Torpids: blades and bumping distance of the headship

Crowds gathered on Saturday to watch as three crews from Oriel College competed in the final day of Torpids.

The men’s second VIII won blades after starting in 12th place of Division III at the beginning of the week and bumping every day to finish in eighth place. Meanwhile, the men’s first VIII finished in second place on the river after bumping Christ Church on day one. Next year, just Wolfson stands between them and the Head of the River.

The women’s first VIII rowed over on the final three days of Torpids to finish in fourth place of Division I after being bumped on day one by Christ Church.

The men’s Captain of Boats William Schwabach said: “I am beyond proud of our M2 achieving blades this year — a very well-deserved victory, especially for the many finalists who made up the boat.

“As for our M1, although we were not able to catch Wolfson after three days of gruelling chasing, I am excited to say that we are one step closer, and only one step away, from returning Oriel to its rightful place at the Head of the River in Torpids.

“I also want to congratulate the W1 for their valiant efforts over the course of the week, making a memorable and daring escape from Wolfson on the Friday. Overall, I was very pleased with the campaign and look forward to further success in Summer Eights. Floreat Oriel!”

Oriel College Boat Club’s Senior Member, Revd Dr Rob Wainwright, said: “Our rowers have shown enormous determination and put Oriel in a strong position for our next Torpids campaign.”