'Then the Dark Blues made another gallant effort and the Light Blues. Who had forged ahead by one and three quarter lengths, were overhauled by the Oxford crew, who brought down the difference' by a quarter of a length.
As Hammersmith Bridge drew nearer the Oxford crew, who had been ragged up to this point, seemed to settle down a little but the Light Blues, working like automatons, were two lengths ahead at Harrods and, with the water favouring their boat, continued to hold the lead. despite the valiant efforts of the Dark Blues, whose cox, shouting through a me-Gaphone, endeavoured to increase the stroke of his crew.
When the two crows finally flashed under the bridge Cambridge was two and a half lengths ahead with Oxford rowing very unsteadily, well in their wake. Making a supreme effort. however, the Oxford cox urged his men to increase their stroke and half length was gained by the Dark Blues who appeared to be very tired The times at the Bridge were Cam~ bridge 7 minutes 13 wconds and Oxford 7 minutes 21 secords, Increasing the lead to three lengths, the Light Bluey seemed to have the race well in hand at this point, row. Ing 35 to Oxford's 36 and still possessing the advantage of the Surrey side. "By this time the Oxford style was very ragged and with half the course finished the Dark—Blues: dropped down to 32 with Cambridge cauletaining a steady stroke at 35.
Still ragged, the Oxford boat dropped two and a half lengths behind but the Cambridge crew, rowing with a poise and rhythm that completely astounded all critics, con tinued to gain as each landmark was reached and at Chiswick Steps, with Eoth coxes a little off their courses, were three lengths in front.
At Dukes Meadows the Light Blues were still three lengths ahead, the Himes of both crews at Chiswick Stee being Cambridge 11 miniates 30 seconds. and Oxford 11 minutes 42 seconds As Barnes Bridge was approached the Oxford crew came. over on to the Middlesex side of the river in. the wake of the Cambridge boat but by this time the Light Blues had hit their right form and were rowing, with an ease and rhythm that was Helightful to watd in contrast to the ragged efforts of the tired Dark Blues.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.