THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2588, 24 April 1877, Page 3

THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE.

London, March 24.—The course was the usual one— r-n the Thames, from Putney to Mortlake—distance four miles and two furlongs." Of the Cambridge eight six" participated in last year's contest, while of the Oxford crew, four were ancient mariners; but the coxswain was a novice on the Thames. Cantabs rowed in a new swaddle Winship boat, and the Oxfords in a new Clasper boat. Betting at Putney, before the race, was five to four on Oxford. Cambridge arrived at the I.eander Boat-house at 7.30, and the Oxford men nearly half an hour later. The Oxford crew entered their boat at eight, and winning the toss for position, took the Middlesex station.. The Cambridge crew did not launch their boat until nearly ten minutes later, and when they were coming to the post, .the Oxford took a preliminary row as far as the Star and Garter, The starting boats were moored opposite the lower end of Putney Ter^acg.^nd at 8.15 the two crews pre- : parji^r^ne start. The signal was delayed by ike breaking away of the Press boatfrom her moorings, and at 20 minutes past the hour fixed, all was in. readiness. The start was made at 827. Off the Doves,two miles from, Putney, Oxford, though on the outside, pained slightly, and at the Oil Mills got even with. Cambridge, the two crewsat one time being very close . together, and in imminent danger of collision, a rowing boat full of people pulling across their bows. Just below the foot of Chiswick Eyot, Oxford was once more rowing faster, and at the. bottom of the island was again in front, being better together than,the Cambridge crew, who seemed much troubled by the rough, water. About the middle of the Eyot, Oxford had increased their lead to half a length as the rowing in the Gambridge boat became short; and at Chiswick Church, three miles having been rowed, they had increased their adTantage to two-thirds of a length; Here the race seemed removed from the realm of doubt. Rounding the bend into Horsebeach, the water became smoother, and Cambridge, rowing better, gained upon Oxford, but the latter made thieir effort, and were nearly a length ahead off Bathing-place, a furlong fur- j ther on. In the Duke of Devonshire's meadows, Cambridge made another effort,, reducing the lead of Oxford to two'thirds of a length. No change took: place toßarnes Bridge, seven furlongs from the winning point, and under the Jbridge Oxford passed leading nearly a length. This advantage was improved to several j feet of. daylight between the boats opposite the White Harp. Off the Limes, j Cambridge again spnrted and reduced the lead of Oxford, which was in trouble, the bowman being unable to use his' oar j effectively. Cambridge worked harder, and got within'a third of a length off Godfrey's, when a gallant struggle I followed for the victory. From the Ship to the winning post, Cambridge got in her work, and the gun was fired as the two creVs passed the judge together. The time was twenty-four minutes and ten seconds. The judge declared the race to be a dead heat. At first all the telegrams announced that Oxford had won. -