A Competitive Showdown on the Tideway
Leander Women vs. Oxford Women: A Competitive Showdown on the Tideway
Fixture racing is a highly anticipated highlight of any season for Leander athletes. The competition for selection is fierce, as rowers seek the opportunity to test themselves against the best that Oxford and Cambridge have to offer.
Building on the momentum of the club’s most successful Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (WeHORR) results in history, the depth and strength of the Leander women’s squad were on full display. The coaching team fielded three eights to challenge all of Oxford’s women’s Boat Race crews, setting the stage for a thrilling day of racing.
Leander A vs. Oxford Blue Boat
Coxed by Jack Tottem and stroked by Abi Topp, both crews launched off the start at a blistering pace, remaining level for the first 500 meters. Approaching the Black Buoy, the Leander crew found their rhythm, settling into a higher traveling speed. By the Mile Post, Leander had established clear water, capitalizing on the inside advantage of the Middlesex bend. Their lead continued to grow, ultimately securing a two-length victory at Hammersmith Bridge.
The second piece, beginning from a rolling start at Hammersmith Bridge and finishing at the Bandstand, saw Leander positioned on the outside of the Surrey bend. With no inherent course advantage, both crews remained locked side by side until the Eyot, where Leander began to edge ahead. They maintained their lead, crossing the Bandstand 1 ½ lengths ahead.
Despite deteriorating conditions, the final piece from the Bandstand to the Boat Race finish post showcased Oxford’s resilience. The crews remained level through Barnes Bridge, but as the course turned in Leander’s favour, they extended their lead. Oxford responded with determination, keeping overlap until the final 200 meters, but Leander held strong to finish one length up at the final marker.
Leander B vs. Osiris
By the time the Leander B crew faced Osiris, conditions had worsened, with headwinds creating choppy water. Bow pair Sophie Chumas and Jemima Furness had their work cut out for them, but the crew powered through the first piece, claiming a dominant three-length victory at Hammersmith Bridge.
Following the same format as the Blue Boat race, the second piece started at Hammersmith Bridge and concluded at the Bandstand. Positioned on the outside of the Surrey bend, Leander demonstrated why they placed seventh at WeHORR, rowing through Osiris to secure another convincing three-length win.
The final piece proved to be a much tighter contest, but the Leander women once again showcased their strength, claiming victory by 1 ½ lengths.
Leander C vs. Oxford Lightweights
For the Leander C crew, comprised of gap-year and club development athletes, this fixture provided invaluable experience on the Championship Course. Over three shorter pieces, they secured well-earned victories in two of the races. However, as conditions deteriorated, the Oxford Lightweights capitalized on the rougher water to claim the final piece win.
Reflecting on the day, Olivia del Costello of Leander A commented, “I really enjoyed the fixture racing and am having such a great time at the club. It is fantastic to be part of a team like this.”
Leander extends its gratitude to Fulham Reach for hosting the crews and wishes the Oxford women the best in their final preparations for Boat Race day.
With the fixture racing now concluded, the focus shifts to the summer season, with the British Rowing April Trials marking the first major event on the club’s competitive summer calendar.
