Light Blues Relish the Challenge Against Molesey - Mar 08

On a bright spring-like afternoon Cambridge were given their sternest test yet over three pieces by a strong Molesey crew that included former Dark Blue Boat Race winners Robin Bourne-Taylor at bow and cox Acer Nethercott.

These were the only two changes to the Molesey boat that took on Oxford 16 days ago. The first piece to Hammersmith was called a dead-heat by Cambridge chief coach Steve Trapmore after the light blues had moved to half a length up by Crabtree into a headwind on the Surrey station. But the experienced Molesey crew containing six former blues gained ground in the latter stages and Henry Pelly from last year’s winning Cambridge boat felt they had edged it by a foot. Umpire Rob Clegg confirmed it was very close and that there had only been a soft touch and no clashes between the boats during the piece.

The second piece from Harrods to the Bandstand was raced in windy conditions with white horses and saw Cambridge adapt better to the conditions to win by three quarters of a length. In the third piece Cambridge had the run at the start at the Bandstand, however Molesey recovered from being a third of a length down to take the verdict by less than a foot at the finish, although Cambridge rowed well on the outside of the bend. Having been the only club to compete against both Oxford and Cambridge so far this year, Molesey coach Ben Lewis believes it is “too close to call” when comparing the two Blue Boats. “Its going to be a fantastic race because I think Cambridge came out of the blocks faster but Oxford may be stronger,” he said.

Commenting on today’s fixture, Steve Trapmore said “I’m really pleased that the Boat performed so well under such pressure”.