On 30th November, LPBC W1 took to the river to race in the Fairbairns 2012 Cup.
Always a slightly scrappy start after having only rowed about 10 strokes all eight, we soon settled into a steady race pace. Aimee’s calls for us to ‘get keen’ and ‘dominate’ out of the railway bridge and the reach, along with the helpful stream, meant we stormed down the straightest section of the course. In our sights appeared were what were to become the winners of Fairbairns – Homerton W1(!) – and we managed to keep them a good distance away throughout.
With much encouragement from Pete Langley to ‘keep breathing’, and the pressure of having a cycling photographer (Jeremy) alongside us for the entire race, we made it through to the end.
Being away from the river Cam since graduating somehow makes it seem much longer when you return, but despite the pain of the final few corners and the everlasting first post reach, we all enjoyed the race.
The row back was very tidy, with a bit of show-boat rowing for the disappointingly deserted boathouses. An added bonus at the end of a long morning’s rowing was not having to take the boat out – thanks to the current Sidney W1 for being ready and waiting! A crew meal in the Fort St George after watching LPBC M1 go off was much deserved.
Our time of 17:11 put us at the dizzy heights of FIFTH amongst the senior women’s VIIIs, so well done to the LPBC women!
Special thanks must go to Kate Harrison for rowing with us at short notice and Aimee Muirhead for coxing/putting up with us.
