Oxford, this year lighter by a pound per man, now trail Cambridge by 73 victories to 78 overall with one draw.

The Oxford crew won the toss, and made an explosive start from the left-hand Surrey station.

The Dark Blues held half a length lead by Fulham Football Club but but Cambridge drew level by the mile post. The crews were neck and neck by Harrods Depository and in danger of clashing but they were warned off and reached Hammersmith Bridge together.

Oxford put in a surge just after the Bridge to make the most of the inside station as the conditions worsened, with the wind creating big waves and chop.
Cambridge were forced to drop in behind Oxford to find flatter water as they passed Chiswick Eyot. By the Bandstand on the approach to Barnes Bridge, Oxford had established a lead of more than two lengths as Cambridge struggled with water in their boat.

From then on the Oxford crew looked commanding in their lead, five lengths ahead of Cambridge, who finished in 18 minutes 41 seconds.

The Oxford crew members were Robin Ejsmond-Frey, Colin Smith, Tom Parker, Paul Daniels, James Schroeder, Barney Williams, Jacob Wetzel, Bastien Ripoll, and Sebastian Pearce (cox).

Picture: The Oxford eight celebrate their win. Credit: EMPICS