Boat Race: Testing times

Oxford add extra muscle after their 2007 defeat

Last updated: 25th March 2008

oxford v cambridge 153rd University Boat Race

Cambridge en route to glory last year

Historically the heavier crew tend to win but there are plenty of examples of the lighter crew winning.

Duncan Holland
Quotes of the week

The Oxford and Cambridge teams have weighed in ahead of Saturday's 154th University Boat Race.

The Dark Blues (Oxford) eight have weighed in at a combined 123st 12lbs with their rivals scaling just under 117st 1lb.

Cambridge also have the lighter cox in Rebecca Dowbiggin, who steered the Light Blues to victory last year.

She weighs nine lbs less than Oxford cox Nicholas Brodie, who lost last year, and the respective coaches - like the bookmakers - are divided on the significance of the weights.

Dark Blues coach Sean Bowden said: "I don't mind being the heavier crew.

"I am happy to go in with strong, athletic, tall people but there's more to it than just size."

Cambridge counterpart Duncan Holland said: "Historically the heavier crew tend to win but there are plenty of examples of the lighter crew winning.

"According to the forecast it looks as though the water might be quite interesting on Saturday so a lot could depend on technique and how the crews react to the conditions."

Cambridge - Colin Scott 13st 8lbs, Tim Perkins 15st, Henry Pelly 13st 13lbs, Tobias Garnett 14st 10lbs, Peter Marsland 16st, Tom Ramsley 15st 11lbs, Tom Edwards 13st 11lbs, Shane O'Mara 14st; cox - Rebecca Dowbiggin 7st 9lbs.

Oxford - Jan Herzog 14st 3lbs, Toby Medaris 16st 2lbs, Ben Smith 15st 5lbs, Aaron Marcovy 16st 1lb, Michael Wherley 15st 8lbs, Oliver Moore 15st 13lbs, Charles Cole 15st 1lb, William England 15st 4lbs; cox - Nicholas Brodie 8st 5lbs.