Oxford put in a powerful display as they dominated Cambridge to win the 151st Boat Race - their 72nd victory. It was a worthy Boat Race victory for heavyweight Dark Blues.
Oxford University Boat Club beat Cambridge by two lengths in the 151st Boat Race on Easter Sunday 2005. The Dark Blues boasted the heaviest team in the history of the contest, weighing in at a full stone-and-a-half heavier per man than the Cambridge team.
Bookmakers' favourite Oxford made a strong start, but Cambridge, rowing on the Middlesex side, fought hard to level the race in the early stages. Oxford arrived at the Mile mark half a second ahead of their rival, and at the Hammersmith Bridge, with the bend now in their favour, increased their lead to a length. A decisive break was made at the Chiswick Steps and Oxford crossed the finish line in 16 minutes 42 seconds - 6 seconds ahead of Cambridge and the third fastest time in the history of the contest.
Acer Nethercott, who coxed Oxford to victory after his disappointment of last year, said: 'We won it from the very first stroke. It didn't feel like it until the Chiswick Steps area, because they did a really good job of hanging on to our coat tails. It was just awesome today - I had eight complete goliaths.'
This year's victory for Oxford brings the total score since the race began in 1829 to Cambridge 78, Oxford 72, and one dead heat. Shortly before the main race on Sunday Oxford's reserve boat, Isis, was beaten by Cambridge's Goldie by five lengths in a course record of 16 minutes and 48 seconds.
About 250,000 people line the Thames every year to watch the race.
Every member of The Boat Race crews trains for approximately two hours for every stroke in The Race. It takes about 600 strokes to complete the course.
The international class eights boats weigh 96kg (211lbs) and are 19.9m (62ft) long.
The winners, the heaviest-ever Boat Race crew, showed good technique as well as strength in the two-length win.
Oxford made the better start and although Cambridge had recovered by Fulham, they were always left chasing.
The Dark Blues steered in front of Cambridge well before Barnes Bridge and from then on maintained their advantage to win in 16 minutes and 41 seconds.
Oxford 's victory made up for their controversial defeat after a clash on the Fulham bend 12 months ago and makes it three wins in the last four races.
Oxford cox Acer Nethercott, who was part of last year's squad and was blamed in some quarters for the incident between the sides during the race, was delighted to have made amends.
“It certainly feels a lot better today than it did 12 months ago,” he said. |
