THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIV, Issue 7477, 27 March 1899, Page 4

THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

[By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] (PBR UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Received March 27, at 0.35 a.m. London, March 26. The weather was lovely for the boat race. Cambridge won the toss, and chose the Surrey side of the river. The tide was sluggish. From a capital start Cambridge led by half a length at Clasper's boathonse. Oxford then forged ahead and established a slight lead, bat at Wilden's, in Crabtree Reach, Cambridge increased their stroke, and by the time Hammersmith Bridge was reached they had half a length of a lead, the bridge being shot in 7min 23sec. Alter passing the bridge the water became rougher, suiting the Cambridge crew. Some of the Oxford men here showed some signs of distress, bat responded splendidly to the spurt of H. J. Gold, the stroke, until they shipped a quantity of water. Cambridge were two and a half lengths ahead at Elswick Church, which was passed in 12min 14sec. Crossing to Middlesex Cambridge shot Barnes Bridge with fonr lengths lead. Time, 17min 22sec. In response to Gold's call for a final effort Oxford increased their stroke to 25 per minnte, Cambridge rowing 31. Cambridge won by three and a quarter lengths. Time, 21min 4sec. Two of the Oxford crew fainted, and all except Gold showed signs of distress. The result was hailed with immense enthasiasm. Calvert, of Victoria, rowed No. 2 In the Cambridge boat.

[Oxford have now won 32 and Cambridge 23 races, the 1877 contest being a dead heat. Oxford won the nine previous contests In succession.]