Cambridge end losing Boat Race streak

Oxford win women’s race

LONDON, March 27, (AFP): Cambridge ended a run of three straight defeats by Oxford with victory in the 162nd edition of the University Boat Race in London on Saturday.

The heavier and more experienced crew, Cambridge were the favourites for this year’s renewal on the 4 miles, 374 yards (6.8 km) course between Putney and Mortlake on the River Thames.

Victory saw the Light Blues extend their overall lead in a race first run in 1829 to 82 wins to 79.

On a day when rough water had played havoc with the preceding women’s race, Cambridge were ahead almost from the start and although Oxford hung on grimly they never looked at any stage as if they would overtake their ancient rivals in this latest contest between England’s two oldest universities.

Cambridge, who won the toss, had the early advantage of the Surrey bend in their favour were sufficiently far ahead of the Dark Blues to make it across to the safety of the Middlesex riverbank in increasingly choppy water.

The Cambridge men’s crew celebrate with trophy after winning the annual men’s boat race between Oxford and Cambridge University on the River

Thames in London on March 27. (AFP)

Maintaining a good rhythm, Cambridge won in a time of 18 minutes and 38 seconds, finishing two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Oxford.

By contrast, in the women’s race Oxford won by a huge margin of 24 lengths after Cambridge almost sank in rough water. This was only the second time the women’s race had been run on the same course as the men’s and gave Oxford their fourth win in a row and 13th victory in 17 years.