Hilary 2019 Torpids Report

The following report was produced by Dan Bowen, Captain of Pembroke College Boat Club (PCBC).

As we reflect back to last week on the results from this year’s Torpids, the boat club can return home encouraged by a set of performances that consolidate the club as one of the best in Oxford.

Lower boats suffered mixed fortunes. M3 rowed on confidently and managed to hold their position on the river. W2 had a mixed week but recovered exceptionally well from a nightmare first day, putting in two row overs later in the week. M2 struggled. The gift of a historically high position proved to be the downfall of this crew. Pitted against well trained and determined first boats, M2 managed good damage limitation in the first three days, but disaster (and the bank) struck on the Saturday, dropping them an entire division. The boat club still has high expectations of this boat and we will work to redeem this position next year, starting with a fresh outlook for the Summer Eights Campaign.

M1 had a fairly simple week rowing over second each day. Sadly, “the men in pink” did not have the gas to close the gap to Oriel, but showed variable but similar pace to the much-fancied Oriel crew. Torpids highlighted the need to work on starts, as rather comically, on two of the days the boys had to dig themselves out of a hole after calamities on the starting cannon. 

The women had no trouble dispatching Oriel on the Thursday. This gave the crew two days to mount an attack on Wadham and the much-desired Headship. Although this did not transpire, second on the river is the highest Pembroke has ever achieved, so the crew are history makers nonetheless. More importantly, the squad is determined to go one better next year. A fantastic result from W1.

Looking forward, PCBC has set up strong positions for the future. Both first boats being second on the river is an encouraging (and dare I say ominous?) sign. If the boat club can find that extra bit of speed, the extra margins at the edges, and continue on the positive trajectory head coach (James Scott) has set up, Pembroke should be able to start winning Torpids Headships again.

Headship is what will be at the front of everyone’s mind as Summer Eights training begins. W1, very much the poster child of PCBC, have a chance to retain their Headship earnt last year, and will be looking to do so in a dominant manner. M1, bolstered by two returning trialists will be hoping to break the run of 23 consecutive days without gaining a place. Exciting challenges lay ahead for both first eights, and both realise and relish the work required to achieve their ambitions.

Further down the club, both captains are working hard to ensure the second and third boats are more race ready for Summer Eights and can put in respectable challenges in their divisions. As readers will be aware being in a Pembroke M/W 2 is equivalent to most colleges first boat, and it’s important they are given the opportunity to train in such a way. Developing these boats is key to the future of PCBC, and as always, a top priority.

As the current tenants of PCBC, we look forward to seeing as many alumni and supporters down the river for Summer Eights. We will be working hard over the next few months to ensure that your support is rewarded in both bumps and Headships.

Results Summary

W1 +1 – Second on the River

M1 +0 – Second on the River

W2 - -4

M2 - -11

M3 + 0