The first sporting contest between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge was held on 4 June 1827 when a two-day cricket, organised by Charles Wordsworth, nephew of William Wordsworth, resulted in a draw. match at Lord's

At the first Boat Race in 1829, the Oxford crew was dominated by students of Christ Church, whose college colours were dark blue. They thus wore white shirts with dark blue stripes, while Cambridge wore white with a pink or scarlet sash. At the second race, in 1836, a light blue ribbon was attached to the front of the Cambridge boat, probably as it was the colour of Eton.