Oxford University overcame an early clash of...

Oxford University overcame an early clash of oars to defeat a heavier Cambridge University crew by two lengths in the 135th edition of the boat race.

Oxford finished the 4 1/4 -mile course on the Thames River in 18 minutes 28 seconds, nearly two minutes slower than the record of 16:45 it set in 1984. Cambridge, which was favored, had a time of 18:35.

Oxford has won 13 of the last 14 meetings, losing only in 1986. Cambridge holds a 69-65-1 lead in the series, which began in 1829.