Day 1: Queens W2The most anticipated first day of bumps arrived and we were feeling confident, but also a little nervous. For our four crew members who hadn’t seen or raced bumps before, it was finally time for them to see what all the hype (and stress) was about. We had a nice row up and practised some rolling race starts, which gave us the much appreciated confidence boost we needed to settle before the race. Following our win in Pembroke Regatta we knew that it was within our capabilities to bump all the boats in our division. The cannon went and we had a mildly frantic start (good in the context of previous years and the nerves of the first day of bumps). We gained boat speed at the “stride” call which set us into a good rhythm. We gained on Queens quickly, and, with the final call for “legs, hips” we surged, bumping them just before First Post corner. Day one, done and dusted!  Day 2: Clare Hall W1Following the momentum we had gained from our bump the previous day we were confident that we would be able to replicate it again. We had a calm rolling start on the row up, although the previous division had run over again so we weren’t able to do our race start on the plough. This time we had a much more relaxed start and settled into a long rhythm. Yet again, we surged at the stride call and proceeded to bump at First Post again!  Day 3: Trinity Hall W2After an arguable unnecessary rest day - we hadn’t raced for more than 500m on either day so far! We finally had an opportunity to practise a standing start by the plough! It was a strong and calm start which fortified our confidence that we could bump again. Just before the race, Matt debriefed us that we needed to row long and its safe to say we delivered! We surged again at the final “long, hips” call and bumped Trinity Hall W2 at first post. What was supposed to be one of our hardest races proved to be beaten by our long rhythm. Spirits were high going into the final day.  Day 4: Caius W2 and LMBC W2Our toughest opponent of the week, Caius W2, had been "bumped" by LMBC (Caius had an unfortunate incident with the bank...) the previous day, meaning we would be racing them first in Division 3. We knew this was gonna be the toughest day. Sophie Lewis-Williams, our beloved stroke seat, said en route to the boathouse “ I want a fight”. And what a fight it was. We were powerful off the start and settled into a strong rhythm around First Post and Grassy. Coming into the Plough we were on three whistles- and that is where we sat for the next 500m. We could hear the roar of the crowd and Matt’s screaming was lost in the noise. We called for “long, hips”, “legs, hips” and Matt’s call to “stop using the rudder”, but to no avail Caius wouldn’t break. Approaching Ditton, we started to question how much energy was left in the tank. We were on the reach, the noise quietened and we finally found our rhythm together again! One last “long, hips” and the cox’s hand was up and we’d bumped. In retrospect, it was an exciting race, at the time it could only be described as “traumatic”. We were at the top of division 3 and it was our opportunity to make it to division 2.  After some much needed refueling and resting, we rowed all the way up to the lock for our last race (it felt far after we had just been at the top of the previous div). Caius W2 had bumped LMBC earlier in the week so we knew we could catch-them. The cannon went and we were strong off the start. With technical calls implemented under the motorway bridge, we gained quickly on LMBC. It was a calm row, and after the final “long, hips” we bumped them. We had achieved superblades! We got our greenery and, of course, the flag and began to row home. Rowing as a crew of friends past the Plough, flag held high with the roar of Eddie’s supporters from the bank is a lifelong memory we’ll never forget. 
0 Comments
Lent Bumps 2026 will go down as a landmark moment for St Edmund’s College Boat Club — because for the first time in the club’s history, Eddie’s fielded a Women’s Second Boat on the start line at Lent Bumps. That alone is extraordinary. But this crew didn’t show up just to make up the numbers. They showed up to race.  day 1 - Nerves, noise & new ground
 Day 2 - Chaos & composure
 day 3 - The setback
 day 4 - Grit to the end
 On paper: Row Over, Row Over, Bumped, Row Over But this campaign was never just about results. It was about:
Final Thoughts This crew faced everything Bumps could throw at them — nerves, chaos, resets, setbacks — and came out stronger. They didn’t just race. They set a new standard. Eddie’s W2 isn’t a one-off anymore. It’s the beginning of something bigger. Historic. Resilient. Proper Eddie’s energy. W2 — you’ve made your mark. #YeahEddies 💙🩵🩶 #W2Era 🚀  Pembroke Regatta was described to the uninitiated as “that cursed race” (Kathy Begley, President), and more reassuringly “We don’t row this for fun. We do because we have to” (Mirain Lloyd, Women’s Captain). Morale: high from the outset. In a knights move from Newnham head, Eddie’s arrived to marshaling early. Mirain insists this was the sheer power of the Eddies steady state paddle. Skeptics might attribute this to her pathological avoidance of lateness. Who’s to say? They say only time can tell; now if only the W1 could learn to tell time. The “land warm-up” featured yet another expert demonstration of conserving energy through complete physical stillness (we we’re saving up the watts, Mirain!). Wedged into the ‘why are you here already’ parking spot of shame, Eddie’s endured an oblique-destroying preview of the suffering to come. Paling in comparison, of course, to the perils endured by our cox whenever she comes down with yet another case of The Leaning. Entertainment during marshalling was provided by Sophie LW, who staged an unsolicited mic takeover and delivered the Word of the Day: laconic. Ironically. Race 1: Eddie’s vs Wolfson W2 | Win by 1.5 lengths Technique at the start of race 1 was at best, theoretical. The first 500 meters would come to be described by Matt Hunt as “not necessarily really moving the boat,” which does not do justice to what really was, to date, our best interpretation of a dyspraxic spider. Wolfson shot off the line and promptly exited the field of vision of stern pair. What followed was a 500m so emotionally harrowing that Matt later skipped the traditional post-race pub, citing his need “to lie down after all that”. Somehow undeterred, Eddie’s placed their trust in their rhythm - excellently set by Sophie LW and Kathy B, translated down the boat by Megan E, and 5 seat… well, 5 seat was given the highly technical instruction to “just put down watts”. After what has since been formally recorded as “the most dogs**te 500 meters” Eddie’s soared ahead to cross the finish line 1.5 boat lengths ahead. Wolfsons PB advice to “be brave but not too brave” was well intentioned and comprehensively ignored. Semi-Final: Eddie’s vs Churchill W2 | Win by 1.5 lengthsPanic levels at the start line were noticeably improved for round two, although not fully eradicated, especially as we watched (for the second time that day) the two boats racing right before us collide into each other within 20 strokes. Comforting. Fortunately, our line remained safely in the hands(-only taps) of expert bow pair Allie B-L and Maxanne M, which meant Eddie’s managed to save the bumping for Bumps (and the very occasional morning outing oopsie). This time, the Eddie’s existential crisis dissipated within 20 strokes before settling into a composed rhythm, dispatching Churchill by 1.5 boat lengths. Final: Eddie’s vs Emma W3 | Win by 3 lengthsBy the third attempt, something extraordinary happened. Eddie’s rowed well the entire race, securing not only a 3 boat length win, but an end to the longstanding Eddie’s x Pem regatta curse. We don’t know who lifted it suspect it may have required sacrifice. As per win-or-lose protocol, Eddie’s headed to the pub, where Allie B-L claimed a decisive victory in the category of “Most Unhinged Behaviour of the Week.” Bring on Bumps! Saturday: Eddie’s Eagles arrived to the meet time fashionably late, having prioritised pistachio croissants and an aggressive pre-race yap over something trivial like punctuality. Morale? High. Organisation? Theoretical. In a display of tactical innovation (read: numbers), we fielded a beautifully blended W1/2 composite; a boat built on coffee, compromise, and some mild confusion about seats. Leadership was briefly entrusted to a senior (who will remain nameless) who rose to the occasion by forgetting a small administrative detail: collecting the race numbers. Oops. On the water, the crew made great strides to further chaos. The only successful stride that day. Our cox, Nadia, who has spent the term being gently encouraged to project beyond a contemplative murmur discovered her inner motivational speaker on the start line and never looked back. The sudden vocal renaissance was so profound that Matt was heard shouting for her to “CALM DOWN”. Growth is not always linear. Eddie’s crossed the finish line to a deafening, relentless rally of “LEGS, HIPS” without ever - at least, according to ever-honest stroke Megan - having found a rhythm. Legend says they are still out there, searching. Bring on PembRoke!  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": As it stands SECBC is prepping four crews for the Mays with M2 & W2 subject to the getting-on-race....fingers crossed! The womens/AFAB side has been busy getting races in in preparation for the looming May bumps, with the mens/open side going into Mays incognito! It's all rather exciting as we have four CUBC returners so we have high hopes for an excellent campaign! Watch this space! W1 Winning champs head Collecting 1st prize at Radegund "Mile" Eddie’s W1 made it off Cam and on to the Tideway for Hammersmith head! The day started slightly-less-than-smoothly with a panic at 6.30, with a ‘leave without me’ text after a certain member of the crew read the meet time wrong. But no member of the crew is left behind, so they were collected en route!! We all made it to the UL boathouse, rigged and had a good old chat. With a mission of ‘follow 99s and do everything they do’, we boated. Almost immediately, Kate’s collar came off her blade, but we averted our second disaster of the day very smoothly. In what an anthropologist might call ‘deep hanging out’, W1 were stuck in a boat together for 3+ joyous hours. The row down was good, but marshalling was LONG. Long enough to develop a rivalry with crew 324, who seemed intent on being right up in our space. More on this later. Eventually, we turned and started the race. We had a LOVELY row together, and overtook almost 3 crews (including being right up on 324 - revenge is sweet). The rhythm was solid, the legs were strong - we had a consistently good row - and it was over before we knew it! Now Rory is known for unconventional coxing, but this was a new height. Choices were made, and we came out the racing line to undertake crews…Villains of the Tideway? It’s been said. The row home was long, very long, but we were in great spirits. Pausing most of the way so as not to overtake 99s, who we were still intent on following for support. When we got in, we found out we came SECOND in our category (by 6 seconds) which is a huge result!!! Derigged and went home - feeling excited for big things at WeHoRR!  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..  |
Our BlogKeep up to date with all our activities, race reports and other boatie related updates here! 
SOCIAL mediaArchives
March 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed