 Once they had passed the island , and were in the main flow of the river , the Oxford crew demonstrated their strength . The Morning Post report of the race records that both crews " put out the strength of their arms in excellent style " , and although the Cambridge boat maintained a higher stroke rate , Oxford maintained their lead throughout the rest of the race . Their margin of victory is variously reported as being between two and four lengths ( although is recorded officially as " easily " ) , in a time reported variously between 14 minutes and 14 minutes 30 seconds . 
