Corpus M1 power off the start
Here follows a report for Corpus M1, courtesy of Le Capitane, M’sieu Meurice:
The preceding two weeks of catch work had paid dividends, creating an extra gear to race in and now the crew were able to maintain a far higher pace. Consequently, it was decided to front-load the race by attacking early outside the Boat Houses in order to find the distinctive Corpus Rhythm. Chasing a pair of slower crews while being chased by an Oxford 1st Division college (who showed their intent by requesting an extra time game) was not an ideal starting position but regardless this was forgotten in lieu of our own race plan. The early pace was strong, which combined with wonderful racing lines by cox Liz Haslemere kept the scum at bay. However we were not able to pass the first crew in front of us until we were caught ourselves at the Railway Bridge. The result was a chaotic three-a-breast dash to get ahead. With several blade clashes and our extra gear serving us well, the Oxford college moved out in front and we burst ahead of the third crew. It took us a little while to recover from the clash but we then ambitiously set our sights on a flailing Addenbrookes crew ahead. The race plan seemed ignored at that time as the boys did not let the rate down at all and we strove to make up some 5 lengths in the remaining kilometre. A solid performance around Grassy corner and far less shortening up allowed us to attack the finish line with overlap on Addenbrookes. Overall a pleasing and fun way to finish 8 weeks of hard work that does not disguise the hard work put in.
Report about the mighty W1 to follow, once the women’s captain has gotten around to it… In the mean time, here they are:
W1 post-Fairbairns