Cambridge 1 - 0 Oxford

By the time the 25th Women’s Varsity football match began, the sun had scorched away any remainders of frost at Oxford’s Iffley Road pitch, but there was nevertheless a distinct iciness in the stands and on the pitch between the Dark Blues and Light Blues. Both teams had everything to play for, although the pressure was on for Cambridge to prove last year’s 2-0 loss would not be repeated.

From the first whistle, it was the Light Blues who dominated play. Swift movement down the right wing in the early minutes of the game showed Cambridge’s confidence, and they continually mobilised attacks on the Oxford defence, even getting in a few early shots. In contrast, Cambridge’s midfield and defence cut off Oxford’s moves time and time again. Helen Bellfield was a reliable presence at the back, producing a solid defensive show throughout the match.

An early chance came with a free kick after a foul on the Cambridge Captain Leesa Haydock. Emma Eldridge’s powerful shot from just outside the penalty box was well deflected by the Oxford keeper, who did well to keep the scores level. Several more chances followed, but whilst it was clear that Cambridge dominated ball possession and won the majority of exchanges, the goals seemed destined not to reach the back of the net.

Thirty-five minutes in, out of nowhere it began to snow. And then, also out of nowhere, Cambridge’s Maisie Byrne stole the ball and sprinted down the right, before passing to Kate Robinson who planted it beautifully in the top right corner, proving that Cambridge were the Blues in control. The Cambridge duo have proved to be a threat all season, Burne and Robinson’s electrifying pace posing problems to many opposition defences. 

As the game progressed the tackles starting flying in, the competitive tussle between the two sides reaching fever pitch. Momentarily, Oxford managed to establish themselves a bit more in Cambridge’s half. Consequently, Oxford increased their  possession in the centre of the park, the midfield struggle swinging in Oxford’s favour. Although there were some impressive attacks, when the final whistle blew it was Cambridge who were wholly deserving of their hard fought win and a result Coach Lee McGill should be extremely proud of.

Earlier that day, the Eagles, the Cambridge 2nds team, fought an equally physical match against the Furies, the Oxford 2nds in their Varsity match. With the Furies having stolen a tight win from the Eagles last year, but the Eagles having beaten the Furies in a friendly earlier this season: this game was always going to be hotly contested.

Play started off evenly, although understandably it took a while for the Eagles to acclimatise to Oxford’s ridiculously small, bizarrely shaped, and incoherently blue-lined pitch.  A momentary lapse of concentration in the early stages was capitalized on by Oxford as they took a 1-0 lead. Despite this, the Eagles’ goalkeeper, Hollie Booth, deserves praise for an outstanding performance throughout the match.

Some aggressive encounters followed, with strong pressure from both sides. Clare Longden’s powerful headers and Captain Rachel Folwell’s crucial sweeping at the back, fending off Oxford chances. Cambridge began to dominate play more, and before the half time whistle blew Manon van Thorenburg had equalized. With the scores level at the break both sides were confident of stealing the game in the second 45 minutes.

The second half saw a determined effort from both sides. A fearless shot from Marion Gale ten yards outside the box meant Cambridge took the lead, but not long after, a long distance goal from Oxford ensured both teams were back on an even footing. The Eagles’ Lizzie Robinshaw worked determinedly to provide chances on the wing.

As both teams tired, it was Oxford’s 2nds day in the end, as a striker broke through the defence and planted the winning goal fifteen minutes before the final whistle. Despite Oxford claiming a narrow 3-2 victory, the fiercely contested game could have gone either way, Oxford running out the fortunate winners.