Henley Saturday

The VIII's Henley campaign came to a close fought end against St Andrew's, USA this morning.  The VIII took an early lead of between half and three quarters of a length, but St Andrew's countered powerfully through the middle of the course, to take the lead before the enclosures.  The final verdict was half a length.  You can find a more effusive account here http://www.standrews-de.org/athletics/Henley/index.aspx

In the other semi-final Radley took a very slight early lead, but were undone by a very impressive Abingdon performance, to the tune of three quarters of a length.  Abingdon beat the long standing course record for the PE by 3 seconds, posting a time of 6.19.  It is hard to see them coming off second best tomorrow, and the calibre of their performance today means that they deserve our support in endeavouring to keep the trophy on home shores.

Elsewhere, Harvard's freshmen succumbed to Cal, and it is hard to see them not dealing with the Dutch tomorrow.  In the battle of Captains of Boats past, Mike Evans with Leander beat Ant Locke with Harvard in the Ladies.  Mike will face the Germans tomorrow and we wish him well.  If you're heading to Ladbrookes put your house (or at least the West wing of it) on Upper Yarra to win the Thames.  Temple or Ladies next year I think Alex...

Some final times for tomorrow:
1140 - Temple (worth watching Cal)

1200 - Ladies

Leisurely lunch (or take a chance on the pair)

1450 - Thames

1510 -  PE

1530 - Grand

Dodge traffic by leaving at 1537

 

 

Henley Friday update

The VIII progressed safely into the semi-finals today against Sophie-Barat Schule of Germany.  The Germans showed considerably more speed than they had done earlier in the week, but The VIII steadily extended their lead down the course to win by one and a quarter lengths.  This was a much more assured performance, with their quickest times to Fawley and over the course thus far, without being hard pressed through the enclosures.

Elsewhere in the event there were some cracking races and some fast times.  St Andrews School, USA had to row through a very fast starting Hampton to win by a canvas, and Radley were pushed hard by Shrewsbury.  Both schools recorded times of 6.23, one second outside the long-standing course record.  Abingdon progressed more comfortably against St. Edwards, again posting quick times.  Whatever the results, there will be three great races in what is proving to be a vintage year in the PE.  The VIII were nip and tuck with St Andrews at Marlow, so we wish them well for what will be a close encounter tomorrow.

The VIII race St Andrews at 1150, Abingdon race Radley at 1600.

OE interest is now confined to the Temple and the Ladies.  Harvard's freshmen in the Temple against Cal at 1010 will have a tough job on their hands.  I hope I'm right in saying Ant Locke and Mike Evans will face each other in the Ladies at 1520 (didn't buy a programme today, sorry).  Alex Henshilwood's gathering of Australians might have their first race on their hands against Molesey in the Thames at 1730, but I wouldn't bet against them...