Putney (University Stone) to Furnivall Steps, Thursday 3rd April 2:30pm.
Oxford won the toss, and chose Middlesex. The start was rather haphazard, both crews claiming to be taken unawares by umpire Pete Bridge's flag dropping. Oxford nearly crabbed, according to one unsympathetic observer, but Cambridge perhaps had a harder time, as they were pointing offline hard to Surrey, and took some distance to get back on track. Meanwhile Oxford had recovered, and were making the most of better stream.
Cambridge rated higher and looked a little neater, but Oxford by the Black Buoy had half a length and the psychological advantage. Last year Cambridge held their ground despite being similarly down off the start, and drew back level steadily before going ahead at Harrods. This year Oxford were determined to avoid the repetition, and as Cambridge stayed far off the Surrey station to keep clear of rough waves and Dark Blue wash, Oxford capitalised with glee, forging ahead and getting clear by Barn Elms. The Oxford stroke, Donald Macdonald, must have had flashbacks to his famous "Mutiny" Presidential year, as the dreadful conditions had his crew throwing up spray again and again, but they weathered it manfully.
Cambridge stuck in push after push, rising to rate 35 by Harrods and sneaking right into the sheltered water before coming back to a more classic line as Oxford held tight to the buttress under Hammersmith Bridge. But nothing worked, and Cambridge crossed the line 6.5 seconds and two lengths back, making it five-three to the Dark Blues in this series.
Oxford Mile 4:18.7, Harrods 6:36.0, finish 8:14.8
Cambridge Mile 4:24.0, Harrods 6:43.6, finish 8:22.3
Position Cambridge Oxford Bow Neil West (41) Jerry Dale (54) 2 Peter Jacobs (40) Mark Henstridge (38) 3 Pete Summers (53) Andrew Gordon-Brown (35) 4 John Pritchard (45) Tom Cadoux-Hudson (44) 5 Mike Hart (51) Stephen Plunkett (49) 6 Guy Pooley (37) Hugh Corroon (36) 7 Stephen Peel (37) Tom Barry (44) Stroke Iain Pritchard (46) Donald Macdonald (47) Cox Andy Probert Nicola Oddie Reserve Johnny Moulsdale (46) Nick Holland (43) Coach Chris Dalley Nick Bevan
1996 Oxford won 1997 Oxford won 1998 Cambridge chose Middlesex and won, 2 lengths in 7:47 1999 Oxford chose Middlesex and lost, 1 length 2000 Oxford chose Surrey and won in 3 lengths 2001 Cambridge chose Middlesex, cut the Flats on no tide, and lost by 2 lengths 2002 Cambridge chose Surrey and won by 3/4 length in 7:49