Cambridge President George Blessley named his trial crews 'Feeling' and 'Emotion' on the assumption that some of his men could get in touch 'with their softer side', but the final outcome was a hard race and a finely fought contest where just three feet separated the crews at the line.
Rowed on a fine crisp morning, with little wind but a very strong stream, 'Feeling' went off at 38 on the Berkshire station and seemed to be going away from 'Emotion', who rated 36. But the crew on Bucks found a good solid rhythm, just as the Oxford crew on that station had done ten days earlier, and their 3/4L lead was gradually whittled back.
'Feeling' did themselves no favours by swinging wide into the bay at Remenham, allowing 'Emotion' to come right back on terms, despite having the lower rate at 34, but when they upped the rate approaching the Island it looked as though victory might be theirs. But the early leaders, with Blessley in the 7 seat, still had something left as they raised their rate back up to 38 and reached the Finish just three feet ahead.