Rowing recap: Wolfson celebrates best boat race results in five years

Here, M1 rower Alex Lau and Rosie Michalik-Denny, who rows with the women’s second boat (W2) give their rundown on how it all went on the water.

You can read more about the build-up to the Bumps, including a description of how Bumps works, in our previous article.

Bumps report by Alex and Rosie

Wolfson College Boat Club entered Lent bumps with a quiet confidence that this year would be our year.

After an incredible novice intake, a productive training camp in Portugal, and strong performances in the lead up to Lent bumps, all crews were ready to show that the wolves were back on the prowl on the Cam.

While all our campaigns were cut short by at least one day, Wolfson rowers showed immense tenacity and grit rowing in hazardous conditions to achieve excellent results.  

Men’s first boat (M1)

M1 were cautiously optimistic despite a loss against Emmanuel M1 in Pembroke Regatta; the result instilled a belief that they could compete against Division 1 Bumps crews. Staying internal and determined to row their best every day, M1 opened the campaign with an incredible overbump on First and Third M2, closing a distance of almost six lengths to secure our first bump.

Subsequent days confirmed that all the hard work had paid off - with two quick bumps on both Sidney M1 and Homerton M1 to end their campaigns. The spoons from last Lent were finally reversed with interest: M1 bumped up five spots over three days of rowing, superblades achieved. The wolves in this boat were certainly not finished, but their story will have to continue in May’s race.

Women’s first boat (W1)

W1 set out their campaign with the goal of returning to Division 2 after falling out in the last Lent Bumps.

W1 continued their dominant performance in the lead up to Bumps. W1 bumped Caius W2 and Pembroke W2 before the first post corner, securing their return to Division 2. Another bump on the third day of the campaign on Downing W2 saw W2 up for blades.

Unfortunately, on the last day, they were caught in a three-way duel chasing LMBC W2 who had Queens W2 ahead of them to see who could bump who first. W1 made their move, squeezing out every last bit of hard work that led to this moment.

Unfortunately, luck was not on their side - LMBC caught Queens, securing their bump. The chaos left W1 with a technical row over. Their campaign ended, with the goal of climbing back into Division two achieved, but their next chance at blades will have to wait until later.

Men’s second boat (M2)

Despite a chaotic start to their season, M2 found their stride with alumni Harry Michalakakis coaching the boat and W1 rower Katie Cavanaugh stepping up to cox after an unfortunate injury.

They started their bumps campaign at the top of Division 4, rowing over and subsequently securing the bump on Sidney Sussex M2 to land themselves in Division 3. On the next day of the campaign, they were chasing a formidable Caius M3. While the crew tried their best, they were unable to catch Caius and rowed over. M2 were the victims of the inclement weather, and their last two days of racing were cancelled. Their unfulfilled potential will have to be realised next term. 

Women’s second boat (W2)

After a seriously impressive performance in the “Getting-On” Race, W2 made a determined start to Bumps. Coxed by Ollie Bercow, who stepped up from Kings, W2 hotly pursued the speedy Hughes Hall W2 who quickly bumped the boat ahead of them leaving a clear river.

W2 almost secured an overbump and hastily gained on Churchill W3, three boats ahead, but unfortunately ran out of river before gaining the bump. Still, rowing over and comfortably pushing away the boat behind them was an excellent Bumps debut for many of the crew.

The girls came back fighting on Day 2, rapidly making contact with Jesus W3 to secure their first bump. On Day 3, W2 contended with freezing temperatures, torrential rain and driving hail. But the wolves were on the hunt, rowing strong and steady despite the weather. W2 rapidly closed in on Churchill W3 who were reluctant to concede but bow seat Angela Strunks, struck their boat with her blade to secure the bump.

W2’s campaign was sadly cut short by the cancellation of races on the final day due to the dangerous conditions on the river. But, have no doubt, W2 will be a force to be reckoned with next term. 

What's next?

WCBC concluded their bumps campaign feeling both satisfied and wanting for more. It was one of the most successful campaigns in years, ending Lent in the lead for the Mitchell cup with 33 points. With strong rowers returning and the teams already training for their May campaign, Wolfson is ready to replicate their success in May bumps. While anything can happen in May, the wolfpack are the team to keep an eye on.

WCSA Sports and Societies Awards

Wolfson College Students' Association (WCSA) is inviting both students and staff to nominate outstanding students and societies across seven categories for this year's WCSA Awards. Nominations will close at 9pm on Friday 21 April. The awards will be presented at a special Sports & Societies Dinner on Saturday 13 May. You can find out more on our news page. 

Images: main photo of M1 by @dikng99. Team photos by Alex Lau.