It’s a big week for Cambridge sport, as the majority of University teams play their first competitive fixtures and the various college sporting leagues start to get into full swing. Below are some of the highlights:

Rugby Union: CURUFC Men’s @ Trinity College Dublin, Friday 25 October, 7pm

CURUFC’s men continue their preparations for the Varsity Match next Friday, making the short hop across the Irish Sea to face Trinity College Dublin. The clash has historical significance, as Trinity College Dublin is the world’s oldest rugby club in continuous existence. It also represents another chance for star international imports James Horwill and Flip van der Merwe to further press their claims for Blues, having already seen significant playing time in the past two matches. 

Women’s football: Cambridge v Loughborough, Wednesday 23 October, 2pm, Fitzwilliam College Playing Fields

Cambridge’s women’s football team start their year next Wednesday by hosting Loughborough at the Fitzwilliam College Playing Fields. Facing off against the undisputed titans of British university sport won’t be easy, but the Light Blues’ are coming off a solid 2018/19 season in which they won the Varsity match against Oxford 3-1. 

Rugby Union: CURUFC Women’s v Swansea Women’s, Wednesday 23 October, 2pm, Grange Road

Cambridge’s women’s rugby Blues went great guns last year. After winning the Varsity Match against Oxford in convincing fashion they went on to win the BUCS Midlands 1A record with an undefeated 9-0 record. They have faced a sterner test this year in the Premier division, with a 41-36 loss at Cardiff in their first match followed by a 17-all draw at Bristol. They return home next Wednesday hoping to record their first win of the season against Swansea, who are themselves winless.

Netball: Cambridge v Birmingham, Wednesday 23 October, 4.30pm, University Sports Centre

The Light Blues take on Birmingham at the University Sports Centre next Wednesday in another season opener. The netballers endured a tough season last year, having been walloped by Oxford 47-26 in their Varsity fixture as well as a last-placed finish in the BUCS Midlands 1A league in which they did not record a single win. Having been relegated, a new season will bring fresh hope as the players look to improve upon last years’ results.

Basketball: Cambridge @ Derby, Wednesday 23rd October, 8pm

The men’s basketball Blues will open their season in Derby next Wednesday in what promises to be an intriguing encounter. Having won promotion last year by virtue of winning the Midlands 2B division, they will undoubtedly be looking to parlay that momentum into further success this season.

College Football:  Trinity v Queens, Saturday 19 October, 1pm, Trinity Old Field

Saturday’s clash is a blockbuster affair between two college football powerhouses. Trinity and Queens’ finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Premier division of the league last year and will be hoping to contend for the title once again. In their path is the behemoth that is last year’s League and Cuppers champions in Fitzwilliam, who open their season against Gonville & Caius.