A mild, sunny afternoon provided the conditions under which Cambridge University Athletics Club (CUAC) would host their first cuppers of the year. Students from 25 colleges took part, but it was Robinson that emerged victorious, with a total of 204 points across the men’s and women’s teams. Narrowly missing out were Emmanuel, with a combined total of 200 points, and following them were Gonville & Caius with 160 points, Jesus with 147 points, and Magdalene with 135 points.

The atmosphere at Wilberforce Road was a relaxed one, with complete beginners competing alongside seasoned athletes. For the former group, it was a great opportunity to play competitively without any pressure – and for the latter,  a chance to get back into the swing of things ahead of the competitions that will be taking place later in the academic year.

There was a lot of talent on display across all disciplines and colleges, with some outstanding performances from new and returning athletes alike. From the women’s competitions, it was fresher Leonie Brunning who racked up a phenomenal 84 points for Emmanuel – the most scored by any individual in the competition – across five events, including a Blues-standard 1.70m in high jump, and a half-blue 10.10m shot put.

Another promising shot-putter was Darwin’s Grace Izinyon, throwing a very impressive 8.99m – just 1cm short of half-blue standard. There were also some solid performances from Robinson’s Jess O’Flaherty and Jesus’ Izzy Armitage, who ran the 400m in 62.8 and 64.6 seconds respectively, as well as Kiera Messenger throwing a very comfortable 31.79m in hammer for Christ’s.

As for the men, Marley Young dominated heavy throws with a Blues-standard 41.27m in discus, and half-blue throws of 36.56m in hammer throw and 13.10m in shot put, tallying a formidable 51 points for Trinity. Meanwhile, Angus Harrington shone in javelin, throwing 49.00m for St. John’s.

Daniel Roffey also scored a very respectable 59 points for Robinson across four events, including 6.05m in long jump, 1.80m in high jump, and 3.50m in pole vault. Elsewhere, Pembroke’s Sam Clarke, and current CUAC President, ran a half-blue 11.2 seconds in the 100m.

Sunday’s performances will no doubt have played a role in who the Blues captains choose for the Freshers’ Varsity next Saturday (06/11). The selected athletes will take on the Dark Blues at Wilberforce Road, in what promises to be a thrilling day of competition.

All the results can be found here.