Oxford powered their way to victory in the 151st Boat Race, sponsored by Xchanging.

The Dark Blues, the heaviest crew in Boat Race history, made a strong start, but Cambridge dug in to get back on to level terms.

Oxford made a decisive break at Chiswick Steps, putting clear water between themselves and Cambridge.

There was no way back for Cambridge, as Oxford avenged their defeat in the 2004 race as the Dark Blues built-on their lead to record their 72nd Boat Race win.

Oxford crossed the line in 16 minutes 42 seconds - beating Cambridge by six seconds for a two lengths win.

Acer Nethercott, who coxed Oxford to victory after his disappointment of last year, said: "We won if from the very first stroke. It didn’t feel like it until the Chiswick Steps area, because they did a really good job of hanging on to our coat tails. It was just awesome today – I had eight complete goliaths."

Tom Edwards, Cambridge number 2, said: "They were just too strong for us around that bend. We pushed and pushed and pushed, but it wasn’t enough to come back on terms. I was really proud of the effort we put in, we went down fighting."

Times:

Mile Post

Oxford: 3.40

Cambridge: 3.40.5

Hammersmith Bridge

Oxford: 6.35

Cambridge: 6.37

Chiswick Steps

Oxford: 10.17

Cambridge: 10.20

Barnes Bridge

Oxford: 13.51

Cambridge: 13.57

Finish

Oxford: 16.42

Cambridge: 16.48