The Boat Race 2023: Cambridge seal rowing double over Oxford
Cambridge University's women secured a sixth consecutive Boat Race win over Oxford, before the men held off a late challenge to seal the double in difficult conditions on the River Thames in London.
Rowing
Cambridge University rowing team sealed a memorable double over rivals Oxford in the Boat Race on Sunday (26 March).
Despite going into the men's race as slight underdogs, Cambridge's men took an early lead in choppy conditions on the River Thames in London.
Oxford refused to let their opponents secure clear water between the boats, but could not make up the ground after their opponent's shrewd manoeuvre to steer closer to the Fulham bank in search of calmer waters.
Cambridge gained a half-length lead which they held on to until the finish to secure their fourth win in the past five editions.
Earlier in the women's race, Oxford took an early lead with some aggressive stroke work.
But the experienced 'Light Blues' crew of Cambridge soon found their rhythm to draw level with both crews receiving warnings after coming close to colliding in a thrilling contest.
Cambridge eventually took control, and maintained their pace to secure a sixth successive victory by four and a quarter lengths.
Oxford launched a protest over potential encroachment which was rejected by umpire Tony Reynolds.
Cambridge's women now lead Oxford 46-30 overall in Boat Race history, while Cambridge's men are 86-81 ahead of their old rivals.