May Bumps: LMBC M1 retains Headship for Bicentenary year
What a week it has been on the River Cam. Another May Bumps has come and gone, and we hope you’ve been following Lady Margaret Boat Club’s progress as closely and proudly as we have here in College.
It’s been a challenging few days for our rowers – not only contending with scorching heat, but also fierce competition from across the College crews. Through it all, our athletes gave their all. We are incredibly proud of every LMBC crew that raced this week.
Most notably, in our Bicentenary year, M1 successfully defended the Headship, a remarkable achievement and testament to their strength, discipline, and team spirit.
Theo Langslow, Stroke Seat of the LMBC M1 boat, said: “This was my last Bumps race before graduating from Cambridge and I’ll truly never forget it. It’s been absolutely incredible to defend my legacy as Captain last year when we bumped Caius to Headship and also to end my time rowing for Maggie on such a high with such a wonderful crew and all within an historic year for the club as we celebrate the Bicentenary.”
When the club gains or keeps a May Headship, the traditional celebration is a boat burning. Theo has now taken part in two, although he is quick to explain that no serviceable boats are ever burned.
He said: “It was amazing to be able to celebrate two boat burnings during my time here, as being able to witness one is rare enough for any Cambridge rower.”
Cambridge Mays 2025: Saturday: M1
Here’s how the week unfolded for each of our crews:
Wednesday
The day began with M4 – our Redboys – starting from station 16. Despite a valiant effort, they were caught and bumped by Darwin M2, moving down to station 17. M3 delivered our first celebration of the week, securing a clean bump on Caius M3 and moving up a place. W3 followed but faced a tough race, getting bumped by First and Third W3.
W2 put in one of the standout performances of the day. They caught Trinity Hall W2, beginning that crew’s eventual descent to spoons and claiming the sandwich boat position at the top of Division 3. Although they couldn’t bump into Division 2 in the next race, it was a confident showing. M2 endured a long, steady row-over, fending off a tenacious Clare M1 all the way down the course.
W1 also rowed over. Jesus W1 pulled away early, and Emmanuel W1 gave chase, but were themselves bumped by Trinity Hall, giving our crew clear water to pursue Jesus for the rest of the race. At the top of the river, M1 rowed with poise and focus to record a strong row-over and successfully defend their Headship on day one.
Thursday
Thursday brought a blend of results across our boats. M4 were bumped again, this time by Fitzwilliam M3, while W3 also lost ground, caught by Fitzwilliam W2. M3, however, held off Wolfson M2 with a composed row-over, maintaining their position.
W2 continued to fight hard, rowing over twice and clinging to their sandwich boat spot. Unfortunately, Robinson W1 bumped out Caius W2 ahead of them, denying our crew the chance to move up into Division 2. M2 also held strong, notching another clean row-over and showing great consistency under pressure.
W1 had a more difficult outing. Trinity Hall W1, who had pressured them on Wednesday, finally made the bump. M1, meanwhile, continued to look sharp and composed, recording another controlled row-over to keep the Headship firmly in their grasp.
Friday
Friday proved to be one of the hardest days of the week for LMBC, as six of our seven crews were bumped. M4 were caught by Peterhouse M3, while M3 were bumped by Wolfson M2. W3 suffered their third consecutive bump, this time from Homerton W3.
W2 were also caught – St Edmund’s W1 overtook them just after First Post Corner, taking the sandwich boat position and pushing our crew down the order. M2 had a tough row as well, getting bumped by a strong Queens’ M1. W1’s unlucky streak continued as they were caught by Emmanuel W1 around the railway bridge.
In brighter news, M1 stood tall once again. Under pressure from Caius M1, they delivered another assured row-over at the Head of the River, keeping the top spot secure for a third straight day.
Saturday
The final day brought emotional highs and lows. M4 fought hard in their last race but were bumped by Downing M3, concluding a difficult campaign and sadly earning spoons. M3, however, put in a defiant performance, holding off Corpus Christi M2 in the sandwich boat position and rowing over to finish the week where they started, at station 17.
W3 delivered one of the most satisfying moments of the week, bumping Homerton W3 in revenge for Friday’s result. Though they ended the campaign –2 overall, they finished with heads held high. M2 completed a tough final row-over, bringing a physically demanding week to a close with a –1 finish at station 13.
W2 were bumped by Downing W2, finishing third in Division 3 after a strong and energetic week. W1 gave everything in their final race. A powerful start saw them close quickly on Emmanuel W1, closing the distance as they approached First Post Corner. Sadly, before the Reach, Pembroke W1 surged forward and bumped them out just as Emma slipped away.
Finally, M1 delivered a commanding and memorable performance in their Headship defence. Quick off the start, they left Caius behind within the first minute. With Peterhouse bumping out Caius early on the Reach, M1 had clear water and open river. They charged home with style and control, rowing over for the fourth time and securing the Headship once again – a fitting end to the week and a highlight in our 200th year.
While not every crew achieved the results they hoped for, LMBC showed characteristic resilience, unity, and fight throughout the week. From gutsy row-overs in blistering heat to well-earned bumps – and the crowning triumph of another Headship for M1 – our club gave everything on the Cam.
Thank you to all who supported us throughout the week. Here’s to a memorable May Bumps 2025 – and to another proud chapter in Maggie’s history.
Written by Shannon O’Shea, Alumni Relations Officer (Events)
