Congratulations to Hertford College Boat Club

7 June 2023

Two new inscriptions have been chalked in college, recording the award of blades to the M1 boat in Torpids in Hilary term, and to M2 in Summer Eights in Trinity term. Congratulations to the Hertford rowers for their achievements this year. This year saw a return to normal activities on the river with a cocktail of bumps, klaxons, and tears of joy and frustration.

In Torpids, the men’s first VIII rowed determinedly, bumping five times and moving from 5th in Division II at the Wednesday start to finish back in Division I in the last race on Saturday. They not only obtained blades by bumping in every race, but added to their tally with a final bump on Teddy Hall to secure their rightful place in the first Division. Congratulations to the whole crew and all of the supporters who urged them on, with special thanks to coach, Graham Topping. The men’s 2nd VIII also did very well with a tally of 4 bumps, and narrowly missing out on blades. They started at 11th in Division V and soared up to 7th by the end of the races.

These successes were echoed during Summer Eights with M2 securing blades and M1 making 3 bumps.  M1 improved from 6th to 3rd in Division II while M2 moved from 6th to 2nd in Division V, rounding off a very exciting rowing season and supported by a great atmosphere at the Longbridges boathouse. It was great to see so many alumni and supporters there and at the dinner afterwards.

Hertford’s women took an unorthodox approach, making tactical withdrawals this year.  This will give next year’s W1 crew the challenge of returning to the 1st Division from their 4th position in Division II, while W2 will be aiming to improve their position in Division V.

You can see details of how the races unfolded at http://eodg.atm.ox.ac.uk/user/dudhia/rowing/bumps/hert/hert_e.html

and of course catch up with the boat club at: https://hertfordcollegeboatclub.com

Pat Roche,  HCBC senior member