Boat Race 2023: Cambridge University Boat Club complete Boat Race clean sweep with men's victory over Oxford
Cambridge University Boat Club will no doubt be celebrating long into the night after the men’s team got the better of Oxford this afternoon to complete a Gemini Boat Race clean sweep.
Earlier in the day the women’s team – as well as Cambridge’s two reserve crews – enjoyed their own victories on the Tideway.
And after seeing their three-year unbeaten streak come to an end 12 months ago, the men wrestled back the bragging rights with a narrow victory by just more than a length.
As was the case in the women’s race, umpire Tony Reynolds had to fire out a number of warnings in a bid to prevent the two teams’ oars from colliding.
With the boats neck and neck, Cambridge made their first attacking move outside of Fulham Football Club’s Craven Cottage when cox Jasper Parish steered the boat towards the stadium. It was a switch that saw Cambridge move out of the dirty water and it allowed the crew to find their rhythm.
Parish and Cambridge were then warned again by Reynolds to not cut across, but after that proceedings settled down and they were able to open up an advantage of around six seconds.
And despite a late fightback from Oxford, it proved to be an unassailable lead as Cambridge held on to win the Boat Race for an 86th time – five more times than their opponents.
Men’s president Ollie Boyne, who coxed the Goldie reserve boat to victory, said: “It has been an incredible performance by the crews, it is a great sign for the club.
“The conditions were really difficult but that was down to the tide and it is what makes the race so special.
“It means everything to the guys and the team as a whole after six months of day in, day out work.”
Cambridge’s four wins today came after the club’s two triumphs in the lightweight races earlier in the week, as well as the veterans’ contests.
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