HOW RACE WAS WON

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 9

HOW RACE WAS WON

CAMBRIDGE KEEP LEAD

OXFORD'S CHALLENGES

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, 21st March. Cambridge defeated Oxford in. the University boat race by 2i lengths after a gruelling contest. The crews were:— • Cambridge.— D. Haig Thomas (Eton and Lady Margaret)*, bow; W. A. Prid«aux (Eton and Third Trinity)*, B. H. H. Symonds (Bedford and Lady Margaret), .G. Gray (Boltori and Queens), P. N. Carpmael (Oundle and Jesus)*, H, E. N. Bickett (Eton and Third Trinity)*, C. J. S. Sergei (Monkton Combe and Clare), T. A. Broeklebank (Eton and Third Trinity)*. J. M. Banking (Cheltenham and Pembroke), who- weighs only 97 pounds, is the tiniest cos on record. Oxford. —W. h. Garstang (Oundle and Trinity)*, l>ow, G. M. L. Smith (Winchester and Brasenose), D. E. Tinne (Eton and University College)*, C. M. Johnston (Shrewsbury and Brasenose)*, B. A. J. Poole (Eton and. Brasenose), L. Clive' (Eton and Christ Church)*, W. D. C. Erskine Crum (Eton and Christ Church), B. W. G. Holdsworth (Shrewsbury and Brasenose). E. B. Edmett wais cox. ♦Old Blue. Oxford won the toss and chose the Middlesex side. The wind was due south, but moderate. Cambridge were a few feet ahead in the firat few minutes, and maintained a slight lead for.a mile. Oxford closed up, but Cambridge, entering the second mile, steadily increased their lead to three-quarters of a length. Oxford again increased their, rate, but Cambridge had a slight lead at Hammersmith Bridge, and a lead of a length at 1$ miles, which was maintained at two miles. Oxford's struggle to hold the leaders now told, and they became ragged. Cambridge, well within themselves, were 2£ lengths in the lead at 2$ miles, and 3§ lengths at 3* miles. Oxford, though very tired, made a desperate effort approaching the four miles mark, and gradually crept up to within two lengths, but Brdcklebank, keeping Cambridge well together, spurted near the finish and won lyTh^ ', Cantabs eoemed fresh despite the,gruelling race, but the Oxonians all leant on their oais. . All the members, of both crews are from English Public Schools. Erskine Crum was rowing on the same thwart as his father, the famous' Etonian, "Wet Bob," in the 'nineties. Brocklebank i 3 regarded as one of the finest strokes in the history of the race.

Cambridge has nowwon the boat race eight successive times. Oxford has won it 4U times and Cambridge 42 times.

Mr. P. Haig .Thomas coached the Cambridge team during its final period of training, and the first day he- rearranged the sea.tmg approximately to that which was finally adopted, moving T. A.' Brockleba.nk, the president, to stroke and D. Haig Thomas to bow. D. P. C. Mallam and Mr. A. T. Camp-bell-Douglas (Christ Church) trained the Oxford crew. ,

The following table shows the results of the race since 1005 : — Time. roar. Winner. m. s. Won by 1905—Oxford ........ 20 35 3 lengths 1906—Cambridge 10 24 3y 3 igO7—Cambridge ...... 20 26 4»£ 1908-^Cambridge 10 19 2% ,. 1909—Oxford " ... . 19 CO 3Vi » 1910—Oxford ". 20 14 3% „ 1911—Oxford 18 29 2% „ 1912—Oxford 22 5 6 » 1913—Oxford 20 53 & ,. 1914—Cambridge 20 23 Vh „ 1915-19 —No races (war). .. ■ 1920—Cambridge 20 31 4 1921—Cambridge 19 45 1 1922—Cambridge 19 27 i.\'t „ 1823—Oxford ..., r .... 20 54. % 1924—Cambridge ..:.!....• 18 41 4% ■„ 1925—Cambridge* >... 21 50 30 1926—Cambridge 19 29 5 „ 1927—Cambridge 20 14 3 „ 1928r-Cambridge 20 25 10 „ 1929—Cambridge 19 24 7 1930— Cambridge 19 N 5 2 „ 1931—Cambridge ..,. 19\34 2Vt „ •Oxford did not complete the course.