A note from the presidentIt's hard to find the right words to do justice to the week that Eddies has just had during the May Bumps. Unbelievable, extraordinary, sublime, exceptional, historic, momentous would be just a few that spring to mind!  Richard Naisby presenting the Pegasus Cup for most successful college in the May Bumps 2025 We had high hopes of a good week but I don't think anyone could have predicted, or even dare dream, of having a perfect week, achieving 13/13 successful bumps, taking home two sets of blades, one set of super blades AND the much sought after Pegasus Cup! I would be interested to know when/if any of the Cambridge colleges last achieved such a feat....In 2008 we came home with three sets of blades & the Pegasus Cup, however two of those were technical blades meaning that the crews went +4 but rowed over on one of the days - an exceptional year, topped only by our crews of 2025!  SECBC Class of 2025 Having been President of SECBC for the last two years, it has been an absolute privilege to watch the club go from strength to strength and I am so proud to see everyone's hard work come to fruition. In the words of Matt Heywood "NOW YOU KNOW!". I must thank our committee of 2024/25 and in particular our captains, Justin Wei & Shannon O'Shea, who have made the successes of this year possible - you did it! Absolute heroes! I would also like to thank our W2 crew who sadly missed out on the GOR by just 2s but their support on the bank during the week was hugely appreciated by us all. Your time will come, of that I have no doubt.  Finally, a most heartfelt thank you from me to our honorary presidents Paul, Lily & Andy (pictured right). The clubs biggest supporters for so many years, you make so much possible for us. Indeed this year alone you helped secure a new boat, new oars, the design of our new blazers, and now of course TRIPLE BLADES! We are so very grateful for all you do. Race reports from our captains IN RACE DAY ORDERM2
DAY 1 Spirits were inflated from the glowing GoR rites, yet the abyss of expectation gaped wide. Panic crept in upon whispers that a comrade wandered foreign lands, begging blessings from dusty saints in Santiago. Yet true power needs no prayers. Our quarry, Peterhouse M4—no, their M3 hidden beneath false banner—lay ripe for slaughter. Clare Hall lurked, dreaming foolish dreams. The Ukrainian valkyrie, Yuliia, urged: “Get hard, stay hard, finish hard.” And lo, Clare Hall crumbled like soft cheese, while Peterhouse surrendered swiftly, their hull violated by our prow. Lily’s war cry erupted—an obscene echo of primal conquest. DAY 2 Sidney awaited, sterner prey, yet weak before our destiny. The prey resisted, spirited yet doomed. Yuthika steered the chariot true, until Grassy corner became their watery grave. Yet legend demands absurdities—Wildon, mad warrior, heeding no commands, threatened mutiny. Furious cries erupted: “HOLD IT UP! 2 & 4, TAP! TAP! Wildon! WILDON! EMILE! Obey me, gods curse you!” Only grudgingly did order resume. Then Wildon, in post-race debrief, claimed: “I think my blade was stuck. I couldn’t take a tap.” Video replay says otherwise. Lies now immortalised forever on the SECBC Wall of F/Sh-ame. DAY 3 Facing FaT M4, crew brimming with nervous trepidation. Yet, Yuthika, Amazonian steerswoman, again led with ruthless precision. Whistles heralded triumph, though FaT whispered lies of near victory against Selwyn. Lies easily disproven—what shame upon their mathematicians, unable even to count their dishonor. Yet our bowman, ever eager for infamy, turned to mock the conquered with victorious fist-bump—another proud fine to adorn our legacy. True warriors scorn petty rules. DAY 4 Selwyn, trembling beneath the shadow of fate, awaited final judgment. Yet doubt whispered foolish stratagems—rush early or linger? Prophets Angus & Yuliia commanded simplicity: row as you always have, ferocious, proud, unthinking. FaT faded into oblivion; whistles pierced the air, a joyous crescendo. The moment eternalized before first-post corner, blades seized with ruthless ecstasy. Victory absolute, divine, barbaric—worthy of immortality.  W1 Eddies eagles
Day 1 First day of bumps and we were feeling ready - if a little nervous. The sun was blazing, and looked like it would be all week. Matt reassured us that this would probably be our ‘easiest day’ - but we weren’t so sure. We rowed up to the start, locked in for the race, and spirits were high - M2 had just bumped! After a solid start, we settled into our rhythm and before we knew it, whistles were flying. Ahead of us bump between Tit Hall II and Maggie II caused carnage. We just managed to get the bump before having to hold it up - there was no space to clear. A 4 boat pileup occurred and the entire division behind us had to re-row. There were a tense few minutes while we waited to see if we had the bump, but a handshake between Matt and the umpire confirmed it: it was ours. Day 2 We were feeling good. Matt changed his mind - yesterday had actually been our hardest day. Today would be fine. With all three boats in our club bumping on Day One, the pressure was on to keep the streak alive. We had a clean start and were on whistles for Tit Hall II pretty quickly, bumping them before First Post Corner. A relatively late concession made clearing tricky again, and caused yet more carnage behind us. But we had our bump. Two days, two races, two bumps. Day 3 This was the big day. Bumping again would mean we’d be the sandwich boat and have a shot at moving up to Division 2. First up, we were chasing Maggie II - and we caught them with a solid, straightforward bump. No drama. We marshalled again for our first race in Division 2. Matt warned us this might be our longest row yet. But we like to prove him wrong: we bumped Caius II just after Newnham Bridge! Div 2 baby! Day 4 The final day. Super blades were on the line. With M2 already on blades, the stakes were getting higher. Today, for the first time, we were chasing a first boat: Darwin W1. We braced for a longer race. But when the cannon went, we were on them fast - a powerful row saw us bump them just after Newnham Bridge! Super blades secured!! Rowing home with the flag was incredible - though we had to hand it off to M1, who were also on for blades (a great problem to have).  M1 The beef barge
DAY 1 The fateful day the Beef Barge made its full crew debut. Nerves were jangled as Darwin M1 struck by surprise, having double overbumped into the station behind us. Still, the Barge found its deadly rhythm. 1st whistle under A14—the hunt was ON. Catz M2 blazed off the start, earning two whistles, but then quickly faded. The Barge stalked relentlessly, devouring the water between them before claiming blood at First Post. DAY 2 Downing M2 had humiliated the Barge in 2023—payback time. Rory kissed the first corner too tight, risking disaster in the reeds, but the Barge fought back with bovian "legs-and-hips" power. By A14, half a length separated predator from prey. Downing's wash churned desperately as they felt the Barge's hooves thundering. "CONCEDE!" roared Rory and Angus. The bump, and Angus’s grovelling masterclass, were worth the umpire impersonation fine. DAY 3 Do or die. Sidney stood between the Barge and glory, as they chased the spooning Jesus M2. Rory's battle cry echoed: "Now or never, boys!" Three crews, two sets of overlap, one Grassy corner, pure chaos. Rory held the line like a maestro (CamFM certified) while Sidney crumbled, going wide. BUMP! "One of the best ever" gasped Emeritus M1 rower, Kai. Matt launched his blade in triumph, body turned and bellowing, before the Barge had parked. Rory, exasperated, had to "HOLD IT UP" himself. Footage of a raging umpire and a sheepish Matt available on demand. DAY 4 The final reckoning. Our best start as hari krishna mantras blared under the A14. Suddenly, half a length to Jesus M2—this was it. Rory shattered the expectant air: "55 YEARS—TRIPLE BLADES—MAKE HISTORY—ANNIHILATE THEM!" The boat ERUPTED and surged. 16 apocalyptic strokes later, Jesus M2 lay motionless, their cox catapulted by George's blade. Symbolic. The Barge had done it: an Eddie’s M1 blade for the first time in 15 years. "Why did we randomly decide we can row at twice the speed?" joked Douwe. Matt, risking nerve damage, took to the cox seat with theatrical flag bearing flair on the row home. Meanwhile, Rory crabbing 362 times in stroke confirmed what we all knew: there’s only one seat he’s built for.  And finally, the moment that Eddies crews of 2025 became etched in college rowing immortality, in the words of the CUCBC cannon gods "DEFEND YOUR EARS":
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One of our most successful lent bumps campaigns of recent years! Our W1 crew went a fabulous +3 and were extremely unlucky to miss out on blades! M1 had a really tough draw being sandwich boat and had to race a total of 8 times!!!! They finished with +1 and are looking forward to a very exciting Mays campaign with lots of returners..  Easter term rowing with St Edmund’s College Boat Club M1 - more commonly known as the Beef Barge - was a joy. Our coach Angus departed for the final weeks of training to India, but we gratefully had a previous coach, George, step in. The M1 line up was largely the same as in Lent Bumps - Alannah (cox), Tom (stroke), Martin (7), Alex F (6), Alex M (5), Seppe (3), and Justin (2) all returned. We were also joined by Jack in the 4 seat who had previously been rowing for 99s, and Harry in bow who had returned from trialling with the CUBC Lightweights squad. Day One of May Bumps saw the Beef Barge being chased by Catz M2, fierce competition but we went in with a fighting attitude nonetheless. The crew took off after a speedy race start, but unfortunately was caught by Catz M2 on the reach, holding them off for around 1.7km.  Day Two saw Eddie’s M1 keen for a revenge bump after the previous day. The crew took off at great speed, motivated even further by hearing Angus’s whistles from the bank telling us that we were catching up to the crew in front and - perhaps - able to get the bump. Unfortunately a mishap in the boat meant that we lost Catz II and were caught by Sidney M2.  Day Three was a mission to catch Sidney M2, something that the Beef Barge has wanted since being bumped by them in Mays 2023. The attitude was a positive one on the bank, and the crew took off at great speed. Sadly for us, Sidney managed to catch Catz M2 who were in front of them. Fortunately, we were far speedier than Magdalene M2 and, without any fear of them catching us, the Beef Barge had an impressive row. Whilst disappointing to have not got a bump in, the attitude in the boat was altogether a happy one knowing that we were no longer set for spoons! Much cheering from the bank and crews that we rowed past meant that the row home was a joyous one.  The final day of Bumps brought much support from the bank which was absolutely brilliant to see - including our own bank party being double what is allowed. Armed with blue face paint done by the wonderful Liz, the Beef Barge rowed up to the starting line. We were once again chasing Catz M2 which felt like a full circle moment and we were hungry for the bump. Unfortunately, once again, the crew that we were chasing managed to bump the crew in front. This time, though, we fought to get the over-bump. This meant that it was a race all the way to the finish line. Although we didn’t manage to get it, we finished on one whistle - and insist that we would have caught them by top finish!  I’d like to extend a huge congratulations and well done to all of those who rowed in May Bumps, and especially to Eddie’s M1 who have had a wonderful year. Half of our May Bumps crew noviced in Michaelmas of this year, and to see how far they have come has been absolutely wonderful. The dedication and commitment has been really admirable, despite the horrible weather that we’ve faced for most of the year. We went from super-spoons last year to -2 this year, and whilst it’s not the result that we would have hoped for, things are going up for Eddie’s M1 - watch this space! A massive congratulations to the Women’s and AFAB crew who got blades this year, we absolutely loved rowing past you on the way to the starting line every day and being able to cheer your massive accomplishments. Yeah Eddie’s!
What a phenomenal week our Eagles had during May Bumps - bumping up every day in superb style they finished the week with the glorious accolade of blades. Truly well deserved after a year of intense training, ergs & races! The week has been beautifully summarised below by our wonderful women's captain Elizabeth: Day 1 – Chasing Newnham III, Chased by St. Catherine’s II Result: Bump! (+1) Even after winning their divisions in Head of the Cam, Spring Head to Head, and Champs Head leading up to this Bumps campaign, the Eagles were apprehensive on the first day of bumps. The Eagles had come a long way since Lents—they knew they were fast but were also afraid to jinx anything. They need not have been afraid. In the quickest bump of the W3 division, the Eagles caught Newnham III before first post corner! With three shout outs on CAM FM, Eddies were dubbed one of the boats to watch!  Day 2 – Chasing Emmanual III, Chased by Newnham III Result: Bump! (+1) Pumped after their bump the day before, the Eagles were back on station 7 for day 2 of bumps. Station 7: the dreaded ‘under the bridge’ position. With smoke blowing in their faces and the bang echoing around them, Eddies still managed to pull of a strong start. A bit more frantic than the day before, the Eagles still managed to catch Emma just past first post corner for a quick bump! We got yet another shout out from CAM FM who called us 'fierce' which is pretty accurate.  Day 3 – Chasing Queens’ II, Chased by Emmanual III Result: Bump! (+1) Now on the other side of the dreaded bridge, Eddies had the challenge of steering past the outflow during their starting sequence. Luckily, Cox Rory came dressed for the occasion (literally in a suit and mismatched dress shoes under his waterproofs: you dress for success when you’ve got bumps at 5pm and a formal at 7pm). At the third cannon the Eagles exploded off the start line, leaving Emma in the dust as they went hunting for Queens. In their longest race of the campaign, Eddies caught Queen’s II around grassy corner and the bump was captured from multiple angles (see our Vivaldi-remix hype reel). Day 4 – Chasing Clare II, Chased by Queens’ II Result: Bump to BLADES! (+1) Sitting at a comfortable +3, the Eagles kept reminding themselves that a good crew goes +3 and a lucky crew gets blades. Clare II had rowed over every other day meaning that, while there were probably more fatigued, they consistently demonstrated that they were a fast and consistent crew. So, the Eagles prepared themselves for a long, clean, and consistent row. In hindsight, they need not have worried. With their big woman strokes, the Eagles hit the strongest, cleanest stride they had all year; truly rowing as a team. They caught and nearly surpassed Clare before first post reach, when the Clare cox finally conceded after our bow nearly hit their 5’s blade! For the first time since 2016, W1 was able to row home with our flag held high! Coxed by Rory and powered by the formidable 8—Sophie, Maddy, Alyssa, Xen, Emma, Shannon, Paulina, and Kathy—this boat has made Eddies history as the third women’s boat to ever win full blades in Mays. As the boat pieced by the Plough to thunderous applause, even stoic Coach Matt shed a few tears of joy. The Women’s Captain shed a few happy tears too when she welcomed the crew home to the 99s Boathouse (some of which when writing this, her last race report). Over three years, this crew has gone from spooning in Lents to Blades in Mays. And while this is a major accomplishment, it feels like just the beginning of the greatness Eddies is capable off. The Eagles are off to celebrate and will see you next year!   Day 1 - The first day of Bumps saw the return of the Beef Barge, debuting as the sandwich boat between Divisions 2 and 3. Our first race was from Station 1 of Division 2, being chased by Queens’ M2. The boys put in a good fight against Queens’ who eventually got bumped by Magdalene M2 leaving us to settle into a rate 19 paddle to the finish, warranting some high praise from CamFM. Our second race was at the bottom of Division 2, chasing Clare M2. After an incredible start and huge determination from the boys, we caught Clare within 750m, Eddie’s Men’s first Lent term bump in recent memory! Day 2 - Rest day. Day 3 - After a day of rest, the Beef Barge returned ready to bump FaT M2, chased by sandwich boat Magdalene M2. With another excellent race start, we pulled away from Magdalene and closed on FaT by half a length before carnage ensued ahead. Alannah having to slam rudder, carnage also ensued inside the boat and eventually we were caught by Magdalene M2 and returned as the sandwich boat. Day 4 - M1 were back and determined for another rower and bump scenario. First race of the day and Eddie’s had an incredible row over. It looked like Clare M2 were going to return the favour and bump us, but determination from the boat meant that we prevailed and Clare M2 got bumped by Fitz M2. From then on, Queens’ M2 went for the over bump but the Beef Barge didn’t give up and raced it all the way to the finish - definitely one of the more exciting races we’ve done. Back to the bottom of Div 2 chasing Magdalene M2 for the next race. Unfortunately more carnage up ahead and we had to hold it up, resulting in both crews getting a technical row over and ruining our chances of playing the long game and bumping them on the reach. Day 5 - Last minute cox change due to me being struck by illness. The incredible Shannon took over at the P&E after bumping with W1. Again, we were going for a row over, knowing it would be a tough job against Fitz M2 who were going for blades. The boys put in a good fight but eventually got bumped - Fitz, you’re welcome for the blades.  Day 1 – Chasing Christ’s II, Chased by Trinity Hall II – Result: Bumped (-1) Eddies were keen beans being the first crew of the day to row past headquarters earning them a cheer from CUCBC still setting up their tent. Perhaps a little nervous as it was the first bumps race for three of our rowers, we marshalled underneath the dreaded A14 bridge next to the cannon. After many failed attempts to locate the ring for the bung, a brave CUCBC member held onto the chain as we were pushed off. At the cannon, Eddies put up a good chase to Christ’s II but Christ’s II were able to bump Emma III just before first post corner. Having to swing wide to avoid the clearing boats, Tit Hall II snuck up behind the Eagles, able to take the direct path. Eddies did a valiant effort of holding Tit Hall off through the gut putting on a burst of speed down plough reach. Unfortunately, Tit Hall II caught Eddies as we turned onto the reach. Three cheers to Trinity Hall II who ended their bumps campaign with blades! Day 2 – Chasing Trinity Hall II, Chased by Clare Hall - Result: Bumped (-1) Rallying from their bump yesterday, W1 was now further from the cannon but with a proper ring in the ground for their bung. Preparing for a hard race, Eddies sped off at the cannon fire. Tit Hall II slipped away quickly bumping Emma III ahead of them. Clare Hall managed to catch up to Eddies around first post corner, bumping us in the gut. Three cheers to Clare Hall who also ended their bumps campaign with blades! Day 3 - Rest day Day 4 – Chasing Clare Hall, Chased by St. Catherine’s II – Result: Row Over (0) After two disappointing days, Eddies returned rested for Day 4. The action happened around Eddies today. Speeding off at the cannon, Clare Hall quickly bumped Emma III in front of Eddies and behind Addies caught Cats II after missing them the day before. As Eddies rowed past the plough, they were miles ahead of the last racing boat and settled into a strong r26 to finish the 2.6km course. This row over was some of the strongest rowing W1 had done all term and, in the words of our president: “Rowing is fun again.” The Eagles were back! Day 5 – Chasing Emmanuel III, Chased by Addenbrooke’s – Result: BUMP! (+1) After the clean row over the day before, Eddies were ready to turn their campaign around. At the cannon, Eddies started their hunt for Emma III in what would turn out to be a short chase with coach Matt blowing the first whistle halfway down first post reach. Keeping each stroke long and maintaining control on their slides coming forward, Eddies caught Emma just before the corner awarding W1 their first Lent bump since the pandemic! With three cheers to Emmanuel III, Eddies rowed back with greenery in their hair. Now with a true understanding of the chaos that is bumps, the Eagles are keen to train over the break, get those UT2 miles in, push for those watts, and come back in Easter stronger than ever. The road to May bumps begins now!  The authentic eye (and ear) witness account of how St. Edmund’s House College won its first oar14/2/2024 It was an absolute treat to receive this first hand account recalling the escapades of the 1975/76 crew and their successful blades campaign (back when St. Edmund's college was St. Edmund's House).
In the year of our Lord 1975, or indeed in any year preceding the year of our Lord, 1975, St. Edmund’s House College (henceforth referred to as St. Eddies) did not have a crew on the river. Or rather, to be more precise, St. Edmund’s had a boat that rowed on the river, but that boat was not allowed to row in the May Bumps. That may have been a good thing as it was leaky old tub commonly dubbed the “BA Ordinary.” In order to attain such a privilege, a crew would have had to endure a horrific ordeal, i.e. the May Bumps Getting-On Race (MBG-0R) to determine if such crew was worthy. St. Eddies (quite rightly at the time) deemed itself unworthy, or at least knew full well that we would not meet the challenge. Technically, MBG-0R is described as follows:  We were now at the head of our division (the bottom division, that is) and only needed to not get run up into the trees ourselves. Things were going smoothly until our coach, Mr. Bruce Elsmore, could be heard shouting, “Number 5, reach out; lean back.” Then silence from our leader; then, “Keep it up; keep it up.” The unlikely occurred. The seat upon which the able bottom of number 5 resided broke. It froze up. It would not move and number 5 wound up sitting on the rails, manfully trying to keep the pace with the other crew members. ¡Non pasarán! And no one did pass. We won our oar.  The banquet was a huge success. Monsieur Demers was carried into the hall (he could not walk on his own; the drinking had been going on for hours). The Master, beaming, mumbled appreciative words. Our Captain was singled out for praise for without his wiles, we would not have been in the Bumps at all. Mr. Elsmore was lauded for turning us into a passable [4] crew. Mesch’s leadership, Tyndal’s steady hand, Stoeger’s calm assurance, Barratt’s style, Halliday’s experience and Hauck’s strength were enthusiastically lauded. Macy’s ample foundation and stubborn doggedness were gratefully recognized as well. [1] This account is by an American. All spelling and grammar are correct (for an American).
[2] An excellent sherry for those who like a true aperitif. Indeed, the words “cream” and “sherry” should not even enjoy a nodding acquaintance. Cream is for cakes. [3] Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs http://www.cucbc.org/mays/gor [4] More accurately, perhaps, “unpassable.” W1: Rowover (+0) On day 4 Eddie’s W1 were chasing Newnham to reclaim their favourite station 7 under the motorway bridge. Chased for a third time but Catz II, Eddie’s Eagles left them in the dust but were unable to catch the formidable Newnham and rowed over for a third day. Ending up on -1 the women were happy with their performance and eager to reclaim station 7 next year. M1: Bumped (-1) Concluding their eventful bumps campaign, the M1 Spice Boys were chasing Sidney M1 and looked to get them back for their bump on Day 1. With a strong start, the Spice Boys reached within striking distance Sidney, only for the speedy Jesus M2 to catch them before they could secure the bump. Ending the campaign - 6, the Spice Boys will be starting next year eager to improve. Nonetheless, they did well, displaying incredible spirit and endurance in the face of unexpected challenges. We commend both crews for their dedication and hard work over the last few months and for demonstrating their commitment to the club and the college. We are confident that they will be back stronger next year W1: bumped by Newnham W3 (-1) On day 3 the W1 Eagles were in full spirits as the first bump of the campaign approached after 2 days of row overs. Sandwiched between a catch-able Emmanuelle III in front, and a speedy Newnham III behind, the race was going to be an exciting one. After a speedy race start the women quickly got a whistle (within one boat length of Emma), then 2 whistles (within half a boat length of Emma), all whilst keeping Newham a station (1.5 boat lengths) behind them. The Eagles kept this distance for around a kilometre. When they rounded onto the reach however the Newnham crew sped up, and after another 500 meters caught the exhausted Eddie’s crew. An impressive display of effort from the women, they are left vengeful, and ready to reclaim station 7 tomorrow. They will be chasing Newnham III and will be chased by St. Catharines II. M1: Over-bumped by Downing M2 Starting their row with high spirits, the M1 Spice Boys were looking forward to a good day of racing after having to contend with rigger difficulties in the last two days. Chasing Homerton M1, they exploded off their station with a blistering start that saw them avoid a bump by Sidney M1. Despite putting up a valiant row that saw them get close to Homerton, they were unable to keep the Downing M2 juggernaut at bay and conceded an over bump. Nonetheless, having displayed some of their best rowing this year, the Spice Boys will be looking to return the favour as they chase Sidney M1 on the last day. W1: row-over (+0) On the first day of bumps, the W1 Eagles flew down the full length of the bumps course hunting Hughes Hall W1. After gaining a little ground with a speedy race start, the Eagles maintained a station (1.5 boat lengths) for the majority of the bumps course. The Eagles were chased by St. Catharine’s W2, who flew at them off the start and then dropped several boat lengths by the end of the reach. All three crews ‘rowed over’, i.e didn’t bump or get bumped, and so the Eagles, perpetually station 7 (and next to the canon) will have a repeat of today’s race tomorrow, but with renewed confidence after significantly holding off Catz and keeping up with Hughes down the whole course. M1: Bumped (-1) Concluding an eventful first day of bumps, the M1 Spice Boys are one down after giving Sidney M1 a tough challenge. Facing a snapped Rigger right before the start of the race, the Spice Boys' hopes of racing were kept alive by the heroic actions of wonder bank party Robert, which saw him race to and from the boat house to perform an emergency re-rigging operation just as the 4-minute cannon went off. Rigger fitted and crisis averted, the Spice Boys kept Sidney M1 away for a significant while before conceding a bump to them. All things considered, the Spice Boys are raring to go and will be looking to return the favour to Sidney tomorrow. |
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