Men’s Fixture Report vs. Oxford

At 12pm on 21st February, Oxford Brookes University raced Oxford University in an official fixture for the Cancer Research UK Boat Races. Not to be outdone, the women’s squad raced Oxford’s Lightweight Women in some friendly pieces back home in Wallingford, and had a successful day with both boats.

In the fixture against Isis, Brookes’ 2nd VIII got out to an early lead, holding 2/3 length advantage round the Fulham bend. After much close racing and many clashes, Isis capitalised and won the piece finishing at Chiswick Eyot by one length. However, due to an injury, the second piece was not rowed out.

For a blow-by-blow report of the 1st VIII’s fixture with the Oxford Blue Boat, you can view the race report here on The Boat Races’ website.

Coxswain Harry Brightmore shared his thoughts after the day’s racing:

I was really impressed with how the guys dealt with the conditions, and I thought our change of mindset from the errors made in the Cambridge fixture showed very mature racing, and bodes well for the Head of the River.

Coach Henry Bailhache-Webb had some thoughts back on the bank after racing:

We haven’t raced Oxford in an official fixture for over twenty years, and to come out on top against a programme that is unbeaten in 4 years is a testament to the hard work all our Brookes athletes are putting in.

Wondering what the camera orb was on the back of our boat? This is the first time a 360˚ camera rig has been used in rowing, and we hope to show some spectacular footage – where you get to choose what you watch – later this week! Huge thanks go to James Fallows from Hab360, for providing the equipment. You can also look at their Facebook page here.

It was a great pleasure to provide Oxford & Cambridge with tough competition, and wish them all the best in their preparation for the 2016 Boat Races. The Boat Club’s next racing event will be at Reading University Head this Saturday 27th February, where BROOKES|Rowing will be out in full force, with our whole flotilla.