Robinson Head 2010: Reports

1st Men's Lent VIII - 2nd in M1 division
After two heavy weeks training, the crew were very tired, but entered the race with high hopes to continue our year's form. After a strong practice start on the way up, and a strong start off the line, we settled into a nice rhythm down FP reach. However, the power was clearly below norm, and repeated calls from Jon did not achieve the desired split. We settled on a compromise, and rowed a well sat boat through FP and Grassy. The first push was not great, but the second out of Ditton picked up the rate and split. Jon took a good line up the reach, and the finish push was the best of the race. We knew our time, and we knew it was unlikely to be enough. When the results arrived, it was great to still have beaten FaT, though Downing took us by 3 seconds. Looking forward to Bedford Head next weekend - Downing are there and hopefully FaT will be too.
C: J. Cribb S: P. Mildon 7: G. Savell 6: M. Richly 5: H. Dietert 4: A. Morgan 3: M. Clark 2: N. Gates B: C. Sturrock Coach: R. Jeffrey

2nd Men's Lent VIII - 1st in M2 division!!!
We knew with a full healthy crew a strong performance was due, particularly after last week's disappointing performance. Emily lined us up quickly behind Jesus M2 , setting off as soon as possible to give us something to chase. We settled pretty quickly, found a solid rhythm, and just eroded the gap gradually. Emily steered great lines through every corner to gain even more ground. The pushes were solid, particulalry on the reach where Charlie was updating us every half length gained, and Braj's traditional war cry motivated us even more. A final sprint off the railway bridge pulled us to within about 2 lengths of Jesus M2 by the finish, our time showing that we were the fastest M2, beating a few M1 crews along the way! The rowing was by no means perfect, even slightly scrappy in places, but our fitness work has really paid off. We felt the power didn't drop at any point in the race, and we know we can improve even more. Bring on bumps!
C: E. Thompson S: D. Pattinson 7: E. Kwong 6: C. Hansford 5: T. Mitchell-Williams 4: P. Lucas 3: D. Keeley 2: N. Bookbinder-Ryan B: B. Srigengan Coach: C. Adams

3rd Men's Lent VIII
No-one from this crew has written a race report yet.
C: R. Brown S: B. Lefroy 7: G. Steele 6: J. Burgess 5: R. Blencowe 4: P. Merchant 3: s. goodman 2: J. Baxter : L. Bargery