fantastic week we’ve had. Going up 3 in the top of division 1 is no mean feat and we should be proud of our achievement. Motivation for next year is incredibly high and we will look to finally put ourselves on the top spot where we deserve to be. Unfortunately for Caius we’ll have four days rather than one to finish the job off.

Wednesday. Bumped St. Catharine’s 2. Chasing Catz 2 for the headship of Div 3, M2 were comfortable in the knowledge that our prey had no one to escape-bump in front of them. Despite the clear-water disadvantage, we gained a whistle off the start – quickly landsliding in to multiple whistles coming round First Post corner followed by the bell and bump less than 60 seconds later in the Gut. As sandwich boat, we had to wait for our chance to get in to Div 2 for good. Chasing a sneakily fast Corpus 1 and in a heavier tail-wind, no real gains were made in the first few minutes of the race as neither crew let up. Corpus gained whistles on Sidney in front, spurring them on to bump just as we crept inside station. Slightly disappointing result, but exuberant over bump #1. On to tomorrow, a day of rowing over and securing our position in Div 2.

Lent Bumps 2015 – Results

Posted 2015-02-24

Pembroke College Boat Club

proudly sponsored by:

Lent Bumps 2015
Results

Men’s Crews

Women’s Crews

M1	+1	0	0	-1	0
M2	0	+1	0	+1	+2

W1	0	0	0	+1	+1
W2	0	+1	+1	+1	+3

May Bumps 2014 – Reports

Posted 2014-06-16

Pembroke College Boat Club

May Bumps 2014
Results

Click a number to go to the race report and video, if available.

Men’s Crews

Women’s Crews

M1	+1	+1	0	0	+2
M2	-1	-1	-1	-1	-4
M3	+1	+5	+1	+1	+8
M4	+1	+1	0	0	+2
M6	-1	0	+1	+1	+1

W1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-4
W2	-3	-1	-1	-1	-6
W3	-1	-1	-1	-1	-4

Race photos and videos: Spanner Spotter (slow-motion footage).
Other results services: CUCBC and FaT

Pembroke’s Race Reports

	M1	Wednesday: Bumped First and Third M1 M1 had a focussed row down to the start, Arav, our cox proclaiming that we were “peaking” with our paddling as fast as it had ever been. As we lined up, Gripper (coaching) told us that he would not cycle past Ditton, so we had better catch FaT by then. A fast start saw us take half a length out of FaT in the first 15 or so strokes. Queens behind us seemed to go wide of the start, and that was the last I remember considering them during the race. Our first call to hit our race rhythm saw the rate staying high at 40 or so, not getting quite the speed we might. A second call took us down onto race pace at a 36. With the rudder just beginning to come on for first post corner, we got our first whistle. Hard legs for 15 strokes down the gut was not as tidy as it might have been, but as we came round into Grassy we won two whistles. At this point from the bank we heard that FaT were closing on St. Catharine’s and that we needed to hit them or risk losing them. This unfortunately turned out not to be the right thing for us to hear, and we tensed up, and lost length. As we moved into Ditton corner, however, three whistles came and shortly after we gained overlap. Despite his promises to the contrary, Gripper followed us around onto the reach and screamed for us to finish it then and there. The corner took its toll on us and Trinity, moving straight, managed to move back out to two feet of clear water. As we too cleared the corner though, we managed to get back into a better rhythm and moved back into overlap, and after what felt like an age rowing in boiling water, the call came to hold it hard having made the bump. Archie Wood – Men’s Captain Thursday: Bumped St Catharine’s M1 After a day 1 in which we knew we could have rowed better, M1 were gunning to break the new opponents early with relative safety with FaT behind. After a clean start even with the outflow pushing us around, we hit our stride and held station to First Post. FaT moved on us slightly but there was nothing to worry about. Our bends were tight and rowed sharply and Plough Reach saw a big push that got us from one whistle to 2 or even 3 by Ditton. Onto the Long Reach and with Catz firmly in our sights, we steamed on. Catz moved across to escape and with M1 holding their line, we waited until half a length of overlap before steering for an inevitable bump. Man that felt good. Onwards and upwards! Arav Gupta – M1 Cox
	W1	Wednesday: Bumped by Christs W1 We had a solid row up to the start (although we almost got hit by the M2 division because we’d been left the TINIEST spot to marshal in imaginable). Our start was strong and solid and Christ’s were given an optimistic whistle after we’d settled into our rhythm. Unfortunately coming round First Post corner bow caught an over the head, boat stopping crab and we were caught. Tomorrow is a new day and we are biting at the bit to show people what Pembroke W1 can do. Ery Hughes – Women’s Captain Thursday: Bumped by Lady Margaret W1 We had a really solid start and settled into a strong rhythm but unfortunately Maggie were just way faster than us and caught us just before First Post corner. Hopefully tomorrow will be the day we have the chance to show everyone what we can do and row over! Ery Hughes – Women’s Captain
	M2	Wednesday: Bumped by Darwin M1
	W2	Wednesday: Overbumped by Jesus W2 W2 rowed down to the start, confident that despite a daily changing 6 seat that we could take on Fitzwilliam. We had a solid start moving off quickly together with a fast first whistle on Fitz. An excellent line round Ditton elicited a second whistle from Kev. Even as Sidney Sussex, hotly pursued by Darwin moved up to a whistle on us, we kept our cool slowly reeling in Fitz. As we came into plough reach, the Darwin bump on Sidney Sussex took the pressure off from behind. We unfortunately lost some drive, letting Fitz out to over a length. However Benedict’s call and an excellent line round Ditton brought the focus and the power back, bringing us back inside a length. As we moved up along the reach, the Jesus crew gradually worked their way up for the overbump. Despite some strong pushes off them into Fitz, which gained us two whistles, the faster crew caught us. A disappointing result, but we plan to come back fighting. Hannah Officer – W2 Rower
	M3	Wednesday: Bumped St. Catharines M4 An eventful day to say the least! After having painstakingly attached the Pembroke GoPro to the bows of our boat, we were determined to get a bump to see it put to good use. The gun went off, and we blazed out of the start, moving up to a length off of Catz after our start sequence. We hit our stride, and were moving on them every stroke as we came under the motorway bridge, until suddenly there were calls of “Hold it up!” from Kev and Gripper on the bank – Catz appeared to have stopped, and we were on course to plough straight into their (now almost stationary, due to a boat-stopper crab) boat. In the name of safety, we did as instructed and held it up, resulting in us stopping tantalisingly short of physical contact on their boat. Despite us kindly avoiding the impaling of their cox, Catz decided that they weren’t conceding, and started to row on, so we quickly regrouped ourselves and restarted. We had been rowing for what can only have been 15 strokes when, with a strange sense of déjà vu, we again heard calls of “Hold it up!” from the bank; Dawin M3 had failed to clear the river, and carnage had ensued, resulting in a klaxoned division. A tense wait followed, whilst we waited to hear from the umpires about what was going to happen. It was eventually decided that the whole division would re-row, so we dutifully span, and rowed back down to the lock, mentally preparing to do it all again. Whilst sitting on our station, one of the Chief Umpires came over and informed us that, due to the fact we had held it up for reasons of safety, and given it would have been an inevitable bump had we continued rowing, we would be awarded a technical bump on Catz. We let the rest of the division restart, before celebration and greenery ensued. Hopefully our first bump of many this week – let’s just hope the others are less chaotic! Izzy Stone – M3 Cox Thursday: DOUBLE OVERBUMPED Emmanuel M4 Words just cannot describe how phenomenal today’s row was. We knew it would be a tough day, with a surprisingly fast Hughes M3 boat in front of us, chasing Homerton, who were falling down the river: we were going to have to bump before they did. The cannon went, and we set off, settling into a good stride. Unfortunately Hughes, as predicted, bumped out in front of us. A tense moment of steering through ensuing carnage followed, but we managed to get through unscathed! A few strokes later, and the pair of boats in front of that bumped out too. There was a feeling of defeat in the boat as we rowed past Churchill and Emma, now pulled into the side of the bank; the Emma IV crew, who started 5 boats ahead of us (11 1/2 lengths) were no-where to be seen. I refused to let us accept defeat there and then, so called the power back up, and had a strong row through the gut. As we rounded Grassy corner, I caught sight of Emma IV up by the plough, and determination set in. We were going to get this bump. We chased them hard down plough reach, with words of encouragement from Kev, Gripper, and Greg on the bank. As we rounded ditton, we heard “You’re 4 length off them” – we had until the railway bridge to make it. As we moved down the reach, we were gaining on them, but not fast enough, with still over 2 lengths to go by the railings. By this point, I could see the Emma crew’s faces, and the panic clearly setting in in their boat, so called for the hardest 20 strokes of M3’s lives – this took us to the pink house, and we finally got the whistle we’d been waiting for. As soon as the whistle blasted shrilly through the air, we really started moving, the distance between us dropping every stroke. Two whistles followed, quickly followed by three. We had 10 strokes to the finish – would we be able to do it? Finally, an image that will forever remain in my mind, as the railway bridge loomed over us, the Emma cox turned and conceded, as our bow struck their rigger. 3 strokes from the end of the race, and we’d done it. A double overbump. I am so, so proud of all the guys in M3: it would have been so easy to admit defeat, and settle for a rowover, but they put in a truly epic row, and were rewarded phenomenally. Now onwards and upwards for the rest of the week! Izzy Stone – M3 Cox Friday: Bumped Clare M4 In comparison with yesterday’s row of epic proportions, today’s row was over in the blink of an eye. We were chasing Clare M4, a mixed crew on for spoons, racing in a wooden boat. Anton, the Clare boatman came over to us before the start of the race, and we agreed that, to avoid potential damage to boats and people, they would steer to the left, we would steer to the right, and they’d concede without contact. The cannon went, and we powered away from our station. We hadn’t even finished our start sequence before there was overlap, and within 15 strokes, the Clare cox conceded. Unfortunately Jack crabbed as we were holding it up, meaning we spun into their boat, and ended up losing our bow ball – so much for no contact! We had a good, technical row home, and are all looking forward to the last day of racing tomorrow! Izzy Stone – M3 Cox Saturday:Bumped Darwin M3 As Darwin had been bumped by Corpus the day before, we knew that it was unlikely they’d have a chance of bumping back before we caught them, so were feeling confident going into the last day of racing. The start cannon went, and we were off, settling into a good stride. We soon had whistles on them, and despite some slightly dodgy steering from me, which resulted in a little blade clash with the bank, overlap and the bump soon followed, before first post corner. BLAADDDESSSSS!!! Greenery ensued, and the flag was hoisted – such a phenomenal feeling rowing home, with everyone along the bank cheering our achievements. Overall, M3 went up 8, and had a brilliant time doing it. I only hope that next year’s M3 can continue to build on the success of this year, so we can work our way back up the charts, to our rightful place back in division 4. Izzy Stone – M3 Cox
	W3	Wednesday: Bumped by Newnham W3
	M4	Wednesday: Bumped Clare Hall M2 After Darwin IV scratched overnight, the #PemgibeerBoat2k14 were intensely disappointed that we were made the sandwich boat and actually had to row over the whole course! However, our worries were soon allayed as boats bumped out behind us at grassy and plough reach to finally allow us to row over at a comfortable rate 20. We were much more fired up for the second race, and this was reflected in how tense we were off the start. Completely unprepared for the wash at the bottom of the division, the rowing was pretty poor with blades often failing to enter the water. Despite this, we were gaining on Clare Hall II and were just about half a length off when, due to carnage further up the river, the division was klaxoned. Having heard that Clare Hall II were also half a length off bumping when the race was called off, we were stoked for a second chance at the re-row. Our start phase was much better, with a longer, smoother rhythm at a lower rate, and the whistles came quickly, leading to a reverberating thumping sound halfway down first post reach right in front of a contingent of Pembroke support. Tomorrow awaits… Arun Lobo – M4 Rower
	M6	Wednesday: Bumped by Lady Margaret M5

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M1	Wednesday. Bumped Queen’s M1! M1 set out for a powerful start, knowing some very competent crews lay behind them. It was a plan well executed with an aggressive first 15 strokes yielding our first whistle on Queens in front. Maintaining this pace with some clean rowing down into first post corner, we flustered our opposition, with the 2nd and 3rd whistles coming in quick succession. Coming into the gut, Kev’s dinner bell came out and despite some scrappiness as the water kicked up off their puddles, we eventually got the bump just short of Grassy. A very pleasing first day – onwards and upwards! Thursday. Bumped Jesus M1! For M1, the plan was the same as on day 1 – start powerfully and try to rattle Jesus, whom we knew would provide stern resistance. Once again, all went to plan, settling down onto 40 off the start and getting the first whistle 10 strokes before first post corner. We maintained the punchy rhythm round the bend and were rewarded with our second and third whistles. Once into the gut, the crew did well to remain composed into the final strokes, with the bump coming just before grassy. Tough challenges lie ahead but a fantastic day on the river. Video. Friday. Row Over. M1 had a big challenge on their hands today, chasing Downing, who had been the crew to beat for most of the term. However, we planned to take just the same tactics to them as we had to Jesus and Queens on days 1 and 2. We attacked hard off the start and took this powerful rhythm into first post corner. Some good steering from Dom meant that we got a whistle just as we came into the gut. Spurred on by this, we pushed on, but so did Downing. This battle would continue all the way to the end of the course, holding them at 1 length until the pink house, finishing 2 lengths behind. We gave a strong showing today to row over in style. Tomorrow we have one last crack at Downing and that 2nd spot – here we go. Saturday. Row Over. The final day and one last roll of the dice against Downing and a 2nd place on the river. We set off with venom, taking a small early lead, and pursued them harder and faster than we had on Friday. A whistle came at Grassy and we kicked on, pushing them to 3/4 of a length outside the plough, with LMBC well back. At Ditton, we went for one big push to reel Downing in. Unfortunately, our punch failed to land. Down the reach, they started to slip away and Maggie slowly started creeping back into view. As we tired from our early efforts, Maggie got to a length at the railway bridge and half a length at the P&E. However, firm in the knowledge we would be denying them their blades, we found the strength to hold them off to the line. M1 finished up 2 to 3rd on the river – a fantastic performance from an often unfancied crew.
W1	Wednesday. Bumped Caius W1! After a hard-core pep talk by Mays veteran Charlie Chorley, W1 had a confident, assured row up to the start. With St Catz behind and Caius in front, we were looking for a strong start and to see where the race went after that. A strong start is exactly what we got, and we flew up on Caius immediately (who had not been so fortunate with their start, and had set off at 45 degrees to the bank). The first whistle came halfway down First Post reach, and the crew responded with a calculated fury, keeping a technical stroke and big power through the legs. Two whistles came on the approach to the corner, with three arriving in what seemed like only a couple of strokes. The moment was there, and we seized it. Halfway round First Post corner, we took the rate up two and charged. Caius were dead in the water. After the Caius cox took a blade to the back from Fran at 2, Caius made the concession just coming into the gut. A textbook start to the Lents, with a lot of excitement still to come! Thursday. Bumped Murray Edward W1! Today was the grudge match. Last year W1 spent two days right on the tail of Murray Edwards, only to let them slip away. Not this year. Another strong start led to the first whistle on First Post Reach, with the second coming into the corner. We got a little overexcited and lost the shape at the finish, but a solid push coming out of Grassy took it up to three whistles. Our time had come. A perfectly executed bumping twenty saw Medwards off right outside the Plough. Justice is done. Friday. Bumped Queens’ W1! W1 got off to a slightly more tense start than usual, but soon got into their stride and the whistles started to come in once more. By the time we hit First Post Corner we had drawn the third whistle, and from there a now well-practised bumping twenty saw Queens’ topple through the gut. We particularly enjoyed having PCBC President Sir Richard Dearlove on the bank in support! Saturday will most likely be the toughest day of the campaign, but with the momentum we’ve built up over the last few days, we’ll be going in calm, confident, and committed. Video from Queens’ Saturday. Bumped First and Third W1! W1 came out today ready to row their own race. We set out with the powerful start we’d come to expect, and when the first whistle came halfway down First Post Reach we knew we had it in us. When the three whistles came into the gut we had a nervy start to our bumping twenty, but we came together for a clinical finish to an absolutely amazing row! BLADES FOR W1!!! Now off for the final outing of the week; a lot of champagne, and a magnificent BCD to come!
M2	Tuesday. Row Over. Good result for a the second men, five of whom powered through their first row over for their bumps debuts. A good first corner from Gina kept us on station with Sidney M1. Pushing off Christ’s M2 until they were bumped in the Gut, but Sidney started to creep away as they chased the boat in front. Striding down on the reach to a sustainable race to begin recovery for Thursday, M2 have banished the first day nerves and plan to come back even stronger on Thursday. Thursday. Bumped by Clare M2. With another change to M2’s lineup, Sidney Sussex still ahead, and Clare II chasing hard, Day 2 was set to be tough from the outset. M2 rowed a powerful start and showed real grit in pushing off Clare as they got one, two, three whistles on the Pembroke boys. In the end, Clare got the bump on First Post Corner. Not to be phased, M2 are staying tall, ready to give Clare a good fight on the penultimate day tomorrow. Friday. Bumped by St. Edmund’s M1. Starting the day in an impossible position between a rising M1 boat and the Clare boat that bumped them yesterday, M2 were unperturbed. A strong start and some chunky rowing saw them fighting off St Edmunds M1 and pushing Clare to within half a length before eventually being bumped on First Post Reach. Saturday. Bumped by Christ’s M2. Rowing in a scratch crew yet again, M2 nevertheless rowed valiantly on Saturday. With a strong start, M2 gained on St Ed’s after they caught a crab. Unfortunately, Emma caught up with them at First Post and they were bumped. M2 have moved down three places this week, and have lost their place in Division 2. This demonstrates that despite hard work, commitment, and a level of keenness outshining even M1, injury and sickness can leave a crew devastated.
W2	Tuesday. Bumped LMBC W2! W2 are off to a flying start this bumps, having caught Maggie W2 outside the plough today. A strong start set them off well, and they had 1 whistle by 1st post corner. Despite newnham gaining from behind, W2 pushed back and a fabulous line from Tom round grassy saw them move up to three whistles, and then the bell on plough reach. Maggie were stubborn but Pembroke did not give up – resulting in the Maggie stroke crabbing and thus the bump. Congratulations all round, especially given that we had 6 first timers in the boat, including Tom. Very proud coaching team! Thursday. Bumped Christ’s W2! An incredible effort from the girls today saw them bumping well before first post corner. Expecting a big push from Maggie W2 behind, the girls gunned it out of the starting blocks and were very quickly onto a whistle. From there, it was a simple case of reeling them in, well done and well deserved! Tomorrow will be a tougher challenge but much faith! Friday. Row over. A strong start from W2 today saw them up to 1 whistle on Darwin w1 by the end of newnham reach. Unfortunately Darwin were chasing a much slower Sidney crew, and bumped them out just before Grassy, with W2 about a 1/4 of a length behind at this point. A strong rowover, but much determination to bump Sidney tomorrow – we will also be watching our backs for Robinson W1 behind! Saturday. Bumped Sidney Sussex W1! W2 set off on saturday knowing they had a very fast robinson crew behind. However, their strongest start yet saw them gain 1 whistle on Sidney W1 about 30m after the motorway bridge, and they did not hang around in finishing off the job, bumping about 100m after the motorway bridge, Up 3 in total, an ecstatic happy team!
M3	Tuesday. Row Over. Despite a draw resulting in a first day racing between two M2 boats, M3 rowed up to the start unperturbed. An aggressive start and a poor line from a chasing crew kept M3 in station with the crew in front and comfortably leading the chasing crew. However, with two early bumps in quick succession either side, M3 were soon left with an empty river and an easy row over. Wednesday. Bumped Queens’ M4! M3 began the day with one mantra – bump, or be bumped by the turbo charged Jesus crew behind them. Sure enough, whistles were soon blaring from either side and it was just a question of which boat could finish it first. With overlap on both sides coming into First Post corner, a stunning display of composure sealed the bump for M3 along with a much stronger position for the races to come. Thursday. Bumped Caius M3! A new day and practically a new boat, as M3 pulled out all the stops for some of the best pieces of rowing they have ever done. A clean start saw M3 quickly pull away from Queens’ and rapidly gain whistles on Caius, with more soon following for a decisive bump before First Post corner. Saturday. Bumped Trinity Hall M3! M3 were in no mood to mess around today. After a strong row down, we had closed Tit Hall M3 to 3/4 of a length before our boatman could catch up on his bike. From there it was not even clear which whistles were which as we closed down rapidly, bumping out less than 10 strokes after the motorway bridge. In the end, M3 are up 3 – congratulations on a fantastic Lents campaign!