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...

Friday racing

The VIII race at 1520 tomorrow. Stay around for Radley against Shrewsbury at 1540.

Henley Thursday - 2nd VIII and others

This evening the 2nd VIII faced Imperial College (containing Henry Goodier OE), a selected crew in what is proving to be a very competitive Temple Challenge Cup this year.  If you are in Henley over the next three days, there should be many close races and fast times to come in this event.  Anyway, back to today, it was always going to be a tall order, and Imperial moved steadily out to a lead of around 4 lengths before reducing their rate of striking.  The 2nd VIII rowed well, posting a faster time than yesterday (6.47), and closed to just over a length at the line.  It was a dignified end to what has been an excellent season for these boys.

Elsewhere Harvard (Caspar Jopling and Max Monfared) progressed perhaps less comfortably than they might have liked.  Ben Bathurst went out in the Prince Albert in his Bristol four, Steve Hermes; quad progressed in the Prince of Wales.

Henley Thursday - The VIII

In their race against Canford this morning The VIII moved out to a lead of around two lengths by the Fawley marker.  The times to the Barrier (1.51) and to Fawley (3.10) were an improvement on yesterday's, and compare favourably with the times posted elsewhere in the event.  Canford pushed hard along the Enclosures which meant that The VIII, whilst not needing to push for the line, were not able to relax either.  The margin on the line was half a length.  No doubt the boys will feel there is more to come in the quarter-final tomorrow.

Races tomorrow

Tomorrow in the Princess Elizabeth The VIII will race Canford at 1105, in the Temple the 2nd VIII face Imperial College, London, at 1830.  Steve Hermes rows in his quad in the Prince of Wales at 1010.

Henley Wednesday

In our first race of the day today the 2nd VIII beat the University of Birmingham. In an exciting race they took an early lead of a quarter of a length. Some spirited defence saw them maintain a lead of between a canvas and a quarter of a length until the enclosures where they pulled away to win by two thirds of a length.
The VIII subsequently beat St Georges College comfortably, pulling away to a lead of 2 lengths to take control of the race by Fawley. They steadily reduced their rate to finish three quarters of a length ahead at 31.
Opponents and times for tomorrow to follow.