THE OXFORD & CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1031, 7 May 1883, Page 2

THE OXFORD & CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE.

The annual hoat race between the crews of Cambridge and Oxford Universities took place on the: Thames River on the afternoon of March 15. The course was from Putney to Mortlake 5 the distance four miles and two furlongs. Oxford won by three lengths, The boats started at 5-41. Cambridge, had the Middlesex side of the river, and Oxford the Surrey side. Oxford led by a length at Duke’s Head, a short distance from the starting point, and won by three lengths. Oxford had the best of an uneven start, They pulled a regular stroke; nearly 40 to the minute, and were almost clear of the Cam bridge boat at the Craven Step, about six furlongs from the start The oambndge boat here deflected towards the Middlesex shore. Oxford, at the end of the first mile, which they covered in 4-15, was two lengths ahead, and rowing well together. Here the darkness thickened, and snow began, to fall, and the Cambridge crew was splashing considerably by the time the Soap Works were reached. At Hammersmith, If miles from Pine-street, Cambridge was 9sec behind Oxford. At Cheswick Eyot, three-quarters of a mile further on, they were four lengths astern, and going better. A violent thunder*

storm here broke upon the crews, when Cambridge quickened the speed ; but in Coney Reach it was evident all was over with them, and Oxford came in an easy winner. The result caused greater excitement than any previous race in consequence of the heavy betting on Cambridge, who at the start were favorites at 7to 2. The defeat of the crew on whom such odds was laid is unprecedented. Science won against strength.