CUWRFC: 24

OUWRFC: 0

Cambridge managed to avenge their defeat in last year's Varsity Match with a dominant 24-0 victory against Oxford in the 31st Women's Varsity at Twickenham. With a misty atmosphere made even more ethereal by the fluorescent lights at Twickenham it was clear from the outset that the elements would play a crucial role in today’s game. Indeed, for much of the first half, handling errors and wayward passes disrupted attempts at any fluid play.  Although Cambridge looked overall more creative when in possession, Oxford were quick to threaten around any loose ball.  With growing confidence generated by Cambridge from their punishing scrums, on the 37th minute the Light Blues were duly rewarded with the first try of the game via Jess Gurney, and which successfully converted by Alice Middleton. With one minute remaining, Oxford looked dangerous deep in Cambridge territory, but dynamic half back duo Lara Gibson and Alice Middleton denied Oxford any immediate retaliation. Showing great flair, Middleton enabled Gibson a storming run and try between the posts. Middleton was rewarded for her contribution in the try with another successful conversion, leaving the score 14-0 to Cambridge at half time.

The start of the second half saw the heavens open, which only served to exacerbate handling errors committed by both sides. Nonetheless, Cambridge maintained the pressure on Oxford keeping play deep inside their 22. With the heat at maximum temperature, applied by the still-unrelenting Cambridge scrum on the five-metre line, three Oxford defenders could not keep fly-half Kate Marks from scoring Cambridge’s third try of the game. This time Middleton unable to convert, making the score on the 63rd minute 19-0 to Cambridge. Despite maintaining their grip on both possession and territory, two further Cambridge try attempts were denied by a valiant Oxford defence; both balls ‘held up’ on the line. But on the reliable magic of threes, a third successive trip across the Oxford try line on the 71th minute was recognized and awarded; this time the final try-scorer was number 11, Bluebell Nicholls. No conversion leaves the final score 24-0 to Cambridge, for what can be seen as decisive victory in ever-changing conditions.