Brookes vs Cambridge Men’s Fixture 2023
Cambridge Men’s Fixture
After a strong result against Oxford last week, Brookes were aiming to take a clean sweep in the last of the fixtures against Cambridge this weekend. Racing took place with the Blue Boat, Goldie and the Cambridge Lightweights over two pieces – from Putney to the Eyot, restarting again at the Eyot and finishing at University Finish Post in Chiswick.
In the first piece against the Blue Boat, both crews started strongly with Cambridge racing out to a ¼ length lead by the end of Putney Embankment. In conditions that posed some risk, Brookes on the Middlesex Station rowed hard and clean and were able to inch through the Blue Boat as they approached Hammersmith. Brookes stretched out their margin around the Hammersmith bend having taken open water and continued to lead until the finish, winning by around 3 lengths.
In the second piece, there was some dramatic clashing with both crews being warned to remain on station. Brookes immediately started to establish a lead and by the bandstand were starting to break open water. Around Barnes, Cambridge made a spirited effort to close down the lead, but Brookes were able to power away to win by 2 ½ lengths.
In the Goldie fixture, Brookes were able to assert a dominant rhythm early on the first piece and were able to open up a clear water margin by the Mile Post. Rowing with real poise, Brookes continued to stretch out a 3 length lead by the finish line. In the second piece, much the same played out with Cambridge making an effort to jump out of the start, however, after some clashes Brookes moved away to win by over 5 lengths.
The 3rd VIII were dominant over the Cambridge Lightweights winning both pieces despite a really good effort in both pieces over the first few minutes. A great experience for a young crew as final preparations come together for the whole squad with the last of the racing on the Tideway approaching.
Meanwhile, over in the USA, Jamie Copus was competing at the US Winter Speed Order trials in Florida. After some fantastic racing, Jamie was unlucky to finish on the other side of a tight finish. He placed 4th, less than 1.5 seconds off the winning sculler.
Brookes return with the women in the last of the fixtures next weekend, the men return to London on the 18th March for the Head of the River. With no Brookes racing being featured as a part of an “Official Fixture” this year. You can watch all this weekends racing footage on our YouTube Channel. 📸 Photos and videography provided courtesy of AllMarkOne