Oxford beat Cambridge in the 148th University Boat race by two thirds of a length on Saturday in one of the closest races for years.
Oxford beat Cambridge in the 148th University Boat race by two thirds of a length today in one of the closest races for years.
Oxford got the cleaner start, rating 51 compared to Cambridge's 45, and they led by half a length up the Fulham reach but Cambridge had pulled level by Fulham Football Ground.
Both crews settled at 34, with Cambridge rowing the slightly longer, smoother stroke. Cambridge maintained their half-a-length lead through the Hammersmith Bridge as Oxford failed to take advantage of the inside of the bend.
As the crews came out of the big Surrey bend the Light Blues maintained their lead really benefitting from the experience of stroke man Rick Dunn.
But they were unable to maintain the pressure and Cambridge suddenly cracked, looking exhausted as they approached the finish to leave Oxford to cross the line in 16.54, two seconds ahead.
Overall, Cambridge have a total of 77 wins to Oxford's 70. There was one dead heat in 1877.