Cantabs

W. P. Mellen, Oxford's pink-faced American stroke, swallowed his last glass of daily training port-wine for the season. But the Cambridge port was better and the Cambridge men (classically known as "Cantabs") won the big race on the Thames.

Sentimentally, the Cantabs, as the all British crew, were the favorites, but the hard money odds were on Oxford. The Oxonians started with a stroke of 39 and a lead. The Cantabs, pulling their oars in splendid unison, rowed at a modest 36. Half a mile down the river the crews were hitting 31. Then the Cantabs took the lead, increased the lead, and, at the end of four miles, crossed the line four and a half lengths ahead. Throughout the race, the Oxford eight seemed unable to get together. At the finish they dropped exhausted across their oars.

The conquering Cantabs have added one to their score of 34 victories. Last year, Mellen, Middlesex School graduate, stroked the Oxford crew to a three-quarters boat length victory, making the Oxford total 40. Mellen will row again next year.

Cambridge did the distance this year in 18 min. 41 sec.--a time which has only once been bettered (Oxford 1911: 18 min. 29 sec.).