CCBC Lent Bumps 2022 Report

Lent Bumps 2022 Report Day 1 Day 1 of Lent Bumps saw W2 and M2 racing fiercely on the water whilst our M1 and W1 had to wait for their Bumps debut on day 2. No one on our W2 crew had ever raced in Bumps before, but one would not think so by their rowing once the cannons went off. Unfortunately, some unfortunate mid-river parking by St Edmund’s W1 meant that the division had to do a re-row. However, W2 were just as steadfast second time around and quickly bumped St Catherine’s W2, who albeit suffered from a very uneven push-off at the start. First bump of 2022 for CCBC! Our M2 crew was likewise strong from the first stroke but was interrupted by another re-row! At their second start, M2 found themselves as the leader of the remainder of the division, meaning they had to complete the dreaded re-row. Best described by the radio commentary “Pain on all their faces, but it looks like they’re enjoying it”, M2 managed to finish four boat lengths ahead of the chasing crew, Churchill!

Day 2 W1 and M1 were eager to start their own Bumps campaign after the success of W2 and M2 the day prior. W1 were off to a great start, hitting a 1:27 split at a rate 44 as they chased down Fitzwilliam W1. Absolutely exhausted but ecstatic, our W1 secured their first bump of the season just before the plough! M1 were less fortunate on their first day; their 7 seat came down ill the night before. Despite a stellar effort from a last-minute sub from last year’s M1, Peterhouse managed to bump M1 right at Grassy. Better news came from our M2 who managed to bump Robinson in as little as 8 strokes! W2 secured a row-over after the crew ahead, Caius W2, managed to bump the boat in front within the first 100 metres.

Day 3 W2 and M2 were taking a well-deserved break after the past few days’ racing, but M1 and W1 were back on the water, eager for some bumps. Unfortunately, M1’s bad luck continued as their bow came down with food poisoning. Now with two subs in the boat, they did a good job of keeping Queen’s M1 behind them but conceded by the A14 bridge. All in all, it was a well fought race given the circumstances. Our W1 were hungry for another bump after yesterday’s success and were looking forward to chasing down FaT W1. After a strong start, it was not long before our W1 could hear two whistles sounding. But the bank party of Fitz W1 behind was playing mind games, making our W1 believe they were about to get bumped themselves (in fact, Fitz W1 was four boat lengths behind). This sent the crew into a mild panic, and they settled into the grim prospect of a row-over. Alas, FaT managed to stay in front, but that just incentivized W1 to row even harder the following day Day 4 All four crews were back on the water for the fourth day of Bumps. After their row-over the day prior, W1 were committed to give it their all. With their 3 seat finally returning to the boat after being in covid-isolation for all of Bumps so far, they had a pair of fresh legs and a solid race plan. The first whistle could be heard not long after the start and as the second and third whistle sounded, W1 gave it their all and managed to bump FaT near Grassy! After a rough past few days for M1, they were anticipating their third day of Bumps with earnest.

With two subs in the boat yet again, M1’s best strategy would be to give it all at the start.

Despite a great start, hitting rate 44, Emma M1 managed to bump our M1 crew who, despite being bumped, were happy with their best row so far. W2’s third day of Bumps was quick and impressive, with the crew gracefully bumping St Edmund’s before they’d reached the first post corner! More good news came from M2 who successfully bumped St Catherine’s M2 after a long chase in which St Catz almost got away before M2 pushed hard and bumped them down the Long Reach.

Day 5 W1’s last day of Bumps saw them attempting to chase down Clare W1. W1’s strategy was a light and strong start which would hopefully tire Clare down and allow W1 to bump them down the Reach. However, Clare had the same idea and managed to bump Churchill W1 ahead before our own crew had a chance to go for the bump. A successful row-over thus concluded W1’s impressive Lent Bumps campaign. Unfortunately, M1’s final row resulted in

getting bumped by the speedy LMBC M2 right before the gut and they were subsequently awarded lovingly painted spoons by our W1 at the boat house. For M2’s final race, they were chasing down Downing M2. The first whistle started to sound during the Plough Reach, but Downing M2 managed to bump Queens M2 before our own crew got their bump. However, as Christ’s M2 was so close to Downing, they had to hold it up as well, settling for a technical row-over. W2 finished Bumps on a high with plenty of power 10’s demanded by their cox resulting in three whistles by the start of the reach. Despite Clare W2’s last-ditch effort to pull away, Christ’s bow made contact with their rigger and they had to concede. Big congrats to Christ’s W2 with CCBC’s most successful campaign – 3 bumps and 1 row-over!