The crew that arrived at the Boat House today was a different one to the one which had appeared on days previously. This crew displayed an air of relaxed focus that quite simply had not been present on the previous two days. There was no way we were going to allow ourselves to get bumped a third time and this was our very last opportunity as a crew to show just what we knew we were capable of. Nothing was going to stop us from proving to eachother and the coaches that we had the speed necessary to warrant a place in the top of division one.
Our row down to the start was focussed and our starts were better than they had been on the previous two day - although there were some way off those which we had achieved in training a few weeks previously. For Charlie and I this would be the last bumps races that we would be taking part in since we are due to graduate, while for everone else bar Nick, this race would be the culmination of their first May bumps as part of M1. We got into the boat on the four minute gun with something to prove.
The ear shattering report of the starting cannon sounded and so began what was one of the most epic races and turn-arounds in form that I have ever experienced. Down first post reach, we pushed hard off the Tit Hall crew behind (who had beaten us at Poplar regatta earlier in term) extending the gap to approximately two boat lenghts, while initiallly gaining-on and then settling to keeping station with Pembroke who had Downing in their sights. I knew that how we reacted coming first post corner would be the defining moment of our race - whether we would prove what we knew we could do, or wether we would fail. Coming in to the corner, there was an initial wobble, however, as a monstrous cheer from the Pimms tent on the exit of the corner our resolve strengthened, we sat-up, relaxed and banished all thoughts of tension and worry from our minds.
From here on we knew it was going to be fight to the very end. We stuck to our race plan, called pushes when planned and rated 36 for the whole course with good cover. Twice Tit Hall pushed and made notcieable approcaes inside stations, but we simply hardened-up and pushed them away again. Coming out of the Railway Bridge Kate called the wind to the finish, and this is where our confidence and determination really showed through - the rate came-up nicely and cover increased. We were going to finish this one in style. We crossed the line with Tit Hall well behind, having shown our true colours. On getting out of the boat however, I was actually much more impressed by our speed relative to the boat in front - Pembroke. The day before, Pembroke bumped up opposite The Plough, however, apparently today we held station with them all the way to Ditton corner and onto the top of the Reach. They only started to pull away when they began to make their kill move on Downing (who they got just before the railway bridge).
I couldnt be happier with the result. It has been recognised by many of our coaches that we had the potential to be a seriously quick crew and we finally confirmed this view.
Although overall this May Bumps we went down two places, we were bumped by two of the quickest boats on the river, both stacked with light-weights and one noteable Olympian/Blue. However, what made the most difference to our results was the way we acted under pressure. When pushed, the relative inexperience of the crew made its presence felt and untlimately led to our being bumped. However, we were also able to prove that eventhough we were inexperienced, we had the resolve and determination to conquer our nerves and put down a fantastic row of whcih we, our coaches and our supporters can be very proud of. It is this ability to conquer you nerves that really separates the men from the boys and on Saturday of the May Bumps 2009 I think the crew changed from boys to Men. And Woman ;-) . I am so proud!
On behalf of the crew and the rest of the boat club, I would like to say thank you to Rob Jeffrey and the rest of the coaches who have so selflessley given their time to coach us this year. I would also like to say thank you to Paul and Fi who have as usual been there for us whenever we need them. On a personal note, I would also like to thank the whole boat club for making this year as Mens Captain and member of Q.C.B.C so enjoyable for me - I don't remember there ever being such a strong bond between the Men and the Women of the club as there has been this year and long may it continue! I would also like to say thanks to Kate and Nick who haved saved me from my terrible admin skills on more than one occasion!
Ed x
