Leander Club V Oxford University
Saturday 23rd March
Leander Club won the toss and chose the Surrey station for the 4.4k race from Putney to Chiswick steps.
Oxford really attacked the start and surprised Leander to take an early lead and as a result by Fulham football ground Oxford had a lead by approximately three quarters of a length.
Oxford looked race ready and sharp after a few recent crew changes and had the early lead but Leander knew that their strength would be the middle of the race where they would try to get into a good rhythm with good distance per stroke and put the power down. This proved to be correct and Leander showed good speed to draw back level round their advantage on the bend towards Harrods.
At Hammersmith Bridge Leander extended their lead to three quarters of a length and looked strong, but Oxford the much racier looking crew took it up with 300 meters to go.
In the final minute Oxford came back to show incredible determination and the crews finished level. The official verdict by the coaches was a one foot lead to Oxford.
The other fixture of the day was Isis vs. Leander Club B to race over the same course.
Oxford this time won the toss and chose to have the Surrey station.
It was Leander now who had the better start and got up to six seats’ lead as the crews approached Fulham Football Club.
Both crews were racing hard and fighting for the best line in the stream when Leander’s stroke man clashed oars with Oxford’s bow man. This caused Leander to get out of their stride and as a result the race became a bit closer.
The Oxford crew now had the bend advantage for the remainder of the race on the Surrey station and had momentum. Approaching Hammersmith bridge Isis had taken the lead by two seats and were looking strong.
Leander had more in the tank though, and as they neared Chiswick steps Leander came back with every stroke to make for an exciting finish.
The final verdict was a win for Isis by a canvas. Well done to Oxford and thanks to them for some great racing. We wish them all the best on April 7th for the boat race.
