CRA Town Bumps 2022

The CRA Town Bumps returned in July this year for the first ‘proper’ series since Covid. After cancellation in 2020, bumps races in 2021 were held but results discounted. This year, over 100 eights from Cambridge and other CRA clubs picked up where 2019 left off, and raced each other to defend their positions on the Cam.

Races on Monday and Tuesday were cancelled due to the forecast of exceptionally high temperatures (a decision everyone was glad of as the reality of 40C hit home!), but fiercely fought each night Wednesday-Friday. Three Isle of Ely crews competed.

After recruiting many new faces in April/May of this year, the women’s sweep squad fielded two eights. The novice sweep rowers improved at a fantastic rate under the coaching of Duncan McCulloch, supported by Rob White, Christian Schosland and the experienced eyes of coxes Sophie Spencer and Alyce McClellan.

A largely novice W2 crew (pictured right) raced in Div 3, putting up a gutsy fight against their more experienced opponents. Though unfortunately bumped, the crew showed tidy form and terrific fighting spirit – Ely supporters were very proud and look forward to seeing these rowers get their revenge bumps in 2023.

The W1 crew (left) was another new line-up, bringing together bumps veterans, converted scullers and novices. W1 got full value from their entry fees with hard row-overs in Div 1 each night: suspecting that quick bumps weren’t likely, the crew’s preparation for nightly 2ks proved a good investment. Old hands and coaches were very proud to see this W1 crew escape their challengers and defend their position on the river for another year.

In the men’s sweep squad, a new M1 line-up (right) also saw many rowers competing in their first bumps races. Whipped into shape by coaches Christian and Rob and cox-in-chief Saffron MacLeod, M1 showed they had real speed, and willingness to take on whatever opponents threw at them. Although bumps were conceded this year, the new squad looks like it’ll be a force to be reckoned with after winter training and a few more races under the belt.

Ely

9:54 pm, Oct 10, 2026

10°C

clear sky

73 %

1011 mb

11 mph

Wind Gust: 0 mph

Clouds: 2%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 7:14 am

Sunset: 6:16 pm

CRA Town Bumps 2022

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