This was a race between two crews that were certainly not up to the usual standard, due to the fact that most of the 1879 crews had disappeared and their replacements were not nearly as good. W.F.Grenfell, the Oxford President did not row and he had difficulty finding a stroke until H.P Marriott came back up and filled the role, unfortunately too close to the race to really exert the necessary discipline.

Cambridge also had difficulties. E.H.Prest, their President did not row until quite late in training and he then displaced R.C.Lehmann. In consequence Lehmann did not get a Blue thought he subsequently served the Club well in various roles. On balance Cambridge were thought to be somewhat stronger than their rivals.

The tide was a modest one and there was a fresh south-west wind, which produced no problems until the crews reached Corney Reach. Oxford won the toss and chose Surrey, but they did no really benefit from this selection because Cambridge moved out smartly from the Stake-boats into a lead which they built up steadily over the race, though rating lower most of the time. They were already some three lengths ahead at Hammersmith and comfortably clear at Chiswick. Then in Corney Reach, with a headwind and distinctly choppy water they showed less good watermanship than the dark Blues who drew up again, but not enough to trouble Cambridge who went on to win by 3 lengths in 21 minutes 18 seconds.