 Oxford were coached by Reverend William Sherwood ( who rowed for Oxford in the 1873 and 1874 races ) and Edmund Warre ( who represented the Dark Blues in the 1857 and the 1858 races ) . Cambridge 's coach was James Brooks Close ( who rowed for the Light Blues in the 1872 , 1873 and 1874 races ) . Cambridge had practised at Putney a fortnight before the race and were initially the bookmaker 's clear favourites . Oxford 's practice rows a week later impressed and brought them back into contention . 
