Rowing: Cambridge display good depth of talent

Cambridge's two trial crews were aptly named "Understated" and "Subtle" for their race from Putney to Mortlake yesterday. They produced a fine, fighting race which resulted in a win for Understated, stroked by president Tim Wooge, by just over three lengths.

Wooge's crew on the Middlesex station gained a slight advantage early on, but the eye could not separate the crews either at the mile post or at Hammersmith Bridge.

There was a minor clash of blades approaching Chiswick Steps and suddenly Understated gave Subtle the slip. Jim Omartian, the former Harvard cox, steered like a jockey, moving his body in tune with the rhythm of the oars, and soon Understated were riding out a two-length lead.

Ellie Griggs, last year's Boat Race cox, surprisingly tucked Subtle in behind Understated's wash, but after Barnes Bridge her crew rallied for an excellent stretch of rowing, driven by stroke Matthias Kleinz.

Both the club president Wooge, who rowed in the Boat Race in 1999 and 2001, and coach Robin Williams were pleased with the day. "The crews are pretty even," said Wooge. Williams added: "It was as good a trial eights as you will get." It is more impressive to reflect that Oxford's trial two weeks ago ended in a 10-length win and some poor rowing.