The fog on Saturday morning prevented the University Boat- race
from coming off, and it was rowed on Monday instead, when the Oxford crew won by four lengths, rowing the course in 21 min. 22 sec., on a rather slack tide, which probably accounted in some degree for the nut very rapid rowing. The race was a very exciting one, the Cambridge crew taking and keeping the lead for some distance by their rapid. stroke, and the Oxford crew wavering in their rowing., and becoming irregular for a time, just when they seemed to be about to gain rapidly on their opponents. Indeed, one of the oars on the bow side of the Oxford boat " caught a crab;" even after Oxford had shot somewhat ahead of Cambridge.. Oxford has now won the race twenty times, and Cambridge- eighteen. The outside interest in the race appeared to be•less than usual, no doubt because the race between the Tory and Liberal colours diverts the zeal of the public from the struggle • between Dark Blue and Light Blue. If, as in the case of the Boat-race, the stronger crew win, there is no doubt whose- the victory will be. Lord Beaconsfield's stroke is too quick,. and not long enough for the work ; and though a single " crab " be not fatal, Mr. Cross indulges himself so lavishly in them, that his comrades must be disheartened already.
Previous page
