The Sun.
London, England, 1856-03-15 00:00:00

UNIVERSITY BOAT-RACE—;This

The Oxford and Cambridge 'University boat club race,
which has been a subject of great excitement for some time
past, came off this morning, and was oae of the best
races that has been contested for inany years past, in
consequence of the respective crews being so evenly
matched.

The morning was very clouded, the sun struggling, at
intervals to shed an enlivening ray over the scene, whilst
a strong piercing east wind blow, causing a heavy swell
upon the river, but notwithstanding these disadvan-
tages to the. satisfactory enjoyment of out,of•door
amusements, numbers of persons had congregated on
the banks of the river, and on Hammersmith bridge,
and other points where a view of the race could
be obtained. There was also a large gathering of
horsemen on the banks who kept pace with the rowers
the distance they had to pull. A number of Citizen and
Iron Steam-boat Companies' boats had been chartered
by Messrs. Searle and Sons, Mr. Campbell and Mr.
Wylde, for conveying gentlemen to the place of starting
and to follow the competitors, which were liberally patron-
ised by the respective friends of the Universities, and by
others who take an interest in aquatic sports.
For some time past the craws have been in training,
and the skill and manner in which they performed their
work excited the admiration of all who saw them, and
the predictions then formed that the contest would be a

severe one, and that it wou'
be winner, were verified in
The crows comprised the

Id be doubtful which would
the proceedings of the day,
following gentlemen :

OXFORD.

CAMBRIDGE.

Bt. lb.
1. P. Gurdon
2. W. F. Stacken
3. R. Salmon
4. A. B. Rock
5. R. Townsend 12 8
6. R. P. Lonedale
7. G. Bennet
8. T. J. Thorley
F. W. Elers, eteerer 9 12

et. lb.
1. J. P. Salter 9 13
2. F. C. Alderson
3. R. Lewis Lloyd
4. E. Fairrie
5. U. Williams
6. T. M'Cormack
7. H. Snow
8. H. It. M. Jones
W. Wingfield, ateerer 9 0

From the above it will be seen that the preponderance
of weight was in favour of Cambridge, from the rough
state of the weather, and was an advantage which no
doubt tended materially to decide the event of the day.
About 10 minutes to 11 o'clpck Cambridge, distin-
guished by a light blue colour, left the boat house near
the Ship, Mortlake, and pulled to the starting boat in
beautiful style, being heartily cheered by their admirers.
In a few minutes after Oxford followed, distinguished by
a dark blue colour, and the manner in which they passed
up the river to join their competitiors elicited admiration
from all, and they were as loudly cheered as their rivals.
So evenly balanced were the abilities of the respective
crews that but few bets were laid, the odds, however,
being slightly in favour of Cambridge.
The boats having taken up their position off Barker's
Reach, Cambridge on the Middlesex side of the river,
(having gained the first choice), and Oxford o❑ the
Surrey side, the Citize❑ N steamer, containing Mr.
Chitty, the umpire, and a large number of other gentle-
man, repaired to the starting point, when the intere,t
amongst the spectators became intense, every one being
anxious to catch a glimpse of the start. The river was
tolerably clear ; but few wherries were on the water,
the steam-boats, with their numerous occupants, lined
the shore on each side, making a clear passage for the
boats. A few barges lay heaviiy on the water here and
there, and with the exception of but one or two occasions,
no chance of an impediment or obstruction occurrred.

At five minutes past 11 o'clock the signal was given,
and the boats started in fine order, and were loudly
cheered. Cambridge, however, almost immediately ob-
tained the lead, and in a few minutes after, as the boats
passed the White Hart, at Barnes, Cambridge was about
half a length a-head.

The crews of both of the boats displayed great tact and
ability, and exerted themselves to the utmost to win
the much-coveted honour for which they were eon.
tending. I❑ passing under the railway bridge Oxford
had a slight advantage over Cambridge, and male the
most of it, and seemed determined; to maintain it ;
but on crossing from the Surrey side to the Middle ex
side, near Corney Reecho, barge came in the way, which
rather diverted their course, and which was made the
most of by Cambridge, who agai❑ took their place
ahead, and :continued it till near Chiswick Reach,
when Oxford again used great exertions, and
gained slightly upon Cambridge, which the latter almost
immediately recovered.
The boats passed Hammersmith-bridge at 21 minutes
past 11 o'clock, Cambridge going under the main arch
and Oxford that nearest the Surrey side of the river,
where they obtained another slight advantage ; but be-
tween that place and Putney Oxford hugged tho shore a
little too much, when Cambridge again shot ahead.
I❑ this manner they passed Craven Point, Cambridge
passing the winning-boat moored off the Star and
Garter, Putney, by not more than half a boat's length,
having accomplished the distance in about 25 minute!.
The crews of both boats shortly after r3Thrned to
Messrs. Searle and Son's yard, and on lauding were
enthusiastically cheered.
During the race some remarks vveremade by the epecta-
tors with reference to the steering of the respective cox-
swains, endeavouring thereby to account fur Oxford being
beaten, but we are of opinion that both they and the
crews exerted themselves to the utmost to be the winners,
and that Oxford hes no cause to feel ashamed or an-
noyed at being beaten. The race was certainly one of
the most beautiful contests we ever remember to have
witnessed, and certainly it has not been surpassed for
years. Although Oxford has lost this match, the ability
displayed on this occa-ion redounds to the honour of the
club.

We believe that on the la-t occasion (1854) Oxford
was the winner, and has bee❑ so in the majority of'
matches that have come off.

Die boats were of the most beautiful construction, and
were built, we understand, by Messrs. Searle and Son,
the eminent boat-builders of Westminster. That used
by Cambridge was built by them for the use of the mem-
bers of Trinity Hall, and that by Oxford was built f.. 4.
the members of Exeter, about two years since, and was
the winner at the Henley match of last year.