OUBC Men vs Leander

This season the weather gods have not looked favourably on rowers, and the Oxford men and Leander, titans of the rowing world, were given tough conditions. Grey, damp and difficult conditions met the crews from the start and with red flags flying the umpires decided to cut the course short and race from the University Stone to the Chiswick steps.

PHOTOGRAPHY BENEDICT TUFNELL

Leander won the toss and surprisingly chose Middlesex with intentions of dominating from the start and not letting Oxford take advantage of the long Surrey bend. Despite the squall, it was a stronger start for Oxford who looked calm and composed compared to the aggressive and experienced Leander crew. Two minutes in and the first clash came, a foreshadowing of things to come, as Leander cox Jack Tottem steered towards the Oxford crew with intentions of disrupting their smooth flow. The Dark Blue strokeman, Elliot Kemp, powered his crew through the clashes and passing Fulham Reach Boat Club Oxford had a small lead. Yet, Leander showed up to fight and as they approached Hammersmith Bridge they dug in. Under Hammersmith Bridge the crews were dead level as blades interlocked blades. Oxford four-man, James Doran, became Leander’s victim after enduring a boat-stopping crab and Leander charged ahead with no mercy.

“A day that had plenty of great rowing along with a more than necessary amount of drama.”

The race was restarted by Umpire Matthew Pinsent and the crews are level at Latymer Upper School boathouse. A drag race commences with both crews ready to sprint to the finish. Leander charge ahead but Oxford are reluctant to let them go and remain in contact. Roughly, one minute to go, and Oxford’s chances to finish first seem to shrink with every stroke. A coxes’ competitiveness can never be doubted however and William Denegri, with his crew about three-quarters of a length down, inexplicably clashes with Leander. Leander strokeman, Matt Rowe, comes off worst and Oxford row through to the finish line.

It was a testing race for the umpires and Leander were disqualified due to the clash at Hammersmith. Oxford coach, Sean Bowden, commented on the day’s drama: “It was a messy end to a day that had plenty of great rowing along with a more than necessary amount of drama. So, typical stuff in many ways, with good work to reflect on plus the usual valuable experiences to be learned from”. A barnburner of a race, the Oxford engine can walk away with heads high as they triumphed over all the tests thrown at them by Leander.