UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21136, 19 March 1932, Page 8

UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

HISTORIC EVENT TO-DAY.. OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE. SHORTER COURSE THAN USUAL. An unusual feature of the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, which will be rowed on the Thames over the PutneyMortlake course to-day, is the departure from precedent in shortening the course by 400 yds. Owing to structural alterations on Putney Bridge, which cause violent currents at the customary starting point, the authorities have agreed that the race shall begin at a point opposite the London Rowing Club. The finish will be at, the usual post at Mortlake. The selection of the Oxford crew has given those concerned more than a usual amount of trouble, in spite of the fact that there were seven old blues in residence. Unlike Cambridge, Oxford had no outstanding stroke available, and Holdsworth, who stroked last year's crew, was not considered to be of a very high standard. During the first three weeks of practice the crew did not make much progress. Early Cambridge Decision. The composition of the Cambridge crew was decided upon in the minds of the coaches after 10 days' practice, and consequently the - majority of the men had nine clear weeks in which they could devote their energies to welding themselves into a crew. Aiter the trial eights races, there was no serious rival to Best at stroke, and he has the knack of getting the most out of the men behind him, while occasionally being able to spare himself. Critics state that this crew showed surprising degrees of rhythm and uniformity, and promises exceptional pace. Another authority maintained that it would not be surprising if it turned out, to be the fastest crew available foi the. Olympic Games. Judging by reports of the two crews, it does not appear improbable this yeai another win will be added to the unbroken list of Cambridge successes since 19<!4. Since the first Oxford and Cambridge boat race in 1829, the latter university has won 42 races and the formei 40. Last year a running description of the race was transmitted through the Chelms foid broadcasting station. Relays wen m;ide by IYA and the reception was re markabfy clear. The English announcei Wets stationed on a launch which followec ths race from beginning to end. An event which will be held on the same day as the boat race, which ii rapidly increasing in popularity, is tin Head of the River race. In this rac< there are three divisions, the first, tin sandwich, and the clinker, and eight-oai crews participate. Last year there wen 94 competing crews, and it is expectec that over 100 eights will take part in this yeiar's race. The race is rowed over the University course, each crew starting o£ at 10 second intervals. Crews for the Race. The following table shows the result* of the University race since 1905:

'Oxford did not complete the course. The following were the crews for to morrow's race, according to the latesl English files to hand:— Oxford.—G. A. Ellison (Westminstei and New College) (bow), 11. G. M. L Smith (Winchester and Brasenose), 11.13 J. de R. Kent (Sherborne and Brasenose) 11.8; C. M. Johnston (Shrewsbury anc Brasenose), 12.6; W. D. C. Erskine-Cnin (Eton and Christ Church), 12.6J; R. A J. Poole (Eton and Brasenose), 13.6; W 11. Migotti (Radlev and Worcester), 11. 0. A. Chadwyck-Healey (Eton ant Trinity) (stroke), 11.7; T. E. Prichan [Clifton and Exeter) (cox), 8.10. Cambridge.—D. Haig-Thomas (Eton anc Lady Margaret) (bow), 11.65; H. B. N .Rickett (Eton and Third Trinity), 12.85 T. G. Askwith (Halleybury and Peter house), D. H. E. McCowan (Che) tenham and Pembroke), 12.3; C. A. J Bairington (Kelly College and Queens') 13.7; L. L\ixton (Melbourne, Australia and Pembroke), 12.4; C. J. S. Serge (Monckton Combe and Clare), J R. F. Best (Winchester and Pembroke (stroke), J. M. Ranking (Chelten hairi and Pembroke) (cox), 7.8£. Colonel J. IT. Gibbon has been in charge of the Oxford crew during their practic rows, and Squadron-Leader F. E.Hellver Mr. J. A. Mcnabb and Air. J. B. Collin have given their time to the coaching 0 the Cambridge crew. Prior to the boa race at Putney, the Oxford crew spent 1 short period at Henley, and the Cambridge cretw were at Goring-on-Thames.

Winner. Time. Won m. s. lengt' 1905—Oxford . . 20 35 3 Cambridge .. 19 24 3i 1907—Cambridge . .. 20 26 41 1908—Cambridge .. 19 19 21 1909 —Oxford . . .. 19 50 3 J 1910—Oxford .. 20 15 31 1911—Oxford . . i 18 29 2? 1912—Oxford . . . 22 5 6 1913—Oxford . . 20 53 1 1914—Cambridge , s . 20 23 41 1920—Cambridge = . 21 11 4 1921—Cambridge . .. 19 45 11922—Cambridge .. 19 27 4i 1923—Oxford . . . .. 20 54 i 1924—Cambridge .. 18 41 41 1925—Cambridge .. 20 50 * 1926—Cambridge . .. 19 29 5 1927—Cambridge .. 20 14 3 1928—Cambridge . . 20 21 10 1929—Cambridge . . 19 25 7 1930—Cambridge . . 19 5 2 1931—Cambridge . . 19 26 21