The women’s and mixed lacrosse blues both claimed victories over O*ford in this Saturday’s varsity clashes. In two nail-biting contests, Cambridge composure crushed comeback hopes, leaving their rivals to contemplate a winless day-out on the coach journey home.

Cambridge Women’s Lacrosse Blues 15-14 Oxford

Captain Camille Barton led the way as the women’s lacrosse blues claimed a close-cut victory over a strong O*ford opposition. Cheered on by a raucous Cambridge crowd, the Blues were electric from the off. Scoring four unanswered goals in as many minutes, they looked set for total domination, with Barton and Anna Saunter running riot in the O*ford half.

However, O*ford soon recovered from their slow start and began a scoring run of their own, reducing the lead to one. Unfazed, Cambridge finished the quarter strong, regaining some breathing space through a Saunter stunner. The frenetic opening set the tone for the second quarter. Four consecutive O*ford goals left the Blues trailing by two, but Barton broke the slump through an exceptional solo goal, restoring belief in the Cambridge ranks. Following suit, Saunter lashed home the leveller before the half.

On the back of a strong third quarter, Cambridge entered the final period with an 11-10 lead. However, a resurgent O*ford dealt the first blows in a thrilling conclusion, netting twice to claim the lead. As the pressure mounted, the blues showed their mettle. Sofia Johanson sparked the comeback with a scintillating solo effort. Feinting left and driving right, Johanson left defenders in the dust before firing home. Galvanised, Cambridge regained the lead through Barton. Then, playing creator, the captain spotted Saunter’s slashing run and picked out her midfield partner, who brought the score to 14-12. Vindicating the claims of a vociferous Cambridge support, Barton and her ‘magic hat’ conjured a spectacular fifteenth for the Blues.

A last-ditch fightback saw O*ford reduce the deficit to one, but the Blues held out to claim a well-earned Varsity triumph.

Varsity Player of the Match: Camille Barton

Cambridge Mixed Lacrosse Blues 8-6 Oxford

Megan Wilson, Rob Maclennan, and Kit Baker starred as the mixed lacrosse blues claimed Varsity bragging rights for the tenth consecutive year. Cambridge dominated the tie and would have won by considerably more, but for the heroics of the O*ford keeper.

Within ten seconds of the draw, the Blues led. In a sign of things to come, the midfield trio of Baker, Maclennan, and Wilson combined to net the opener. Baker found Maclennan in the opposition half, who then picked out a surging Wilson to apply the finishing touch. Inspired, Cambridge tripled their lead within minutes, with Maclennan claiming the first of his hat-trick.

However, complacency crept in, and the Blues allowed two cheap O*ford goals before the quarter’s end. The bleeding continued after the break, with O*ford evening the scores. As their opponents continued to threaten, crucial saves from Cambridge’s Annabel Gray kept the Blues afloat and, rediscovering their rhythm, they cruised to a 6-3 half-time lead.

Wilson added to the Blues’ tally after the break, but lax defending kept O*ford hopes alive. Two goals in quick succession took the score to 7-5 before a marauding Maclennan restored a three-goal lead, completing his hat-trick with a superb solo goal. The visitors struck back as the third-quarter ended, leaving the scores at 8-6 as the contest entered its final stages.

A goalless fourth quarter secured the win for the Blues, and the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from those in Light Blue, revelling in a momentous win and a decade of dominance.

Varsity Player of the Match: Megan Wilson