The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-22
OXONIANS VS.. CANTABS.
OXFORD WINS HER TWENTf-FIFTH
TICTORY IN THE 'TIRSITY RACE.
One of the Most Successful Aquatic Events In
Their History-Both Victor and Nanquished
Acquit Themselves with Honor and Credit.
Foreign Events of Interest.
fBy cable 10 The Times. !

rBy cable 10 The Times
LONDON. Mar. 2l-As has been the case for
nearly half century all sporting London,
and many thousands not in that category,
turned out at an early hour this morning, not
withstanding the threatening aspect of the
weather, TO witness the great acquatic event
Of the year-the boat race between the Uni
versity crews of Oxford and Cambridge.
Long before the time at which it was ex-
pected the signal for the start would be given,
the roadways on both sides of the river and
the Hammersmith bridge swarmed with men.
women and children.
On the stream were innumerable chartered
steamers and nondescrlpt shell craft loaded
down with sight-seers, padding about anu
waiting the proper moment To follow IN the
wake of the empires steamer and of that
which carried representatives OF the press.
Enthusiastic partisans of the contesting
crews spOrted the cOlors Of their tayorites.
HEAVY ODDS on OXFORD.
Such bets as were exchanged were made at
heavy odds on Oxford. The heavier wagers
had. however been placed some days ago and
what betting took place during the morning
WAS in most cases for triting sums.
During the night and up 10 short time be-
hurries of snow. of hail. while heavy squail
OF wind had roughened the surface OF the
water By the time the crews were stated,
and the boats ranged for the start, however.
the clouds had rolled away and brilliant sun
shine enlivened the scene. Both boats got
away well together with Cambridge speedily
taking the lead. her crew pulling IN splendid
form until Hammersmith bridge was reached.
As the boats dashed out from under the
great edifice the enormous throng Of people
which looked down upon the struggling col
legians burst ont into cheers and wells when
the light-blue was seen to be full quarter
length ahead of Oxford.
oxoNIoNs TO THE FRONT.
But now the steady work great endurance
and reserved force of the OXOnlans began TO
tell. Steadily the big fellows pulled up be-
side the rivals. until their splendid stroke
placed their boat nose by nose with that OF
Cantabs.
Thence on the Oxford crew laborously
forged ahead through the water until they
had secured lead clear lead which they
steadily maintained 10 the finish. coming ~ a
quarter length ahead of Cambridge. The
time was TWENTY-FIVE minutes.
oxFoRDs TwENrY-FIFTH VICTORY.
The race is generally conceded TO have been
a most interesting and exciting one. and the
25th victory for Oxford i looked upon MS
being. If not among the most brilliant OF the
University triumphs. certainly to honorable
mention for the bulldog tenacity with which
victor and yanquished alike worked their way
through rough waters aud opposing wind to
the finish. 1t was observed tnat when Cam
bridge broke away from the stake boats. 1t
was with lighter. smarter stroke than that
pulled by Oxford. go,
Passing Claspers the Cantabs were still
ahead and rowing in fine FORM but the long,
strong oxford stroke was telling and when
Graves steps were reached the Dark Blue had
moved 70 the front. Opposite the Crabtree
Inn the Oxfords were quarter of length
ahead but at Hammersmlth Bridge they
were together again. Cambridge even forged
ahead but th, adyan; -ge was. ouly tenn
porary. Oxford regaining the lead at Chick
wick and holding il to the finish.
The race was the best contested for years.