Oxford (left) and Cambridge during the 167th Men’s Boat Race on the River Thames
(Picture: PA)Oxford University have triumphed over Cambridge in the Men’s Boat Race for the first time in five years.
The Dark Blues ended Cambridge’s dominance in the competition on the race’s return to the River Thames on Sunday afternoon after nearly three years away.
However, the Cambridge women’s team achieved their fifth successive victory over their Oxford counterparts and set a new record in the process, finishing in 18 minutes and 22.936 seconds.
The Oxford men’s team built up a considerable lead by the time both crews approached the turn of the bend near Hammersmith Bridge. It marked the 13th win for coach Sean Bowden in his 25th year in the role.
Women’s cox Jasper Parish, whose brother Ollie competed in the men’s race, told BBC One that she had “taken a risk” early on to get ahead of Oxford’s boat and send the puddles down.
“Full credit to them, they raced really well and pushed us right until the end,” she added.
“It was a really solid performance by Oxford but I’m so proud of what we have done and there is not a person in this crew who I don’t absolutely love to bits. I’m just so proud to be a part of it and it is a pleasure to be here.”
Cambridge now lead Oxford in the women’s race by 46-30 in wins.
Large crowds lined the Thames on Sunday afternoon, packing out pubs along the river in West London.
After two years away from the capital, following the cancelation of the 2020 showpiece and last year’s race being held at the remote location of the Great River Ouse, every row was on this occasion met with loud cheers.
