Race Report 2010

Conditions were favorable on the Henley reach for the 35th rendition of the Men's Lightweight University Boat Race, the crowds lining the bank of the Thames had just witnessed three consecutive victories for the Oxford womens crews and a win in the last race of the day would make it a clean sweep for the Dark Blues. Oxford had won the toss and chosen the Berkshire station, risking slightly rougher water in favor of the advantage of the stream off the start.

Both crews had shown good speed in warm up fixtures against crews from UL, London RC, Leander and Bristol University, and looked sharp in the build up. However after a very successful year in 2009 and with a good crop of returning lightweights, Cambridge were favorites to win. It was Oxford however who made the early running in the race, blasting off the start at 49 strokes per minute and settling into a strong rhythm at 40, Oxford had built up a 2/3 length advantage by half way. Cambridge responded by pushing hard after the 1km marker and crept back in to contention, both crews were dead even coming into the last 250m. The Oxford cox had dominated the steering in the early part of the race but after a series of blades clashes was warned to move over and allow Cambridge some room. As the crews approached the island both stroke men lifted the cadence and began to sprint hard for the line, in the final few strokes Cambridge were able to sneak theirs bows in front to seal an epic victory. The final verdict 2 feet to Cambridge in 5.28.

Though distraught at having been beaten for the second year in a row, the Oxford Blue Boat were proud to have been part of such a memorable and high quality contest. Next on the calender is BUCS regatta in early May, where one hopes the rivals will pick up where they left off and fight it out for the lightweight medals.

After three years of row overs in place of the Nephthys vs Granta fixture, both clubs this year agreed that a race should take place, and agreed on a coxed fours race over 1km, on the Friday before the Henley Boat Races.

Conditions on the day were reasonable, with clear skies but gusts of wind. Cambridge won the toss and elected to row on Bucks station, aiming to make use of the stronger stream. Oxford had the stronger start, striking 48 and moving out to a quarter of a length lead as both crews found their race rhythm. With 250m to go, cheered on by the support at Upper Thames, Oxford put in a big push and moved out to three quarters of a length. Cambridge responded, but it wasn't enough, and Oxford crossed the line striking 37, winning by three quarters of a length in a time of 3m03.

Spare 4+ Crew List:
Stroke: Gareth Morgan
Three: Jonas Schwan
Two: John Harfield
Bow: Sam Albanie
Cox: Rebecca Preece

Posted at 16:01 on 04/04/2010