by Ewoud Dronkert
Good morning Row2k, this is your reporter Ed from Henley. Not Hewitt though! I just flew in from Holland and after causing a stir in the press office with my unpronouncable name, I'll spare you and play Ed with a short write-up of races that I saw in the early morning (that's how it feels anyway) of the first day of Henley Royal Regatta 2006.
11:50 [Britannia] Army RC - Lake Union Crew, USA
Army rules the waters, dear readers (groan) and unfortunately have little trouble overpowering Lake Union (who are on average 20 lbs heavier; perhaps the weight's not concentrated where it should be..). Three and three quarters length on the line. Three-seat of Army lets loose an appreciative yell for his opponents. He must be a drill sergeant, my ears are still ringing.
12:05 [Temple] Oxford Brookes University 'B' - University College Dublin, IRL
At the barrier (note to self: must find out where exactly that is) in 1min56 and Brookes is up a length. Still rating 36, though, apparently they're not quite sure. Brookes seem to be swerving a little on the course, now rating 34 but up 2 lengths. At the Regatta Enclosure both crews at 35, 1.5 lengths light between them. Now nearing the line, UnivCollege Dublin slightly back but Brookes get it comfortably. That is to say, now that they crossed the line it's clear they worked very hard for it!
A shout of relief, tired bodies hanging fore aft and about. Cox is very determined to keep them together; she's the boss! Cheers both ways after a short pause for catching their breath.
12:10 [PE] Abingdon School - Monmouth School
Abingdon leading by two and a half lengths passing the grandstand, rating just slightly lower. When they're crossing the line first, the boys are not too impressed it seems with the level of opposition ...
12:15 [Wyfold] Llandaff - City of Cambridge
Crews were level before Cambridge hit the booms. That set them back of course, and halfway Llandaff leads by 2 lengths. Cambridge also rating lower, maybe they've given up? But no, three quarters down the course Cambridge have come back to a slight lead! They made it. Llandaff shake their heads.
12:20 [PA] Gyas, NED - Magdalen & Exeter Colleges Oxford
Halfway down both crews are rating 35. M&E were leading but Gyas closed them down. Passing the Grandstand, a canvas lead for M&E, both rating 36. Very close on the line!
They're saying a third of a length, probably a little less though. The boys from Groningen lose. Maybe it's their disappointment but them bloody foreigners don't cheer the winners.
Last race of the morning, I'm off for lunch with some poo. That's actually less gross than you might think. Cheers!
2:05 [Temple] Southampton University - Berkeley, USA
Easy win for Berkeley, who fake a high stroke rate by doing a very fast recovery. The cheer "Thanks for a great race" seems a bit unusual.
2:10 [PE] Westminster School - St Andrew's College, RSA
Both crews going head to head to about halfway. St Andrew's pulling away now, at the grandstand a length up and rating 3 lower. St Andrew's apparently trains on rough water, blades very high in the recovery.
2:15 [Wyfold] Sheffield - Staines
Another tight race, crews level, no Sheffield leads, no it's Staines! Both settling from 36, 37 to 34 and Staines have one length now. Some dodgy steering going on, and the blades are not perfectly synchronized either, but hey, "it's the Wyfold, eh?" Stains win, both can hardly utter a word: "Hip hi.. orra... ugh."
2:20 [Britannia] Cantabrigian - York City
A quick lead for York City, increasing to 4 lengths halfway. The verdict will be easily.
2:30 [Thames] Newark - Thames 'A'
A bit of a delay on this start, no idea why. At the quartermile, both crews level and stroking 38. Wait, that's a quick change: now Thames leads by a length. Settling a little to 36, 37. At Fawley, Newark claws back, rating 1 higher and reducing the lead to 3/4 of a length. Status quo for a while. Clearer visible now to the naked eye, Newark probably has a little in reserve. Thames now increasing rate, 38, and holding its advantage.
2:35 [Temple] Univ. of West of England 'A' - Nottingham University
Off and on, like the sun and the clouds today, this one's a little less tight. UoWE will go through by 2 lengths. Actually Nottingham draws a little closer, length and a half it is.
2:40 [PE] St. Paul's School - Bedford School
Two schools, one won. Ah well.
2:45 [Wyfold] Norwich R.C. - Quintin B.C.
Stroke rate of 45! We hadn't have that today. Quintin keeps it up, more so then Norwich, and perhaps that's what makes the difference as they're taking the lead. Length and a half, ominous words from the speaker for Norwich. Oooh, quintin catch a HUGE crab, they need to recover quickly, lead down to 3/4 of a length. Both at 42 towards the line, Quintin falling apart but gets it, just. The verdict, after an excruciating wait for both, 3 feet.
2:50 [PA] Kent School, USA - University of London 'B'
Halfway, Kent leading slightly. Still, they seem to be in control, better technically and upping it for a final sprint, quickly gaining another length to win by 2.25.
3:00 [Thames] Henley R.C. - The Tideway Scullers' School
Fastest time to the barrier today? 1:53 it is, anyway. The homecrew leads by half a length. A real race unfolding, stroke rates continually higher than 36. Tideway takes the lead with some hard work. And they keep it! Delighted crew and supporters screaming in my ear (a few of them getting a quick tour of the press box from a groupie with an offical function (they are the worst)).
3:05 [Temple] Pangbourne College - L.M.B.C.
Tight but uneventful. I'm sure the crews think differently! Pangbourne wins by less than a length.
3:10 [PE] Radley College - Eton College
Radley is going to beat the Etonians. Both crews make plenty of mistakes and are really fighting. Rating almost 40 to the line, even a very light clash of the blades! Umoire too far back to do anything about it, which seems to be a bit of a theme.
3:15 [Wyfold] Leander Club - Mitsubishi B.C., JPN
Leander have no mercy for the guests who come from so far... Two lengths up halfway. After some ridiculously high stroke rates from the start, now Leander seems to be taking it easier, happy to maintain its lead. Two lengths it remains.
3:20 [Britannia] Aberdeen B.C. - City of Oxford R.C.
A tight race, 3 feet difference at the barrier, rates of 36, 37. Oxford pulls away slightly, half a length maximum, back to a canvas. Aberdeen now in the lead, looking quicker at the catch and definitely in control, more than a length in the end.
People, I'm looking out on some high-profile enclosures, and I tell ya, it's heating up. The weather is fine and will be even better. Ditto the crowd!
3:30 [Thames] Nottinghamshire County R.A. - Kingston R.C.
Sorry, been looking a bit too much to my right. Notts County wins.
3:35 [Temple] Imperial College, London - Edinburgh University
A canvas difference at Fawley, quite close. Imperial increases its lead while underrating Edinburgh by 4. Seems like a done deal. The Imperial Strokes Back! Sorry. Edinburgh falling port and starboard, they'll never do it this way. Imperial worked for it though, some tired faces in the boat.
3:40 [PE] Hampton School - Pangbourne College
Anothor Pangbourne win in the making. No wait, they lead the whole way by half a length or more but it's drawing level now! Up to 38, sprint for the line, and incredibly Hampton makes it! Good job. That's one on one racing for you.
3:45 [Wyfold] Vesta R.C. - Furnivall Sculling Club
Scullers should not go oars rowing, a child can figure that out. Vesta wins by 2 lengths.
3:50 [PA] University of Bristol - University of Cincinnati, USA
Continuous lead for Bristol, not much else to say. The crews seem quite evenly matched, good row for both, Cincinnati just has to leave it to Bristol. Clearly deeply disappointed, they can't bring themselves to cheer for the winners.
Tea break now! Perhaps with a little rum? Back at 5.
5:00 [Thames] Hamburger und Germania RC, GER - Curlew R.C.
The Germans lead commandingly... Sie sehen aus wie normal club rowers, not too shabby of course, but certainly no demigods. They're rowing quite well though and that makes all the difference. Polite as they are, they don't extend their lead too obscenely.
5:05 [Temple] Oxford Brookes University 'A' - University of Warwick
Brookes are less polite and really crush their opponents. They keep rowing after the line, typical showy stroke, you know with the heavy 'clunk', and cheer Warwick from miles away after their finish. Hmm. Contendah!
5:10 [PE] Thomas Jefferson H.S., USA - Kent School, USA
An American heat, and boy do TJefferson turn it up! Verdict 3 3/4 lengths, but could just as well have been ' easily'. Speaking of contendahs... Shame that foreign competitors seem so often drawn together.
5:15 [Wyfold] City of Oxford R.C. - Henley R.C.
There it is, the home team advantage! A win for Henley and City of Oxford couldn't do anything about it. Unevenly matched.
5:20 [Britannia] Reading R.C. - Star Club 'A'
A close race, now that's we like to see! Rating 35, already halfway and still level. Reading still 35 and a tiny lead, growing despite Star's 36 rate. That's often a sign and indeed, Reading steadily increase their lead to almost 3 lengths on the line. A massive cheer from Reading, tiny scruffy head-hung sighs from Star Club 'A'. What's in a name.
5:30 [Thames] Combined Services R.C. - City of Bristol R.C.
"Combined Services", that's Army/Navy/Airforce/Rangers but their rowing club doesn't have much oomph. Bristol is taking it easy after a short race to get away. Rating 30 on the line, they're out of sight when the cavalry arrives. They still look impressive in the flesh but need to work on technique and togetherness.
5:35 [Temple] Pembroke & Christ Church, Oxf. - Cornell University, USA
Cornell are giving a demonstration! Four lengths just over halfway. Five at the milepost. A lot of power and rating from Cornell, but their bladework is sloppy. Room for improvement! They're kind of surprised by the cheer from CC, first there are individuals cheers back, a bit of laughter, then cox takes command; hip, hip! Hooray for a solid victory in the first round.
5:40 [PE] Shiplake College - St Ignatius College Prep., USA
Even more difference in boat speed between these two. Once again the travelers from far cash in on their investment. St Ignatius has five lengths on the mile. Again, they may well go faster if they choose to improve on the bladework. Less indirect catch, please. Go Preppies!
5:45 [Wyfold] Tyne R.C. - London R.C. 'C'
London is the bigger club, and that translates to speed today. Another 4 lengths difference before the race is even over. London relaxes a little and doesn't need to be more than 5 lengths in front. There goes the horrid buzzer (a high pitched zing) for London, and it takes a while for Tyne to come across.
5:50 [PA] Reading University 'A' - G.S.R Aegir, NED
A tight race between Reading and Aegir. Now a quarter of a length lead for Reading, but also a slightly higher stroke rate, 33/34 vs. 32. Will the Dutch be able take it up a notch or are they already doing what they can? Well, the latter it seems, because next to the grandstand it's almost a length. Despite some steering troubles for Reading Aegir can't keep up. Disillusioned Dutch; both Portugal and Reading are too strong.
6:00 [Thames] Neptune R.C., IRL - Thames R.C. 'B'
A reasonably fast time for Neptune: 1:55 at the barrier and already 2 lengths up. It's looking good for them. Halfway and there's another half length in it. The leader is at 33, the struggler at 36. Looks like a good win for Neptune vs. the big name club (albeit their B-boat). Some synchronized hooray / vomit sounds from Thames.
6:05 [Temple] University of Birmingham - King's College, London
Early lead for Birmingham, but it's still only 3/4 lengths around halfway. Can King's College turn it around? Half a length now, but KC also stroking 2 higher. Ooo, it's a canvas, with 34 for the leader, 37 for the challenger. It's a brave attempt but flying blades left and right don't promise a lot of (technical) reserve for KC. A bit of steering trouble doesn't do them much good either. It's a length on the line.
6:10 [PE] Bedford Modern School - Shrewsbury School
Postponed to 7:25 because of "a problem with the umpire's launch."
6:15 [Wyfold] Cardiff City R.C. - London R.C. 'B'
After only a quarter mile 1.5 lengths' advantage for London. Both crews still rating 38. It doesn't take long for London to increase the lead substantially, and they can do it while dropping to 34 vs. 36. Over halfway now and Cardiff are 4 lengths back. Let's see how they look arriving in the finish area. London looks solid, compact. Cardiff are swerving, touching the water with spoons on both sides alternately and are technically not ready to beat this London crew. If this is 'B', watch out for 'A' at 7pm!
6:20 [Britannia] Lea R.C. - Wallingford R.C.
Lea can write up a solid victory against Wallingford. We'll have to see how much that is worth in the next round. I think they must do better than wash out like this. Still, 7:06 not bad for the Brit. Is it?
6:30 [Temple] University of York - Trinity College, Dublin, IRL
Under the glorious sun of Oxfordshire, York can't keep up with Trinity. Two lengths at Fawley. I'm going to ask if the course can be reversed for tomorrow, my left side gets all the sun burn! Quite annoying. York are rowing up a lot of water in their ultimate effort of beating Trinity to the line but to no avail.
6:35 [Temple] D.S.R. Proteus-Eretes, NED - Exeter University
Quarter of a length for Exeter at the quarter mile; could be exciting. Barrier: Proteus a canvas ahead. Looks they turned it around, can they now keep it? It stagnates. Still 3/4 length advantage for Proteus at the halfway point. A distinct acceleration now from Proteus and they have more than a length at the mile. In the pocket. Yes, Exeter seem too short in their stroke, Proteus is more relaxed and win it, 3 lengths.
6:40 [PE] St. George's College - Canford School
A tight race to the line! Both are really giving it their all and half of the rowers collapse after the line. Almost indiscernible sighs are uttered to thank the other boat. Some anti-peristaltic movements are observed. Rowing's beautiful.
6:45 [Wyfold] Belfast R.C. 'A' - Birmingham R.C.
Belfast is rating 20 past the grandstand. They could get a stern talking to by the Stewards :) Birmingham is out of breath and out of here.
6:50 [PA] Goldie B.C. - Manchester University
Goldie also have an easy job of beating Manchester uni. Manchester did good by keeping up in the early stages but were eventually no match.
7:00 [Thames] Upper Thames R.C. - London R.C. 'A'
So here's that London A-team. Of course, Upper Thames are no fools to pity either. It was a race until halfway but now London is pulling away, 2.5 lengths at the Regatta Enclosure. Wait! I misread my notes: that first London B was in the Wyfold (club 4-) while this is Thames (club 8+). Sorry about that. HRR can be confusing for a newbie...
7:05 [PE] The King's School, Canterbury - Latymer Upper School
Latymer looked impressive, quite athletic. They beat King's School by about 2 lengths.
7:10 [PE] The King's School, Chester - Winchester College
Different King's School, different result! 2.5 Lengths ahead and looking decidedly more like "real" rowers, the best crew won.
7:15 [Wyfold] Milton Keynes R.C. - Belfast R.C. 'B'
Belfast did good to come over for Henley; they survived the first round quite comfortably. Not much else to say. It's funny how much of the rowing on such a high-profile regatta is not so much high-profile.
7:20 [Britannia] Marlow R.C. - Thames R.C.
(Almost) local heroes Marlow do well by beating Thames with 1 3/4 length.
7:25 [PE] Bedford Modern School - Shrewsbury School
Postponed race. I'm looking forward to the next rounds!
It was a beautiful day, sunny, calm and I have seen _some_ impressive rowing. According to forecasts and the logic of the event both can only get better! See you tomorrow!
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