Oxford took on an American eight in two races on the Thames this afternoon ceding the first but winning emphatically in the second.

Both races, rowed in quick succession, were part of Oxford’s prelude to the 2007 Boat Race sponsored by business processing services company, Xchanging.

Oxford started crisply in the first race - from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Steps and stole a quarter length lead over the Americans, who were on the Surrey station, by the end of the boat-houses.

The Americans, with 2006 Oxford Blue Paul Daniels in the bow seat responded and drew back into a neck and neck battle along the Fulham Wall.

At the Mile Post the race was still close with Oxford up by a third of a length. Then came the American push as the crews passed the Harrods Depository, with the Surrey Bend in the USA’s favour, and under Hammersmith Bridge until the visitors were up by half a length to the finish.

The second piece, from Chiswick Eyot to the Boat Race finish, was marked by some interesting manoeuvring. Oxford, coxed by Nick Brodie, broke out towards the Middlesex bank at Chiswick Pier and the Dark Blues took a third of a length lead.

By Barnes Bridge this had grown to a length and by the finish Oxford, stroked in style by Croatian Ante Kusurin, were comfortable winners.

"There were some good things today", said coach Sean Bowden afterwards. "There were elements to be pleased with particularly in the second piece. The win will give confidence going into the next four weeks".

Oxford next race on March 24th against Leander whilst Cambridge also take on top British club opposition for their next fixture on March 23rd.

The Boat Race is on April 7th at 4.30pm.

CREW LISTS

Oxford

Bow: Michal Plotkowiak 2: Adam Kosmicki 3: Andrew Wright 4: Magnus Fleming 5: Robin Ejsmond-Frey 6: Brodie Buckland 7: Terence Kooyker Stroke: Ante Kusurin Cox: Nick Brodie

"Reserves"

Bow: Paul Kelly 2: George Hilton 3: Anthony Mullin 4: Matthew Brown 5: Nick Marriott 6: Lucas Dalglish 7: Richard Chambers Stroke: David Knezevic Cox: Philip Clausen-Thue

The American Eight

Bow: Paul Daniels 2: Cameron Winklevoss 3: Tyler Winklevoss 4: Patrick O’Dunne 5: Kyle Larson 6: Giuseppe Lanzone 7: Alexander Hearne 8: Jason Read Marcus Mc Elhenney (Cox)

Coach Matthew Gavin Imes