Rowing: Heaviest ever Oxford crew destroy Cambridge

Oxford powered to victory in the 151st University Boat Race on the River Thames on Sunday, avenging last year's controversial defeat to Cambridge.

Cambridge, who won the toss and chose the Middlesex station, had a poor start and although they quickly recovered, Oxford never lost the lead and finished well clear.

The Dark Blues of Oxford weighed in as the heaviest ever crew, averaging 98.35 kg excluding the non-rowing cox and outweighing Cambridge by about 10 kg a man.

Cambridge controversially won last year's race after the boats clashed oars midway through the race and Oxford lost a length.

The Light Blues of Cambridge still hold a 78-72 lead in the annual four mile race from Putney Bridge to Mortlake with the 1877 contest finishing in a dead heat.

The crews included seven Olympians and had an international feel, with four of Oxford's eight rowers from North America and Cambridge boasting four Germans, one Australian and an American.

- REUTERS