Oxford Women deliver a masterclass against Leander Club #FixtureSeries

A gripping race between Oxford and Leander Club in the first #FixtureSeries race to be Live Streamed.

The Leander v Oxford Fixture for both 'A' and 'B' crews was part of a FixtureSeries of races which saw 6 races take place as part of The Gemini Boat Race 2022 preparations.

Oxford Coaches Andy Nelder and James Powell made changes to the 'A' crew line up and moved Liv Farrar into Christine Cavallo's seat with Emma Hewlett taking up the vacant spot in the 'B' crew.
It was familiar territory for Richard Chambers as he brought Leander Club Women to race Oxford Women yesterday in Putney. Richard Chambers is former Cambridge University Men's Assistant Coach and knows the significance of the Fixture races in the pre-Boat Race calendar. He is also highly experienced in how to approach the unique nature of side by side racing in an unpredictable environment.
Storm Eunice caused late changes to the schedule as it was decided racing would only take place between Putney and Hammersmith Bridge. As ever, the Umpire and Safety Advisor take the safety and welfare of the crews as the highest priority. Leander Club had further disruption to their race preparation with equipment failure.


Blue Boat vs Leander A
UMPIRE John Garrett

A set of two exciting races between Oxford and Leander Club. After a delay due to equipment issues in the Leander crew, the crews delivered a fantastic first race. Leander got off with a quick start taking a clear in the opening stages of the race. Oxford dug in and showed a gritty determination as they pulled back on the Leander crew. Oxford drew level and then came through to draw out to a lead of one length. Leander drew back but could not do enough to get their lead back. Oxford won the first piece by just under a length.
There were close margins in both races. Leander took an early lead in the first race but Oxford came back and take the lead and finish with the win. In the second piece the crews changed stations. A quick start gave Oxford an early lead. The crews were side by side for much of the race but Oxford took the win in the second piece.
Leander Club Chief Coach Ross Hunter said,
"What a fantastic show piece for British women’s rowing. All the athletes involved absolutely loved being part of such an exciting day of racing. For Leander it’s great opportunity to test ourselves on the build up to WEHORR. After watching the performances from Oxford and Cambridge yesterday I think the boat race this year is going to be the highest standard and the closest race we have seen in a long time.

To watch this race go to the Boat Race TV HERE


Oxford 'B' vs Leander 'B'
UMPIRE Ciaran Hayes

Oxford 'B' and Leander Club 'B' raced three times between Putney and Hammersmith Bridge. The races were tough and provided Oxford with much needed side by side practice against top opposition. The first piece was won by Leander by 3 lengths. The second piece Leander won by 2 length and the third piece Leander won by a canvas. Oxford showing that they can step on and learn from each race experience.

OUWBC Assistant Coach James Powell said

"We are always hoping for close racing and tough competition when we get to fixture season and we had both of those in our match-up against Leander B. Leander are a class act and racing them provided some brilliant experience for the Osiris crew, who gained momentum throughout the day and delivered some close racing to finish off in the final piece. We are very grateful to all the athletes and coaches from Leander for making it happen."