Words: Hannah Evans

Oxford won the toss and chose Surrey.

Off the start, both crews were level with Blondie on the Middlesex station and Osiris on the Surrey station. The crews remained substantially level with each other along the Putney embankment with Blondie rating higher than Osiris.

As the crews neared Fulham Pier, Blondie pulled ahead of Osiris as Blondie was warned by the umpire for their line. By the Mile post Blondie had increased their lead to about a length, Osiris then held Blondie at this distance until the crews passed under
Hammersmith.

After Hammersmith, the conditions on the river deteriorated and both crews pushed on through choppy water into a strong headwind. Through the rough water, Blondie increased their lead so that there was clear water between the crews.

The crews took different lines through the rough water and ended up briefly swapping stations.

After passing Chiswick Pier, both crews moved towards the Middlesex station out of the stream to seek calmer water. Blondie continued to increase their lead and by Barnes Bridge were leading by about 6 lengths. Blondie pushed on through the last part of the race to win the Women’s Reserve Race by 9 lengths.