Simon Hislop epitomised Oxford’s refusal to be beaten as the Dark Blues produced a commanding performance to win the 157th Xchanging Boat Race by four lengths.

The Oxford stroke, who begins his new career as a junior doctor at Charing Cross Hospital in August, triumphed on the Tideway just 11 months after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer.

Cambridge had the more experienced crew and started as odds-on favourites to repeat their victory of last year, but Oxford, with Hislop setting the pace, never gave them a sniff.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and that makes it all the better,” said Hislop.

That attitude was evident throughout an Oxford boat determined to bounce back from last year’s defeat.

Oxford president Ben Myers was the only returning Blue in the boat, but every member of the crew understood the pain he had been through and it drove them on.

“We had last year’s race in our minds throughout the whole year, but we were just strong through the whole course. We got into our rhythm and just didn’t let them have a peek in,” said Myers.

“This is a whole world of difference from last year, although the first half of the race was remarkably similar.

“We got that lead in the early part of the race and we capitalised on it. We executed our plan perfectly.

For coach Sean Bowden it was his tenth Boat Race victory, eight of which have come since he took charge of Oxford in 1998 and it was as satisfying as any.

“We never really considered we weren’t in with a really good chance and I didn’t see any evidence that we weren’t in with a fight,” said Bowden.

“It is great when the crew rows to their potential and they did. It’s very satisfying.

“The way our guys rowed it looked like they backed themselves all the way. The power is there, the personality, the character in the boat was of the highest calibre.

“To have won ten is great and I am extremely proud. A lot of my success rests on a lot of people. I am very passionate about the club and I want to see the club doing well.”