CULRC trial eights, Henley-on-Thames, Monday 6th December 2004
Press release issued by Henley Boat Races Coordinator Robert Treharne-Jones.
Physical ability overcame mental agility at Monday's trials for the Cambridge lightweight squad, at least if the names chosen by the crews were any guide.
After losing the toss 'Big', with club president Alex Summers in the 5 seat, eased gradually ahead on the Berkshire station to win by almost two lengths ahead of 'Clever'.
Trials races offer athletes the main chance to impress their coaches as part of the selection process in the run-up to race day in March, when the Cambridge lightweights will be looking to notch up their first victory since 2001.
Conditions on Henley Reach were mild and dry, making for perfect racing conditions, but a slight cross trial wind and a lively stream gave 'Clever' the advantage off the start. Both crews settled in to a race pace of 37 strokes a minute down the Enclosures and by Remenham Club 'Big' had taken almost a third of a length lead.
'Clever' could not respond against the more cohesive 'Big', whose cox, Dyfan Howells, steered an excellent line. Between Fawley and the Barrier clear water had opened between the opposing crews, and 'Big' were able to lower their rate to 33 across the line.
After the race chief coach Pete Taylor announced himself well pleased with the afternoon's work'.
'A lot of these men have only been rowing for one year and it's been good experience for them here today. They've now begun to know what to expect on Race Day, and more importantly they've had a chance to be familiar with the course and the landmarks, and to be less overawed by the whole Henley set-up' he said.
The Henley Boat Races, which include the Women's Boat Race as well as the Men's and Women's Lightweight races, take place on Easter Saturday 26 March 2005.
Big Bow Rurik Jutting (Winchester and Peterhouse) 2 Leonard Goldstein (DBG Wertheim and Girton) 3 James Hewitt (Ampleforth and Girton) 4 Simon Evans (Plymouth College and Girton) 5 Alex Summers (Eton and Trinity) 6 George Wallis (Burnham GS and LMBC) 7 Andy Twigg (McCauley Catholic School and King's) Stroke Tim Perera (Shrewsbury and St Catharine's) Cox Dyfan Howells (Radyr Comprehensive and Selwyn) Clever Bow Edvin Deadman (Keswick School and St Catharine's) 2 Gerald Weldon (Westminster School and LMBC) 3 Percy Hayball (Dulwich College and Queen's) 4 James Williams (Radyr Comprehensive and CCC) 5 Paul Brady (St. Leonard's RC Comprehensive and St Catharine's) 6 Ed Farnell (Shelley High School And Sixth Form Centre and Churchill) 7 Colin Prue (King Henry VIII and Churchill) Stroke Tom Dyson (RGS Worcester and Worcester) Cox Lucy Preece (St. John Fishers, Harrogate, and Trinity Hall)