Controversy Follows Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

  The banks of Britain's Thames River were thick with rowing enthusiasts out to view one of the most watched sporting events in the world. Known simply as the Boat Race, Oxford and Cambridge Universities faced each other for the 150^th time in a one on one battle over the 4-¼ mile course. The result was unexpected. Pre-race favourites, Oxford's two-year domination came to an abrupt end when a clash of blades four minutes into the race caused Oxford's bowman, Chris Kenelly to lose his seat and Cambridge to take the lead. The light blues, from that point on, never looked back. Despite Cambridge pulling away to clear water, Oxford continued to fight back for the whole race, rating an aggressive 35 strokes per minute at the persistence of coxswain Acer Nethercott. Cambridge meanwhile were able to sit comfortably in front maintaining a powerful and confident 32 strokes per minute. In a race renowned as much for the strategy of the coxswains and clashing oars as for the might of the rowers 2004 will be remembered for its controversy. Last year's winning coxswain for Oxford, Nethercott, appealed the early race interference as soon as he crossed the finish line, calling for a foul on Cambridge. The race umpire, however, did not accept the appeal.  Cambridge's success tasted sweeter this year after losing by just one foot in 2003. Last year's race is considered to be one of the most exciting in the Boat Race's history and it helped compel Cambridge president Wayne Pommen to return to the university for another year even though it meant loosing the opportunity to compete for his home country, Canada at the Athens Olympics. Pommen missed the 2003 race after an on-the-water collision 48 hours before the race was due to start. The collision left him out of the race and nursing a wrist fracture. Pommen described this year's win as absolutely worth it and the pinnacle of his rowing career. The day's festivities included a retro rowing race with teams using fixed seat boats. This was followed by the reserve boat race with Oxford's Isis beating Cambridge's Goldie.The tally for the Boat Race now stands at 78 ? 71 to Cambridge going back to the race beginning in 1856. To relive the racing action go to: www.theboatrace.org for race streaming.