 Of the Oxford crew, Drinkwater noted that "the crew went easily and comfortably from the first day" yet "lacked essential balance".The Oxford crew weighed an average of 12 st 6.375 lb (78.9 kg), per rower more than their opponents.Cambridge's crew included two rowers with Boat Race experience in Sidney Swann and Ralph Shove, the former making his third appearance in the event.