Training, dedication, coaching and sheer hard work paid off this week, as Newnham’s first boat took Headship of the River in the May Bumps.
In a dramatic battle on Thursday 13th June, Newnham W1 powered to victory over Jesus College. Newnham’s powerful and strategic team were widely tipped for Headship in the May Bumps, after beating their rivals Jesus’ first boat in the Lent Bumps.
But expectations were overthrown on Wednesday, the first day’s racing, when Jesus W1 fought valiantly the length of the course, and succeeded in maintaining their Headship.
On Thursday, both clubs were preparing for a fierce competition. Jesus took a tight line on Grassy Corner, but were chased aggressively by Newnham. The crews battled it out down Plough Reach, with the wind picking up. Newnham were right on the tails of Jesus, as they headed up the Reach. Powerful rowing and precision coxing meant the boat gained on Jesus, who fought on with persistence. But Newnham’s crew were the undoubtably the stronger, and Jesus’ cox eventually conceded.
Newnham’s Vice-Principal, Dr Emma Mawdsley, was cheering the crew on from the bank. Emma said “Headships don’t fall easily, and the Jesus women put up a good fight. But the Newnham first boat was absolutely magnificent – they shone with purpose, courage and skill, and executed a simply brilliant bump. They have two more days to hold onto it, and to achieve the incredible feat of a Double Headship”.
W2 have also had a strong Bumps, bumping first Wolfson W1 and then Lucy Cavendish W1. W3 were bumped by Emma W3 on Wednesday; a strong attempt to regain their place on Thursday ended in a technical row-over.
President of the Roll, Jo Burch, who was herself coaching a young crew at the time of the race, said “Absolutely fabulous result! I am so proud to be a Gryphen!”
Newnham W1 were rowing in their newest boat, Millicent Garrett Fawcett, bought with the support of Nenwham’s alumnae last year.
Newnham College Boat Club is one of the oldest women’s boat clubs in the world, and pioneered women’s rowing in Cambridge. Newnham has previously held the Headship in 1975, 1976 and in 2003.
The Boat Club would love to see as many members of College, past and present, on the bankside on Friday evening and Saturday to cheer them on in these historic races.
Those unable to watch in person can listen live to all the races on CamFM: https://bumps.camfm.co.uk/
Division times are as follows:
- Friday: 4pm W3; 5.30pm W2; 7pm W1
- Saturday: 2pm W3; 3.30pm W2; 5pm W1
Full information about how to watch the bumps is at https://www.cucbc.org/mays
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