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