Cambridge beats Oxford to win 162nd University Boat Race

Wednesday, 30 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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, 2016 - AFP

The Cambridge (L) crew row ahead of Oxford (R) in the annual men’s boat race between Oxford and Cambridge University on the River Thames on March 27, 2016 - AFP

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

The heavier and more experienced crew, Cambridge were the favourites for this year’s renewal on the 6.8-kilometre 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. 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.

Oxford, recovering from a slow start, and by the time they reached Hammersmith Bridge, Cambridge were already starting to take on water that all but overwhelmed their boat’s pumping system.

By contrast, the Dark Blues got out of the turbulent stream in time and headed for safety near the Middlesex riverbank.

Cambridge almost came to a standstill, the pumping system in their boat all but overwhelmed and it seemed they might emulate the unfortunate 1978 Light Blue men’s crew in suffering an embarrassing sinking.

But although given the option of stopping by the race umpire, they carried on albeit they finished 71 seconds adrift of Oxford, who won in a time of 21:49.