Rowing: Oxford edge ahead in test for Boat Race

Oxford and Cambridge both had a taste of the angry tideway yesterday in encounters with Imperial College and Molesey Boat Club respectively. Although both university crews beat their opposition, Oxford emerged marginally the better prospect three weeks before the Boat Race on 28 March.

Molesey stole an early lead but Cambridge moved up with every stroke, building a three-quarter-length lead at Chiswick Eyot where the piece ended.

Imperial's crew was packed with internationals including two Olympic champions but they could not match Oxford who, during a rhythmic piece of rowing, stretched their lead to two lengths at Hammersmith. They extended it to four lengths by the end at Chiswick Steps.