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NEWS

W2 win blades at May bumps!

30/6/2026

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🌟 W2 Bumps Report - By Kathy Begley🌟

There were times when the prospect of writing a post bumps race report seemed like an impossibility…but despite some trials and tribulations 😨 we got there - and my god we got there in some style in the end! Yeah W2 !!!

Having taken on W2 Captaincy part way through Easter 🐣 term we had a bit of push to get organised in time for the GOR, but thankfully due to general team work across the whole women’s side and the dedication of coach Toby, we came into the GOR quietly confident 💪🏼 . Although, this was not without drama as one of our rowers was struck by food poisoning 🤮 meer hours before race time! Thankfully our saviour Xen came to the rescue! A very solid row in diabolically windy 🌬️ conditions saw W2 officially “get on” for Mays. Apparently only the second time in Eddie’s history! 🥳

Day 1️⃣
This was, ahem, the first time our W2 actually rowed as a complete crew 👀🙈🫣, and they had the soon to be infamous Peterhouse W3 chasing them (I mean they bumped in the GOR let alone bumps!!)
After a good start, with albeit a fairly sedate rate, we were gradually gaining on Jesus W5, however Peterhouse were bearing down on us and coming into grassy they were on three whistles 📣. Our girls valiantly held them off and overlap was never achieved, but the bump did look inevitable. However, the bumps gods were in our favour 😮‍💨, Jesus failed to make the turn around grassy, and quite literally crashed out. At this point Toby & I on the bank knew that all they needed to do was to hold off PH until we had got past Jesus and thus got a bump ourselves…we roared at the crew “YOU HAVE GOT TO MOVE, NOW. EVERYTHING NOW!!!!” The crew had no idea what was happening but duly delivered, pulled away from house, overtook Jesus and got the bump. Still totally clueless as to what was happening, they now had to contend with pulling into grassy at race pace, trying not to impede the chasing PH crew. I can neither confirm, nor deny, the integrity of Dottie’s bow for the remainder of the week…🤕
A full 1m30s after “parking” (ahem..) Kiran finally realised we had in fact bumped 💥 and not conceded! It was quite the first day!

Day 2️⃣
Thrilled with the excitements of Day 1, and armed with a 3 time W1 blade winner (powerhouse Xen) in the boat 💪🏼, we were confident that we could hunt down Girton W3 with relative ease. Day 1 may have been a stroke of luck, but W2 absolutely smashed it Day 2 and smoked Girton by 1st post. Pure scenes from the Eddie’s squad - their first proper bump!!! 💥

Day 3️⃣
Full of confidence from Day 2 we were quietly confident (apart from Beth who takes pessimism to new heights 😅) that we would be able to pull off another bump today. We knew it would be a harder day chasing Newnham W4 but were feeling good. The main concern was that we were on the outflow station 😭…however we roped in an extra bank party (thanks Pablo) to hold bow’s blade so we didn’t start horizontal in the river. Tho we may have slightly over done it and almost took bowside out on the bank 😬 (!!) thankfully no one panicked and Alexis safely steered them out of trouble. Up ahead, Newnham had a good start and, unfortunately for us, Medwards had a distinctly sub optimal start. Newnham were instantly on whistles and although we were slowly gaining it looked like we were going to have to go for the overbump. However, for the second time in a week the bumps gods were in our favour 🙏. Newnham were on 3 whistles, but Medwards refused to give in, Newnham completely fell apart and we started to gain - quickly!! Our superb cox Alexis once again came into grassy with a spectacular line 👌 , the fading Newnham crew missed the apex and failed to turn, having to drop out the whole of stroke side so as not to crash ❗️, Alexis kept our crew on their perfect racing line 👏 and we once again undertook a crew on grassy!!!! Another fabulous bump 💥 (even if a little dramatic once again!!!)
Suddenly it dawned on us that the hunt for blades WAS ON!! 😲

Day 4️⃣
The nerves were real. No powerhouse sub in the boat, could they get it done? Could the good luck continue?! 🍀🤞 I was sure they could bump Medwards, but also aware that Medwards showed real tenacity the day before (👏) and may well manage to get their bump before we could hunt them down.
Confidence seemed a little low at Marshalling, but after a few pep talks the crew rowed up in fine style. With a fabulous burst down the reach and a great practice start it was time to give it everything. I had stayed back to assess Medwards and was sad to see their practice start also looked GOOD! The instructions to the crew “if you want this, you give it EVERYTHING for a 400m sprint. Do not hold back, do not leave anything out there”.
Well, with no outflow to contend with, the crew hunting for blades, another sublime start from Alexis, it was all over by 1st post 👏!!! The girls absolutely smashed it 🥳! I have never seen them row so well together 🥰. Despite a rather late (non existent) concession from the cox and multiple “bumps” the umpires called it and it was DONE! BLADES SECURED!!!!! WOW!!! 🤩 👏🥳💥

As a rower myself, this was my first experience of bumps from the bank and it was SO much fun!!! 🤩 I am SO proud of what W2 achieved, and how much they improved as a crew over the week 🥹. It was such an enjoyable experience and I am so delighted for each and every one of them. Novices to blades 💥💥💥💥 - what a way to sign off their first/only year in Cambridge! Yeah Eddies 💙🩵🩶
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W1 May Bumps Report

30/6/2026

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💙 W1 May Bumps 💙 - By Mirain Lloyd

After a fantastic Lent campaign, W1 headed into May Bumps excited to be racing in Division Two. The week began with a crew chew, making friendship bracelets for everyone to wear throughout the week and getting ourselves ready for four days of racing.
Although I wasn't in the boat this year, it was a privilege to support the crew from the bank as Women's Captain. Watching a term's worth of hard work come together, while seeing Bumps from a different perspective, gave me a whole new appreciation for just how exciting the racing is.

Day 1️⃣
The first day naturally brought a few nerves, but W1 settled quickly once the cannon fired. Chasing Emma II, they put together a composed race and secured the first bump of the week, giving everyone a huge confidence boost heading into the remaining three days.

Day 2️⃣
Day two saw W1 chasing Robinson I, with the expectation that they would bump the crew ahead and leave us with the chance of an overbump. The race unfolded exactly like that, with Robinson bumping at the Plough. W1 then had a long chase ahead, steadily closing the gap and continuing to push all the way down the Long Reach. Despite a huge effort from the crew, the distance proved just too much, and the race ended in a row-over. Although it wasn't the result we were hoping for, it was one of the strongest rows of the week and showed just how much determination the crew had.

Day 3️⃣
With Pembroke II ahead on day three, W1 knew another opportunity was there to be taken. They got away quickly and rowed a composed race, maintaining their rhythm while steadily applying the pressure. Their persistence paid off with another bump, setting up an exciting final day.

Day 4️⃣
The final day saw W1 chasing Newnham II, with an ever-growing crowd of Eddies supporters lining the towpath, including Kathy's parents, who had come to cheer the crew on. Despite Matt predicting the bump would happen at Grassy, W1 had other ideas, catching Newnham at First Post Corner. It was the perfect way to finish the week, followed by well-earned celebrations and a memorable row past the Plough with supporters cheering from the bank.

Three bumps and a row-over while chasing an overbump is a fantastic result and a fitting end to the season. This brought the women to highest they have been on the bumps charts ever. More importantly, the week summed up what makes rowing at Eddies so special, that is hard work, resilience, plenty of support and a crew that genuinely enjoys racing together. It was a privilege to watch from the bank, and I couldn't have been prouder of everything the crew achieved.
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Super Blades at Lent bumps for w1!

8/3/2026

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Day 1: Queens W2

The 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!
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Day 2: Clare Hall W1

Following 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!
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Day 3: Trinity Hall W2

After 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.
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Day 4: Caius W2 and LMBC W2

Our 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.
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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. ​
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W2 make history at Lent bumps

7/3/2026

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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.
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day 1 - Nerves, noise & new ground

  • The first cannon. The first strokes. The first ever outing for Eddie’s W2 in Bumps.
  • Lining up in an unfamiliar division, the crew held their nerve and delivered a composed, controlled row. In the chaos of Day 1, they kept it clean and consistent, finishing with a solid row over.
  • A calm, confident start — and a clear message:
    Eddie’s W2 belonged here.
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Day 2 - Chaos & composure

  • Day 2 brought drama.
  • After an initial start, the race was stopped and re-rowed, forcing crews to reset mentally and physically — never easy in Bumps. But Eddie’s W2 handled it with impressive composure.
  • Back on the start line, they went again. Same focus, same determination — and once again held their ground for another row over.
  • Two days in, and still holding strong.
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day 3 - The setback

  • Bumps is unforgiving — and Day 3 proved it.
  • Despite a determined row and real fight from the crew, Eddie’s W2 were bumped. A tough result, but one that’s part of the Bumps experience — especially in a competitive division.
  • It stung. Of course it did.
    But what mattered more was how the crew responded.
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day 4 - Grit to the end

  • Final day. One last chance to show what they were made of.
  • And they delivered.
  • Digging deep after the disappointment of Day 3, Eddie’s W2 produced another strong, composed row, holding off pressure behind and finishing with a final row over.
  • No collapse. No giving in. Just grit.
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On paper: Row Over, Row Over, Bumped, Row Over
But this campaign was never just about results.
It was about:
  • Making history as the first ever Eddie’s W2 in Lent Bumps
  • Proving the depth and growth of women’s rowing at Eddie’s
  • Holding their own across four days of intense racing
  • Laying the foundation for future W2 crews to build on
And that? That’s massive.
 
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 🚀
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w1 win pembroke regatta

21/2/2026

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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

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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 lengths

Panic 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 lengths

By 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!
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Newnham head race report

7/2/2026

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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!
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Eddies clean sweep at the mays secures the pegasus cup!

29/6/2025

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A note from the president

It'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! ​
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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!
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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.
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​
​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 ORDER

M2

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Coach Yuliia Bykhovets & Tom Birch
​Cox Yuthika Pillai
Stroke Ben Van den Bussche
7 Fu Miao Tan
6 Nick Taylor
5 Cameron Street
4 Emile Ferreira
3 Sam Quillen
2 Mihnea Popeanga
Bow Wildon Tan
Sub Aviv Fonea
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.
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W1 Eddies eagles

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Coach Matt Hunt
​Cox Wildon Tan
Stroke Alyssa Nicholls
7 Annie Wertheimer
6 Sophie Lewis Williams
5 Kathy Begley PRESIDENT
4 Mirain Lloyd
3 Shannon O'shea CAPTAIN
2 Iona Chorley
Bow Xen Panteleeva
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).
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M1 The beef barge

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Coach Angus Fotherby
Cox Rory Leung
Stroke Matt Heywood
7 Tom Birch
6 Douwe De Graaf
5 Tom Macky
4 Alex Fulton
3 Harry Weston
2 Justin Wei CAPTAIN
Bow George Bell
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.​
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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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May bumps preparation well underway!

31/5/2025

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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

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Collecting 1st prize at Radegund "Mile"
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A fabulous 2nd at Hammersmith Head

31/5/2025

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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!
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Lent Bumps

15/3/2025

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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..
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