ICBC vs Isis (a.k.a. Proof that GB Rowing were sensible to hold trials on one day only): On the day before the Valentine's day 2011, no love was lost between the second Oxford University boat, Isis, and two Imperial eights during training. Three 10 minute pieces were on the programme; one to be done alone against the tide and two with the stream, side by side with the Dark Blues. Tension was high with some members of ICBC 1 beginning to feel the pressure before boating [partly down to the efforts of Will "Stirrer" Todd], but cool-as-a-cucumber, ex-Goldie member and strokeman Matt Whaley reassured the boys to keep calm and just focus on their own rowing [it's alright for him - he's already beaten Isis once!].
Photo Courtsey of Nick Ablitt
As the two IC eights boated and made their way to Chiswick, coach and former Oxford Blue cox Seb Pearce encouraged the rowers to be aware of the conditions and be ready for anything that would be thrown at them once the pieces began. The three crews gathered, with ICBC 2 (cox:Connie Pidoux/Adam Seward/Josh Yerrell/Will Todd/Sam Cottrell/Tom Pearson/Gareth Brown/Tom Shaw/Finlay McPhail) about three lengths ahead of ICBC 1 (cox:Libby Richards/Matt Whaley/Rory Sullivan/Louis Margot/Ali Hudson/Ben Spencer-Jones/Leo Carrington/Simon Steele/Hal Bradbury) on Middlesex and the intimidating Isis, clad from head to toe in their matching Xchanging kit, on Surrey.
Photo Courtsey of Nick Ablitt
From the start, it was clear ICBC was born ready as they took three strokes to Isis's one and gained an early lead (half a length by Chiswick bridge), which was then extended to a canvas of clear water by Barnes Bridge [the strokemeter may have been calibrated at the Jamie Kirkwood Grammar Centre - it had the best of intentions but wasn't quite right].
Photo Courtsey of Nick Ablitt
Towards the end of the first piece, Isis had to weave their way between the pincers of the two IC crews (practically side-by-side by this point) along Chiswick eyot. ICBC 1 finished approximately a length and a half up on Isis, who in turn were just under a length up on ICBC 2.
Photo Courtsey of Nick Ablitt
After this confidence boost, ICBC were ready again for the second piece and all knew what awaited the crews the other side of Hammersmith Bridge - some of the worst tideway conditions many of the three boats had ever encountered. Again, from the start, ICBC 1 were up and taking the big Surrey bend on the outside. Lines were maintained and both crews were practically level passing St Pauls School, until Isis put in a push and stole a couple of seats, however IC held their nerve and made them work to keep the advantage. As the crews came under Hammersmith, the wind hit. White horses were all around and waves began crashing over the riggers. ICBC 2 in the stiff Vespoli were forced to take shelter in the Middlesex bank for fear of sinking, while ICBC 1 and Isis ploughed on through the challenging conditions.
Photo Courtsey of Nick Ablitt
Both crews held their form in the tough water. ICBC 1 showed their mettle being further into the harsher conditions, while Isis were granted some slightly easier waves closer to the Surrey bank [even if the photographic evidence suggests differently]. The two boats were essentially neck and neck as the conditions died down soon after the Mile Post and at this point, ICBC 1 once again made their mark and pushed out to a length in front of Isis, but the Dark Blues would not accept defeat and in the dying seconds put in a second surge to reduce IC's lead to around three quarters of a length.
Photo Courtsey of Nick Ablitt
As the collapsing and panting subsided, all agreed a good day's training had been had. Now all await with baited breath to see what happens when ICBC take on Cambridge University's second boat, Goldie, in two weeks time.
For more photos, see Nick Ablitt's Website.
Libby Richards