Crew: Beth Kemp (Cox), Billie Meadowcroft (Stroke), Lea Gansser-Potts (3), Charlotte Hallam (2), Kathryn Van Der Byl (Bow)
Getting back into the boat after their memorable row a few days before, the crew’s plan was to go out and replicate their QF race. After marshalling in the rain, the crew came up to the start line. From the get-go, Newnham presented much more of a threat and Queens’ stoically held them at station round all the corners. They never quite settled for the same natural rhythm as the previous day but a fantastic reset in the Reach allowed Queens’ to try out their new finish sequence. Unfortunately, the Newnham crew crept up on Queens’ on the straight and crossed the finish line 10 seconds ahead of our W1. They then went on to win the final again Lady Margaret’s W1. Not the race that Queens’ had hoped but a 3rd place to be proud of nonetheless.
Both the W1 and W2 Uni IVs crew, which make up the 2018 Michaelmas W1 VIII have hugely benefited from training in the 4+ boats. This has allowed them to focus on fine tuning their technique in the more sensitive boats, as well as getting invaluable race experience. It was generally thoroughly enjoyed and the girls are excited to get back into the bigger boat to see their improvement.