AQUATICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 8 May 1890, Page 28

AQUATICS.

THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

The annual boat race between the Oxford and Cambridge University boat clubs was decided on March 26 in the presence of an enormous gathering of spectators. The race did not start till about a quarter to 5 in tu<) afternoon, and the lateness of the hour enabled many more people to witness the race than usual, while many were attractod by the splendid spring weather. Mora than ordinary interest was taken in the race, as the betting had varied to a much greater extent than of late years. Oxford was a hot favourite in the early part of the training, but when both crews were practising on tidal water the odds became every day less in favour of Oxford, and at last they veered round to 5t04 on the Cambridge crew. Cambridge won the toss, and selected the Surrey side. Five to two was freely laid on them. The crews started exaofcly together, and for half a minute rowed stroke for stroke. Cambridge soon inoreased the pace to 38 to Oxford's 84, and began to gain. The latter, in rough water, gradually pulled up, and at Craven Steps the boats were as nearly level as possible. The water now became smooth, and Cambridge rowing 36 once moro gained the lead, bo that at Crab Tree they had an advantage of a quarter of a length, keeping to 36. At Dorset Cottage they were going away faat, Oxford just above there falling all to pieceß, and apparently had shot their bolt. At the distillery, Cambridge waa half a length in front, rowing 36 to 37 of Oxford's, and they reached Hammersmith Bridge with a lead of three-quarters of a length. When undor it, in fetching round the bend to the Surrey Bide, grandly served by their station, and going fast, they opened out daylight between the boats, and there was a quarter of a length of it at tho fence, where the water again became rough, and Oxford dropped to 34. As Oorney Reach was approached the river got worse, and was very rough there. Up to Ohiswiok Eyot the Dark Blues had now pulled themselves together, and gained a little. Before reaching the Doves, however, Cambridge onco moro went away, Oxford still rowing 34 and Cambridge 56, and both went well through the rough water at the lower end of Chiswick Eyot. It seemed, however, to upset the Oantabs. Oxford gained, and by spurting hard they reduced the Oantab's advantage to half a length, and once ag<tin, as in the old days of the '60's, it seemed as if they would row the Light Blues down at the old spot. The Cantabs were by no means done with, and the contest was continued of the most desperate deacription. At Ohiawiok ferry the boats were nearly level, Cambridge perhaps having a trifling advantage, and so they raced past Thorneycroft's, now running into smooth water ; the Oxfords from here had tho better Btation, the bend of the river being in their favour. They rowed 34, and Cambridge still 36, and off the sewerage works Oxford once more forged the nose of their boat a little in front, and were soon leading by a quarter of a leDgtb. Gardner, the Cambridge stroke, Bpurtod and rowed very well, but could not piok up any of their lost lead, and was still a quarter of a length behind, As the boats passed the Lyric Club Cambridge was rowing 37 and Oxford 34, and Barnes Bridge was reached by the latter with a lead of three-quarters of a length, Both quickened their stroke, Oxford to 36 and Cambridge to 39, but the latter could not gain. The water was very lumpy, Cambridge having the worst of it. At Lyme's Gardens they made a magnificent spurt, rowing 40 and drawing up fast, and seemed as if after all they would score a victory. The Cambridge boat was less than half a length behind at the Pembory's, but could not gain more, and Oxford, spurting in return, the Dark Blues once more went away, and it was evident that it was all over, Oxford dropped to 36, at which they finished, and passed tho judge a bare length in front, this being the official decision. The time was 22min 3sec, which was good under the circumstances, for the tide waa not very strong, and the wind was nearly always across the head, and tho water ofton very rough. Altogether it wan about as bad a day for rowing as could be had.