The Sun.
London, England, 1862-04-12 00:00:00

THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE BOAT

RACE.

I The interest invariably excited by the annual
contest between the Cantabs and the Oxonians has
never been greater than on the present occasion.
For the last week, notwithstanding the unfavour-
able state of the weather, whenever either crew
took a " spell" over the course, at every point where
a sight of the contending parties could be had there
the " knowing ones" congregated, in order to satisfy
themselves as to which side they should put
their hopes and money on. In the beginning of
the week the Cantabs had " the call" in the
market, but the defeat of the eight picked water-
men by the Oxonians several lengths, time being
only 21 minutes 5 seconds, changed the aspect of
affairs. Not satisfied with the trial, the victors
determined to have a quiet pull from Barker's rails
down to the aqueduct, and the result was looked
upon with much more satisfaction than the defeat
of the eight professed oarsmen, especially as the
distance was done in 23 min. 30 sec., which is
about the shortest time ever consumed in rowing the
distance. Whilst the Oxford crew were thus actively
engaged the Cantabs were not idle, for they continued
their practice most actively, the renowned crew of
the London Rowing Club being their adversaries,
Determined not to be behind the Oxonians in point
of preparation, the Cantabs also took an earnest
pull over the course, and the time occupied in the
performance was 21 minutes 24 seconds. As the
performance of both crews appeared so satisfactory,
it is not to be wondered that betting was at evens,
and all that was wanted to bring the grand
honorary contest to a successful conclusion was fine
weather.

This, most fortunately, the competitors had, for
certainly this morning was one of the most bright
and cheering that we have had for the last six
weeks. About half-past 10 or 11 o'clock the dif-
ferent steamers that had been engaged to accom-
pany the race began to get under weigh from the
different piers from which they had been advertised
to start, and judging from the number aboard we
should imagine that a more numerous attendance
had never on any former occasion taken place.
Subjoined are the weights of the crews :
OXFORD CREW, at. lb.
1. Mr. W. B. Woodgate, Brasenos.
2. Mr. C. S. Wynne, Christ Church
3, Mr. W. B. R. Jacobson, Christ Church
4. Mr. R. E. L. Burton, Christ Church
b. Mr. A. Morrison, Baliol
G. Mr. A. R. Poole, Trinity
7. Mr. C. A. Carr, Wadham

8. Mr. W. M. Hoare, Exeter
Mr. F. E. Hopwood, Christ Church (cox.) 7 3
CAMBRIDGE CREW.

1. Mr. P. F. Gorst, St. John's
2. Mr. J, G. Chambers, Trinity ll 6
3. Mr. B. Sanderson, Corpus
4. W. C. Srnyly, Trinity.
5. Mr. R. P. Fitz Gerald, Trinity Hall
6. Mr. H. H. Collings, Trinity
7. Mr. J. G. Buchanan, Trinity Hall
8. Mr. G, H. Richards, Trinity Hall
Mr. F. H. Archer, Corpus (cox.)
Oxford won the choice of station, and, of course,
took the Middlesex side of the river.

At eight minutes past twelve the signal was
given, and both crews dashed off in gallant style.

The Oxford crew, it soon became evident, was
more than a match for the Cambridge, and, not-
withstanding the most desperate efforts on the
part of the Cantabs, the Oxonians were two lengths
in advance off Craven Cottage. The advantage
once secured was never for a moment in jeopardy.
Every stroke told most fatally against the Cantabs,
and at Hammersmith Bridge the race was virtually
over, for the Oxford boat went through four or five
lengths in advance.

From hence to the winning point the Oxonians
had it all their own way, as they rowed in easy
winners by upwards of 200 yards.
Betting at starting-6 to 4on Oxford.
The excitement on the river was immense, as
nearly twenty steamers accompanied the race.