LOCAL pride was at stake when Oxford University and Oxford Brookes went head-to-head in ocean-going conditions over the Boat Race course, writes JOHN WIGGINS.

Oxford, with four returning Blues, just got the measure of a classy Brookes crew in this trial, reversing the outcome of last year’s encounter.

The Dark Blues’ head coach Sean Bowden was delighted with the experience that his provisional Boat Race crew gained.

That was not only in the conditions, but holding nerve and pace around the outside of the bend under relentless pressure.

Henry Bailhache-Webb, Broo-kes’ head coach, recognising the calibre of their rivals’ squad containing two Olympians as well as under 23 and senior internationals, was hugely-satisfied with his crew’s performance.

The Dark Blues might have lost the second half had the Brookes bowman not come unseated in the last few strokes.

But in the first section from Putney to Chiswick Eyot, Oxford moved ahead from the start and took control after a few minutes.

As they hit the roughest of water in the final minutes, Brookes smoothly clawed back, but the Dark Blues held on.

Oxford’s reserve boat, Isis raced the Brookes B boat with the aggregate win going to Brookes.

Elsewhere, Hinksey Sculling School had a happy visit to the Avon County Head where they won six of the 14 events contested.

Stanley Cannons, the J17 singles winner, was the fastest of all scullers on the day.