W2 started day 3 of bumps feeling very optimistic about catching Murray Edwards W2, especially after them being bumped the previous two days. Our start was a little rocky but we quickly got into our rhythm with some great lengthens. Queens W2 were straight away hot on our heels with a whistle, but we too had gained half a length on the boat in front. A few strokes later and Queens were crabbing, allowing us to pull away and start reeling in the Medwards, getting to just a canvas away. Unfortunately, in the excitement of it all, we caught a crab resulting in Medwards pulling away and us steering full pelt into a tree…Bow 4 took one for the team and we had to watch Queens row past us, claiming the bump.
Day 4 and we were in the mind set for a long and strong row. We were determined to stay focused, and our confidence was boosted after a fantastic practice start outside The Plough. The cannon went off and we immediately lost St Catz behind us with a powerful start. Soon after we heard a single whistle, Queens had crabbed! The whistles quickly increased as we put the pressure down and we were suddenly rowing past them, parked up on the bank. We had bumped them back!! After a highly eventful week we were all completely ecstatic to end on such a high, and very proud to finish as a crew that had stayed head strong and focused under all the pressure and excitement.
We all want to give a massive thank you to Jessie, Callum and Sarah for timing, bank partying and motivational speeches, and of course to Pete’s friend John for his words of wisdom, pushing us out, whistling for us and cheering us on every single day! I would also like to thank W2 for making this term, and particularly this week, so much fun. It has definitely been my favourite bumps so far, helped of course by ending as SSBC’s most successful crew of Lents 2014!!
