Boat Race 2016: Oxford beat Cambridge to win women's Boat Race

The Dark Blues claimed victory over their rivals who almost failed to finish after their boat took on water

The Oxford crew celebrate with the trophy following their victory during The Cancer Research UK Women's Boat Race (Getty Images)

Oxford have won the 71st edition of the women's boat race to extend their dominance over Cambridge with a 13th victory in 17 years.

A difficult race for Cambridge descended into a struggle to finish the Tideway course as their boat took on increasing levels of water, allowing Oxford to win for the fourth successive year.

Oxford had won the toss and chose to start from the Surrey station, the south side of London's River Thames, and recovered from a slow start.

After building a promising lead by Hammersmith Bridge, at a time when Cambridge were fighting taking on water amid the waves, Oxford almost risked that lead by keeping their course in the rough water.

The Cambridge boat takes on water in the rough conditions during The Cancer Research UK Women's Boat Race (Getty Images)

They swiftly corrected that to rediscover their advantage heading into the final third, however, as Cambridge began to labour with the water level in their boat and it appeared they may sink until they gradually recovered along the north bank.

On the second consecutive year the women's race was staged in London, Oxford eventually won by 71 seconds and 24 lengths, recording a time of 21 minutes and 49 seconds.

PA