Boat Race Blues
A convincing Cambridge victory in the 150th Boat Race was marred by controversy and dramatic clashes in the first five minutes of the race. Cambridge's resounding six-length triumph in what was expected to be a close race indeed had its roots in a fourth-minute clash which pushed Oxford bowman, Chris Kennelly, off his seat. The loss was all the more disappointing given Oxford's dominance in all six races for women, reserves and lightweights.
After a flying start saw the Dark Blues gracefully move to a three-quarters of a length lead within the first minute, a battle for the fastest water ensued.
Aggressive steering from both coxes brought the first dangerous entanglement of blades, as Oxford's No. 7, Henry Morris, repeatedly clashed with Cambridge No. 2, Kris Coventry.
On separating, Cambridge had matched Oxford stroke for stroke to gain the advantage, which the crew then capitalised on with a sharp turn around the Fulham bend. And then came the moment on which the Dark Blues blame their defeat.
"We were flying, and it was snatched away from us in the clash," Oxford cox Acer Nethercott told The OxStu.
As the blades overlapped, Kennelly's blade crashed into that of Cambridge stroke, Nate Kirk, leaving Kennelly unseated. He remained impotent for almost ten strokes.
With Oxford rowing with one man less and with their rhythm severely damaged, Cambridge had a much-desired chance to make their move.
With cox Kenelm Richardson calling for a push, Cambridge never looked back.
"The race was in control from that point," said Richardson. "By Hammersmith Bridge, I began to feel pretty confident about the result."
Struggling to come to terms with what happened, the Oxford crew limped across the line almost twenty seconds adrift after Cambridge had increased their lead with a strong and comfortable performance. Nethercott's immediate appeal brought a moment's uncertainty to Cambridge's victory, but it was overruled by umpire James Behrens.
Of the disputed decision, Behrens told The OxStu: "At the time that the accident happened I was warning Oxford to move back into their water. They were out of their water and under the rules if you're out of your water, you're out of your water, you have to abide by your own accidents. It's a great shame that it happened, as I don't think the rowers had the best opportunity to give it their all, but Cambridge did well and it's just a shame for Oxford."
An ecstatic Richardson maintained that he had "held his line" and that "the umpire told me I was fine", but Nethercott said the race was "a foul followed by a procession... We feel very hard done by, but are even more determined to come back and reclaim our trophy next year."
Whilst elation prevailed for Cambridge, and in particular for President Wayne Pommen, who gave up a place in the Canadian Olympic team to row, the Oxford crew were clearly devastated. Whoever was at fault, one thing about the second clash is certain - with Oxford as pre-race favourites and the crews evenly matched in ability and speed, the race should have been one that was decided between Barnes Bridge and the finish, and not in the fourth minute.
22nd Apr 2004