Thames retains the Boustead Cup

The 70th anniversary edition of the Boustead Cup, the annual grudge match between Thames and London RC, took place on Saturday 25 February 2017 with the Bousteads themselves following in the launch.

Tide and wind conditions meant that the decision was taken to run the race over a shortened flood tide course from Putney to the top of Chiswick Eyot. There were three races this year: the men’s 1st and 2nd 8s and the veterans’ race.

The veterans went off first and a Thames crew featuring recent Henley Royal winners Anthony Lester and James Padmore in the stern fought hard against a seasoned and strong London boat. Cox Jennifer Wainer was forced to take an inventive line around a crew out for a paddle in the wrong place, and despite the best efforts of the Thames men London took the victory.

The 2nd 8s race saw a commanding 21-second victory by Thames. The 1st 8 finished proceedings in style, winning by 23 seconds over the short course and retaining the cup for another year.