Putney to Mortlake

In the spring of 1911 Oxford celebrated a great crew victory over Cambridge, setting a course record of 18 min. 29 sec. In 1923 with 40 victories to 34, Oxford still seemed to have an uncatchable lead, in a. century of racing over the muddy 4 1/4 miles on the winding Thames from Putney to Mortlake. But for the last ten years, endless to Oxonians, the motley millions who roar from the banks of the river and from the big brewery windows, the tumultuous holiday crowd of picnickers, cheap-jacks, street musicians and acrobats have cheered "Caa-a-am-bridge!" as the light blue's eight-legged scorpion came skating over the water in a series of monotonous victories. This spring with a strong, heavy crew Oxford set about the business of acquiring a victory for a change. Practices were guarded and secret. A system of buzzers and bells was rigged in the boat to signal the beat in code, so the rival cox could not count the stroke. There were special instruction sessions in the London Rowing Club tank. The crew was shifted this way and that. No expense was spared to get a pair of specially designed shells. Thinking the new shells too slim, coaches ordered another one, said they must have it in four days, got it. It was decided the crew was to take a night spin to get the feel of the water at flood tide. Precedent was broken when they went up to the course at Putney a week earlier than usual, a week ahead of Cambridge. Then bad luck began to break. Snow and biting cold set in. No. 7 poisoned his finger. No. 6 came down with influenza. A new man was seated at bow a week before the race. But these were not the least of Oxford's misfortunes. On race day last week, Cambridge won the toss for lanes, chose the wind-sheltered Surrey side of the river, an important advantage on the choppy water that afternoon. Primed by a robust meal of steak and beer the night before, the Oxonians carried their shell from the boathouse; as challengers, set it in the water first; pulled off sweaters and scarfs; waited. The Cambridge boat was ready in a moment. At the crack of a gun, 16 pairs of white arms swung in unison, off to a flailing 36-beat start. Oxford edged away to a half-length lead, held it for a while. The slower stroking but more powerful Cambridge sweep-swingers pulled alongside, passed at the mile. Wide open water separated them after two miles, and Cambridge, sure of victory, insolently slowed down. The little Oxford coxswain signaled for more speed. Up went the beat, but his men, badly fagged, could not close the gap, At three miles, Cambridge was three lengths ahead. In nearby London suburbs the chimney pots shook from the cheering, as Cambridge swept over the line in record time, 18 min. 3 sec., a full four lengths ahead, their 45th win against Oxford's 40.

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