2022 Eights ends with ChCh poised for double headship 2023.

Our men’s and women’s first VIIIs fulfilled our expectations of speed, as they spearheaded the ChCh campaign for Eights.

After bumping up from 4th and 5th, for the first time in the club’s history, both flagships now sit at 2nd on the river.

Women’s Captain’s report:

(Thanks to Kate Friesen)

The women of Christ Church Boat Club had an exhilarating Summer Eights week this year. Their dedication to training throughout the term paid off over the demanding racing week.

W3 had an incredible bumps campaign, earning three bumps on Exeter W2, Oriel W3, and Corpus Christi W2. They also had an excellent row over while chasing St. Benet’s W1. Next year W3 will be back looking to secure that fourth bump to earn blades.

W2 put up a great fight each day, having been surrounded by strong first VIIIs in Division 3. The girls had to row the greatest distance of all our crews having found themselves as the Division 3-4 sandwich boat. They showed great resilience and tenacity throughout the week.

W1 had an outstanding week, bumping up three places to finish second on the river. After Pembroke caused a Klaxon on Day 1, just as they closed to ½ a length on University, the girls thought their headship campaign had come to an end. Pembroke received penalty bumps and the challenge was back on. W1 went on to bump Wadham W1 and Wolfson W1. They closed Univ W1 to six feet on Day 2, and only missed out the bump due to their position at the back of a four-boat sandwich at the top of Division 1. Next year, the girls are coming back even stronger (the training has already begun!) and will undoubtedly put up a fierce fight to earn the first Women’s Headship in Christ Church history.

Men's Captain’s report:

(Thanks to Ayman D'Souza)

The final day of Summer Eights brought much excitement as promised. With no bank riders allowed, rowers and coxswains soaked up the noise of thousands of spectators to send them down the Isis.

Our M5 finished their final day at 79th on the River (they were 89th on 2019 Saturday), and despite having suffered 3 bumps over their campaign, had a thoroughly enjoyable first experience of Bumps - they were the only genuine (non beer-boat) M5 to qualify, and did us all proud with their stoic performances.

M4 finished their 4-bump campaign with a final bump on Somerville M2, cementing their rise into Division VI. They are now sat in 71st, one behind M4 Headship, and hungry for success next year.

Despite getting bumped on Wednesday and Thursday, M3 showed their grit by rowing over on Day 3 and Day 4. Despite chipping away steadily at University M3's lead on Saturday, the bump eluded our crew; but with several returners in their midst, they will be back for more in 2023.

Our M2 also endured a row over at the top end of Division 3, despite closing Brasenose M1 to a canvas. They remain the second placed M2 on the river, and have proved to be much faster than many other colleges’ First VIIIs, demonstrating our squads' depth and skill.

Finally, our M1 took the race to Oriel, closing in with furious speed to finish just a third of a length from their stern. Unfortunately, the Headship bump did not come this year. With seven potential returners moving into 2023, this crew will come back hungrier and fitter than ever to chase the coveted number one men’s spot on the Isis next Trinity.

Whether you came in person to the Boat House or cheered on from afar, thank you to all who have supported the House crews.