handing the Middlesex side of the river to Oxford. Cambridge took an early lead even though their stroke rate was lower than that of the Dark Blues, and led by three-quarters of a length by the time the crews shot Hammersmith Bridge. Oxford stayed in touch for the next but following a spurt, they almost levelled the race by Chiswick Eyot. Cambridge's stroke John Goldie led a surge to pull back ahead of Oxford, and despite their best efforts, Oxford could not recover. Cambridge won by lengths in a time of 22 minutes 4 seconds. The victory was Cambridge's first since the 1860 race, and brought the overall record to 16–11 in Oxford's favour. References Notes Bibliography External links Official website 1870 in English sport The Boat Race April 1870 sports events