The result of the Oxford lightweights trial reflected a moment in history on Henley Reach yesterday, where the two crews were named 'East' and 'West' to mark the anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall. Persistent rain for several days produced very fast conditions and 'West' again triumphed, just as they did 20 years ago in Germany.
With four members of the OULRC squad having competed in the Scullers head the previous day that left sixteen athletes in the two crews competing for the remaining four places in the Blue Boat next March.
West had the cleaner start on the Berkshire station and drew into a narrow lead despite 'East' having the faster stream beneath Phyllis Court. As both crews settled quickly to a steady 34 strokes a minute 'West' held on to their lead at the bottom of the Enclosures.
Through the middle part of the race the leaders were able to drop their rate to 33 against 'East' at 32 and despite several warnings 'West' held the line as well as the advantage. 'East' held on grimly. never allowing clear water to develop, but had no response to 'West''s finishing burst at 35, allowing them to win by 2/3 length in 5 mins 37 secs.
