Cambridge edge Oxford to clinch 2021 Women’s Boat Race

Cambridge’s recent stranglehold on the race continued with a fourth successive win

Cambridge celebrate their victory (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Cambridge’s recent stranglehold on the Women’s Boat Race continued as they claimed their fourth successive win over Oxford, prevailing by less than a length in a unique year for the showdown between the two universities.

Moved away from its usual residence along the Thames to Ely in Cambridgeshire for the first time since the Second World War due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race was a nip-and-tuck affair along the Great Ouse.

Oxford were repeatedly warned by the umpire for encroaching on their rivals’ line but Cambridge held their nerve, establishing a slender lead after halfway which they never surrendered as they triumphed on Sunday afternoon.

Dylan Whitaker, the winning cox, was full of praise for his opposite number Costi Levy.

He said on BBC One: “Massive, massive props to Costi because she steered like an absolute champ. That was close but we knew what our plan was, we kept it calm and loose and it worked.”

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Sarah Tisdall added: “Awesome race, massive congrats to Oxford. That’s the closest boat race the females have had. Awesome day for women’s sport and really proud of this team. It’s been awesome.”

PA