Bumps races is among the most loved of the UH institutions. Two days of races, with all boats starting at exactly the same time and chasing after the boat ahead. It is a pleasure to row and thrilling to watch.

The Womens Crews

W1 began their campaign chasing a strong crew from GKT after a mention in their last race report I’m going to make the assumption that they fielded the same crew as weHORR however GKT I can assure you, ours was not the same crew. What the set of three races showed was that at the top of UH women’s rowing the crews are even and all strong, as such they were unable to break away from each other. Watching from Kew Road bridge it was clear to see all four storming through together the same distance apart with which they had started, very impressive to watch so there was no changes at all in the top four for the women’s crews. Our W1 rowing over everyday.

Another spectacular BUMPS for the W2 proving that last year was not a fluke result, bumping up through ICSM2 on the first race to take the title of best Women’s intermediate crew. Their success continued into the second race, with an attempt to break into the 1st crews through chasing down RVC1. They did spectacularly, storming into the 6th position where they were left chasing Barts1 in the last race of the weekend which was always going to be a hard bump. With blades dangling in front of their eyes they gave it everything, unfortunately they were unable to break the hold that Barts had on that 5th position, forcing RUMS into a row over yet still they still retained medalling glory.

W2 Bumps 2014


The Womens 3rd crew are always going to be hit hardest by the proximity of preclinical exams. With the fitness of the crew was pretty low and although they had a good start they were unable to hold that level of rowing required to hold off RVC2nds. Luck was on their side for the next race as RVC caught a crab allowing the 3rds to catch them back and retain their position going into the final day.

W3 Chasing W Alumni


On the final day the RUMS 3rds were chasing a new entry from the RUMS alumni crew, the race was close at the beginning but RUMS are not ones known to give up, the alumni crew fuelled by Pimms and powered by fresher hatred allowed them to push on with both crews ending an enjoyable weekend by rowing over. Always good to have the alumni back with us so lets hope we can get them back again next year.

Womens Alumni Crew


The Mens Crews
Exams produce less than ideal training conditions for all crews, that was in the mind of M1 who were hoping to, at the very least, avoid being bumped. The doubt within the crew most probably led to overly cautious rowing, going for a row over rather than pushing for the bump when very close on the first race. Stern words to the cox and resolve hardened, plans were drawn up leading to a far better second race with the gap closing down to a canvas. Impressive rowing from GKT kept the boys at bay and only strengthened the determination to catch them in the final race. GKT obviously had similar bumping plans onto Georges the last race of the weekend was amazing, Georges, GKT and RUMS all drew incredibly close to each other but, like the women the crews before them, were all too well matched for one to come out with a bump.

M1 Bumps 2014


The Men’s seconds for the past couple of years have had a very unfortunate set of bumps races and this crew hoping to finally break that curse. As they were already starting as the lowest ranked M2 boat the ridicule that would follow winning another wooden spoon would have been unbearable. The pressure was too much for them, a panicked start in the first race followed by attempting to bump a crew that had already bumped leading to them being bumped, not a good start. They vowed to return the next day, stronger and faster and determined not to be bumped by RUMS M3. Taking the second and third races much more relaxed M2 managed to pull out two rapid bumps thereby ending the M2 curse. Still the lowest ranked M2 crew, but the future is looking bright.

M2 Bumps 2014


M3 plagued by injury and absence in the lead up to bumps this year and along with an unpopular decision by the Safety officer that in effect blocked them rowing for much of the year meant they have not had the best lead up to bumps. Starting by chasing a crew that had already bumped (but probably didn’t know it) meant they kept on a high pressure and rowed over. In the second day they began by faring much better and were able to squeeze into a bump against the RVC alumni crew. Unfortunately an early crash for the final race meant that they were bumped straight back again this meant they ended the weekend in the same position with which they started. A small victory.

M3 Bumps 2014


The whole weekend can only be topped off by the Bumps party at the UL boathouse bringing to its end another great year of UH rowing. Plans are already in motion for some great things next year, lets hope that we can bring RUMSBC into full glory.

Congratulations to St Georges Hospital BC for retaining the Women’s Headship and ICSMBC for gaining the Men’s Headship.

McLays mention is to the Charlie Hennings for making this brilliant video for us all to enjoy and to the Women’s 2nds Crew for being the highest placed Womens seconds crew (see crew list below).





Bumps’14 from justchazzo on Vimeo.

Crew Lists
W1:
Alex W (cox), Jess Rankine (c), Alice Taylor-Bennett, Hannah Orrell, Claire Rowden, Katie Westbrook, Georgie Lloyd, Izzy Goldrick, Joy Schmidt

W2:
Hannah H (cox), Tintin Larsson, Beth Hughes, Daisy Newberry, Caitlin Healy, Libi Hawkes, Eimear McKavanagh, Livi Drewett, Laura Cousins (c)

W3:
Kit Hunter (cox), Niamh Hanna (c), Lauren McDonagh, Alex Hastings, Georgia Lamb, Beth Welch, Kate Friedlaender, Phoebe A-W, Liz CK, Alex Scholey, Rachael Alcock, Chowa Nkonde

WAlumni:
Marcus Ghosh(cox) Karen Shepherd, Chloe Taylor, Nadia Muspratt-Tucker, Anna Rose, Sophie Williams, Stephanie Glavin, Zoe Bothamley, Sophie Walker.

M1:
Kit Hunter (Cox), Will McCraughran, John Hall, Tom Duggan, Will Doran, Alex Cowan, Neel Raja, Tom Morgan, Louis Robertson.

M2:
Maria Vakle (Cox), Alasdair Williamson, Angus Dawson, Tom McLay, Adam Pickard, Jack Illingworth, Patrick Hanna, Jacob Rapier, Rory Shadwell

M3:
Marcus Ghosh (cox), Tom Hughes, Neale Marlow, Andy Luckiewicz, Ankit Bhatt, Ed Bragg, Andrew Crombie, Simon Topp, Liam Watson, Tom Clay, Johannes Stauffenberg

And the last member of M3 Aubrey Capern-Burgess

Forgotten once, Never again.

Winter VP’s left some hoping they would never forget and others wishing they could remember. Don’t miss out on Summer VP’s it’s set to be a big RUMSBC occasion.

Date set as the 14th June 2014 so get it in the diary.

It was abandoned. We didn’t even get to start.
Here is one of the reasons why

and another

The race abandonment was on safety grounds, by the looks of it a sensible call was made.
After a huge commitment to training and the long wait at the bank fighting mother willow the call was always going to be incredibly disappointing.
Maybe the weather will be more favourable next year.

A picture of M2 while marshalling, look at their happy faces.

The climax of the mens rowing calender and a hugely popular spectator event. Around 400 crews will take to the Thames come Saturday for the 6.8km championship course.

The race  runs from Chiswick bridge to Putney bridge. Popular places to spectate are Hammersmith bridge easily accessible from Hammersmith tube station but there are also good places to view at any point on the tow path that runs along side the river.

The race will be starting at 2.15. At 20 seconds intervals M1 should be starting the race around 3 o’clock and M2 should be starting at about 4.10 (Times are just given as estimates).  If you have a free day why not come down and watch some great rowing, there will probably be some other crews that might be worth watching too.
If you are supporting and you hear the call “MIDDLE MIDDLE MIDDLE” the response is “SEX SEX SEX” and let the world know the team you’re cheering!

The Crews

M1 (143) In 3
Kit Hunter (cox)
Will Mc
John Hall
Tom Duggan
Will Doran
Alex Cowan
Neel Raja
Tom Morgan
Louis Robertson

M2 (346) Nov.
Maria Vakle (cox)
Ali Williamson
Angus Dawson
Tom McLay
Adam Pickard
Jack Illingworth
Patrick Hanna
Jacob Rapier
Rory Shadwell

Good Luck to the crews competing!

Womens Eights Head of the River Race

The women’s squad has had a pretty successful year with w1 able to rest pretty comfortably near the top of UH events, but the poor training conditions at the start of 2014 meant that their strengths were likely to be tested.

W1 put on a very strong race, having had just one outing together as a crew which was the morning before, they hoped that they could build upon their performance from Hammersmith Head. Unfortunately, even the clean performance given was not enough to hold the UH at bay, with RUMSBC coming out on the wrong side of an incredibly close 3 second difference, this over a period of 20 minutes is the smallest of margins so could have gone in any direction.

W1 wehorr2014


No one wants to use the womens novice boat, even the novices seem to be able to attest to that. However it was there for the crew when their own boat was taken out of service the week of wehorr. The w2 placed at 168 were a lot higher than they had finished in previous years, a good race was had. Unconfirmed reports were that the 2nds had arranged an in-boat DJ who provided entertainment for the long row back, other crews are considering doing the same in the next races.

W1 wehorr2014


All in all the crews are in a good position to start heading into BUMPS season.

McLay’s mention.

For this race it goes to Maja Donaldson, she may be racing for the purple 2nds but underneath she is still yellow and blue. Congratulations to her and the UL 2nds for their strong performance. See here for Details 

Crew Positions and Times ( Full Results)

W1 – Finishing Position 150 in a time of 21minutes 16seconds and 44ms

W2 – Finishing Position 225 in a time of 22minutes 38seconds and 46ms

Kingston Head 2014

M1 Kingston Head 2014


What a day and what a race. A trip further west than we are normally used to meant this race started off by feeling like a RUMSBC big day out! With a week to go before HORR Kingston head is an integral part of the pre-race buildup. Being in an earlier category M1 had the 2nds up on Kingston road bridge cheering them on as they came through into the final few hundred metres and they looked pretty strong. Reports from the crew suggested a shaky start but a quick settle allowed them to race their own race and get the time they wanted. Unfortunately for both crews their main rivals ICSMBC were absent and were unable to view the new sculpted M1 crew. M2 were a little later in the day, with a great start and a great settle the 8 guys and their cox worked brilliantly responding together down the course. Shortening up as their energy reserves dwindled they were urged on by cheers from M1 as they enjoyed a drink on the river side.

McLay’s Mention

Two mentions for this race first to the Mens captain Louis Robertson for all the hard work he had to put in to make this race happen, we hope that the results on the day were worth all that effort. Second mention goes to Maria Vakle for some great coxing in her very first race. Keep it up.

Results ( Full Results)

M1 – 12th out of 25 in IM3.8+ in a time of 15:47.52

M2 – 6th out of 21 in Nov. in a time of 16:16.53

Stay Tuned, this Saturday RUMSBC takes on the tideway. See Head of the River Race for Crew roster and spectator information. Hope to see and hear you all on Saturday!

The last few weeks have been very busy for RUMSBC, but this is the last race before the Men’s Head of the River and the crews are as follows.

M1 (42) IM 3.8+
Kit Hunter (cox)
Will Mc
John Hall
Tom Duggan
Will Doran
Alex Cowan
Neel Raja
Tom Morgan
Louis Robertson

M2 (314) Nov.
Maria Vakle (cox)
Ali Williamson
Angus Dawson
Tom McLay
Adam Pickard
Jack Illingworth
Patrick Hanna
Jacob Rapier
Rory Shadwell

For the Full Draw check http://www.kingstonrc.co.uk/ M1 are in Division 1 and M2 are in Division 2.

Good Luck everyone. Be careful in the west, there be dragons!

Will begin by making the announcements of the WEHoRR crews
W1(142):
Alex W (cox), Jess Rankine, Alice Taylor-Bennett, Hannah Orrell, Eimear McKavanagh, Daisy Newberry, Claire Rowden, Libi Hawkes, Joy Schmidt

W2 (168):
Hannah H (cox), Tintin Larsson, Georgie Lloyd, Katie Westbrook, Caitlin Healy, Zoe Bothamley, Beth Hughes, Livi Drewett, Laura Cousins

Full draw is available here  WEHoRR Draw (external link)

Good luck to all the women racing. For those wishing to spectate it may be worth checking the  Spectators Information (external link).

W1 Hammersmith Head 2014 (pre-race)


Hammersmith Head 2014

With weather like that the day could not go wrong. Just two short weeks since RUMSBC admirable performance at UH Head we had another 4 crews hitting the tideway for a 4.4km Head race Chiswick bridge to Hammersmith bridge.

This is potentially the last race before their respective Head of the River Races so both squads were determined to put down on paper what their training deserved and use this not only as a race but as a learning experience.

For crew complements see  Crews for Hammersmith Head 2014

Our men’s crews were first to go, with M1 first they had a good race and were rewarded with more than they could have hoped for reclaiming their title as 2nd fastest UH crew by narrowly beating SGH. A bit more work required to beat the giants of ICSM but there is definitely improvements showing in the crew. The M2 followed after, confusing messages from the Marshalls meant that we started out of our boating order however with the Cox (Marcus Ghosh) timing the start perfectly as they flew through the start and held a good strong race. Gains were made.

“Resevoir Dogs” M1 Hammersmith Head 2014


The women’s crews must have been disappointed after GKT were a no show as they were unable to settle the bloodlust leftover from UH Head. They took to the water giving nothing and taking everything. The 1sts easily beating the only other UH rival. Coming off the water they all felt disappointed Captain Jess Rankine when asked how it was replied “no comment” this may have been a hangover from the high of UH head but preliminary reports suggest much more positive attitude towards WEHORR. The W2 were fielding a very new squad consisting of multiple (now-ex) novices and last minute damage to their boat meant they had to row in the novice 8. But they did not let that get them down and giving it all they crossed the line with a decent row and a decent time. Watch out WEHORR RUMSBC is coming.

W2 Hammersmith Head 2014


With Women’s Eights Head this weekend and the Men’s a few weekends after with both squads making huge gains over the year we can only hope to see that reflected.

The races coming up are big national events that are contain crews from around the world and are always worth a watch so don’t hesitate to come on down support your club and see some great rowing.

Results in Further Detail

M1 – 11:12.44

M2 – 11:33.26

W1 – 12:23.68

W2 – 13:15.55

http://www.mikrotime.com/rowing/row2014/hamh14.html#category

McLay’s notable mention goes to the novices (Hannah Hickingbotham, Caitlin Healey, Beth Hughes) for their first senior race of the year.

Hammersmith Head 2014
The crews are as follows
M1 (42) Slightly rejiggled from UH head but the same (apparantly different but you can play spot the difference) rowers, lets see how they fair this time.
Cox – Kit Hunter
Stroke – Will Mcraughran
7 – Will Doran
6 – Louis Robertson
5 – Tom Morgan
4 – Tom Duggan
3 – Alex Cowan
2 – Neel Raja
Bow – John Hall

M2(61) Currently Coxless 8, lets hope that changes.
Cox – TBC (Maria Vakle – Training Cox)
Stroke – Ali Williamson
7 – Angus Dawson
6 – Tom McLay
5 – Adam Pickard
4 – Jack Illingworth
3 – Patrick Hanna
2 – Jacob Rapier
Bow – Rory Shadwell

“Never yield to the apparent overwhelming might of the enemy” – Winston Churchill



W1 (128) “Never wake a sleeping dragon” – Take heed GKT.
Cox – Alex Willsher
Stroke – Jess Rankine
7 – Alice Taylor-Bennet
6 – Hannah Orrel
5 – Claire Rowden
4 – Mystero
3 – Eimear McKavanagh
2 – Libi Hawkes
Bow – Joy Schmidt

W2 (136) Vastly different crew from their UH Head offering with the inclusion of a few of the novice girls lets see what they’ve got to offer.
Cox – Hannah Hickingbotham
Stroke – Tintin Larsson
7 – Georgie Lloyd
6 – Katie Westbrook
5 – Caitlin Healy
4 – Steph Glavin
3 – Beth Hughes
2 – Livi Drewitt
Bow – Laura Cousins

Good Luck to all crews.
By Website Decree.
Get Pumped.

Over the past couple of months the UK has had some of the worst weather seen in a long time, wind and rain has battered the south saturating the ground and filling our rivers. Although we like our pints to be filled to the brim and flowing fast we are not huge fans when our river is doing the same. The Thames was too dangerous to train on, multiple clubs have had serious collisions due to this and it was decided that it simply was not worth us going out. We missed out on the greatest period of rowing for our club, this period is when we come out of our shells and find ourselves as crews a dark period for RUMSBC.

For a closer look at the crews head over to http://rumsbc.co.uk/2014/02/uh-head-2014-crew-lists/


Early on it had been decided that our Novice Crews and those less experienced coxes would not be able to compete in this event, a big blow to the Men and Women that had trained so hard but were forced to watch from the sidelines. This left us with just the four senior boats.

UH head 2014 M2
Due to their success last year the M2's were drawn chasing M1 which all agreed would help both crews. The M1 had a very smooth row seemingly without hitch, the same could be said of M2 who managed to keep at bay the advancing Barts 1st crew. With a lot of pressure on M2 to maintain the 7 year winning streak it was everything to row for. However the strength of ICSM once again delivered another blow to our fragile hearts as the Mens squad were left to go home with nothing. "If you ever get hurt and you feel like you're going down this little angel will whisper in your ear, GET UP YOU SON OF A BITCH " (Mickey, Rocky V)
[vimeo 87601524 w=500 h=281]

UH Head 2014 - RUMSBC Men's 1st VIII from justchazzo on Vimeo.


M1 UH Head 2014
This left us with just the Women's senior crews, the W1 and W2 looked set to be big contenders to win this year, having had a pretty successful run so far at UH. Although they didn't get the chance to train as much as they'd liked they were still willing to go out and give it their all. After the dissappointing number of entrants for UH regatta the womens 2nds were hoping that at least some crews would enter for UH head. The crowd cheering can be a blessing or a curse, many a crew have stumbled and crabbed when hit with the wall of sound and unfortunately it was to claim another victim in the W2's. The women ultimately fell victim to a completely out of the blue double victory from GKT.

W1 UH head 2014
The pursuit of outings left no stone unturned but the river is a cruel mistress that can never be underestimated. It is true that we came away with no wins but no other club can claim the consistency that we achieved 2nd place in W1, W2 and M2 and a very close 3rd in the M1. It's only up from here!

W2 UH Head 2014
The club then departed for the annual UH dinner. I think it is safe to say that we definitely won that event. As the DJ didn't have the song available I think this is only appropriate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNMNZZQJkP0

Special Mention to our supporters whose cheers kept us going when it was hardest.

UH Head traditionally RUMSBC’s breadwinner. A race that we in the boat club are born to race and win. A club favourite that has been mired by set backs this year due to incredibly poor weather will actually be going ahead this Saturday.

Lets have a look who make up the crews.

The Women’s Squad

Training has been an uphill struggle, but never before has the world seen more determination to win that we have in our women’s squad. Rumour has it that they will be giving Sportsnight a miss this week what a sacrifice.

The 1st’s and UH Regatta Champions.
Alex W (cox), Jess Rankine, Alice Taylor-Bennett, Hannah Orrell, Eimear McKavanagh, Daisy Newberry, Mary Sisley, Libi Hawkes, Joy Schmidt

UH Head 2014 W1 Crew


The 2nds.

Lets hope that the other UH crews enter the Women’s intermediate category this time!
Hannah Hickingbotham (Training Cox unfortunately isn’t allowed to compete this time), Tintin Larsson, Izzy Goldrick, Katie Westbrook, Laura Cousins, Steph Glavin, Alex Hastings, Livi Drewett, Georgie Lloyd.


UH Head 2014 W2 Crew




The Novices

They had chosen a crew and a strong looking crew at that. The conditions have meant that they are not allowed to compete but hopefully they can make it down to support.
Kit Hunter (cox), Beth Welch, Phoebe Aubugeau-Williams, Kate Friedlaender, Caitlin Healy, Beth Hughes, Alex Scholey, Chowa Nkonde, Elizabeth Chamberlin-Keen

The Men’s Squad
The men’s crews really came together over training weekend last month, but a conveyor belt of crap weather has blocked their every attempt to train. But remember “the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows” we’ve got to take the hits and get back up again because “that’s how winning is done!”

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” — The Emperor (Mulan)

The Men’s 1sts (in no particular order because I can’t remember it)
Louis Robertson, John Hall, Alex Cowan, Will McCaughran, Will Doran, Neel Raja, Tom Duggan, Tom Morgan


UH Head 2014 M1 Crew




The Men’s 2nds
Maria Vakle (Training Cox), Alasdiar Williamson, Angus Dawson, Tom McLay, Adam Pickard, Jack Illingworth, Patrick Hanna, Charlie Hensher, Rory Shadwell.


UH Head 2014 M2 Crew




The Men’s Novice Squad
They tried, they gave it everything. They know who they are. Hopefully they can also be there with the novices to support. (Anyone got names?)

If you want to come down and support keep an eye on http://www.uhboatclub.co.uk/ and our twitter @rumsbc.

Finally lets end on this because it’s always good to end with a Rocky clip.