The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-03-28
Seventh Successive Defeat
of Cambridge.
A Splendid Struggle on the
Thames This Afternoon.
Ox0nians Finish First With Third Of
a Length to Spare.

PUTNEY, Eng, March IS. The Oxford
crew, to the surprise OF almost every
body ashore and afioat today, won the
hfty-third boat race between the univer~
stiles OF Oxford and Cambridge by about
third of length and after most excit-
ing finish. Thus Oxford has won 50
races Of the series to % won by Cam
bridge, the dead heat OF 1877 making
up the total number of races pulled. This
is the seventh year in succession that OK
ford has defeated Cambridge.
The time was 20:01 and the course was
the usual one from Putney Bridge to the
winning post above the Ship Inn at Mort
lake, distance about 4i4 miles.
The morning opened cold and cheer
less and with prospects OF poor attend.
ance. In the early hours heavy down
pour OF rain drenched the gathering sight
Seers and caused thousands to decide to
remain at home. This shower was fol-
lowed at intervals by other raln-falls, ac-
companied by a cold, biting wind. As a
result the crowds along the banks of Old
Father Thames were much simmer than
usual.
Cambridge was a hot favorite at 8 to 4,
ana few takers at that. In fact, the Light
Blues were looked upon, previous to the
start, as almost certain winners, "barring
accidents" Cambridge embarked first,
won the toss and chose the Surrey side OF
the river, which was decided advantage
as half gale of wind was blowing from
that shore or about southwest, raising
lrmpy water everywhere and quite little
sea at the place.
The crews embarked at 1858 p. m. At
the pistol shot, at 1:02, both boats got
away sharply, Cambridge pulling pret-
ty,i ty s6a9i;osstIord's 9; slightly more powerful
*
There was little to choose between them
until Clasper's boathouse, was reached,
approaching the first half mile, when
Cambridge boats nose showed slightly
In 'front.' The two crews were pulling
with great determination and spraying
somewhat on account of the rough water.
At the half mile. Oxford laid down to 1t
in fine shape and drew up and showed
ahead at Weldens. Hs, s t~
At this there was great cheering, for 1t
was apparent that splendid ding-ooDg
race was to be rowed.
Cambridge regained the lead at the
Carbteer wharf, nearing the liz mile
post, which is ut the soap works, little
higher up the river.
The Oxford boat Tapped up to and pass
ed the Cambridge craft at thesoap works,
amid storm OF terrific cheering from
both shores.
Up to that point the race had been az
~ "
nip and tuck, little or nothing TO choose
between the two crews, both laying
down to 1t in grand style, and with
plenty of reserve force IN either boat.
After passing the soap works Oxford
kept up the pace and led by nearly a
length at one time. Fernie thereupon
called on the Light Blues for a squirt, and
they responded with such vim that the
Cambridge coat shot under Hammersmith
bridge a short length ahead OF Oxford,
and according to tradition should have
won the race. Down the Dark Blues laid
to it, and the manner in which they
drove their boat through the water soon
hushed the jubilsnt cheering CT the
partizans OF Cam bridge who tnen looked
upon the Light Blues as certain winners.
slowly but perceptibly the Dark Blues
gained, in spite OF the magnificent work
of Cam mbridge men.
Cambridge, at Ihornycrofts. had lead
of about three quarters OF length, and
both crews were bending down to then
work in the grandest manner possible.
From there to the three mile rost, about
hslf way between Cheswick Church and
Barnsbridge, the race was most punish
ing, both from the pace set and the
lumpy water.
Cambridge succeeded in holding q
slight lead and shot under the bridge
ahead of Oxford, whereupon there was
storm of applause and encouragement.
Frantic excitement reigned on both
sides OF the river. The shouting was
almost deafening. For time, off Mort
lake church, Cambridge seemed likely to
be able TO hold the lead until the finish.
But this was not to be the case. AS the
church was passed, Oxford put out its
firal efforts and there was a squirt from
the Dark Blues which will be recorded in
the history OF rowing. 1t was simply
magnificent. 81
The men pulled as II they had just
started In the race and there was no re-
sisting 1t. The Dark Blues overlook the
Centabs and for a moment or so II was
nose and nose with the winning post In
sight, and then putting still more steam
into their stroke, the Dark Blues passed
the Cambridge boat and finished winners
by a short length in 20:0i, Splendid tims
when the weather and rough water are
taken irto consideration.
Indeed this time has only been beaten
over this course upon three previous oc-
casions. Cambridge in 1873, did.the trick
in 1895; Oxford in 1899, did Il in 10 .21
and nxford I'm 1907 xrnp IN 1917