W1 May Bumps Report

💙 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.