Although Easter term is the season of exams, a time perhaps when people step away from their extracurricular commitments to hone-in on their degrees, it still promises some epic sporting clashes, from Varsity matches to college cuppers finals.

Lent term’s sporting calendar culminated over the vacation with the illustrious Boat Races, in which the Light Blues stormed to victory, with Cambridge winning every race across the weekend in a magnanimous clean sweep. There is plenty of opportunity for the light blues to carry that spirit forward into Easter term, as well as some more low-key events focusing on participation and fun.

“The term still promises some epic sporting clashes”

Undoubtedly some of the most exciting sporting clashes of the term will come through in the remaining Varsity matches. After fantastic displays of sporting prowess, passion, and rivalry last term, the light blues and dark blues will still be going head-to-head in locations across the country. On the 9th May the men’s and women’s T20 Blues teams will battle it out at the prestigious Lord’s cricket ground, widely referred to as “the home of cricket”. Whilst the women will be back to defend their title, the Cambridge men will be looking to turn the tide on last year’s result, where they missed out on being triumphant, scoring 156/7 against Oxford’s 160/5.

“undoubtedly some of the most exciting sporting clashes of the term will come through in the remaining Varsity matches”

Back on home soil, the athletics men’s and women’s blues teams as well as second teams will be hosting Varsity on Wilberforce Road on 17th May. With athletics encompassing so many different sporting disciplines across both track and field, it’s always an intense competition. The relay and field events were held in February, and Cambridge emerged triumphant in all except the women’s relay competition.

Elsewhere, at Warwick International School of Riding, the three riding teams will be fighting it out on 4th May. The Blues team will be hoping for redemption after a loss last year, whilst the second and third teams will be hoping to retain their winning ways.

With committee handovers, Easter is a time to reflect on the achievements of both sporting societies as well as standout individuals over the past academic year. One major highlight of this term is, therefore, the University Sports Awards, scheduled to be held at the University Sports Centre on Monday 23rd June. The awards are a unique chance to celebrate and honour clubs as well as individual successes. Last year over 200 students, staff, and members of the wider community came together to recognise the sporting talent at Cambridge, and the event was hosted by sports commentator Darren Paul. Nominations for the 2025 awards are still open, and categories span from club of the year to unsung hero.

“the awards are a unique chance to celebrate and honour clubs as well as individual successes”

This term also promises a wide-range of BUCS action, from equestrian championships to ultimate frisbee knockouts. The most high-anticipated BUCS event, however, is arguably the BUCS regatta, which will see CUBC and college boat clubs compete alongside each other in pursuit of the overall Victor Ludorum. The event will run over a three and a half day period, from the 2nd-5th May, at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. Whilst there are a number of categories ranging from beginner and intermediate to championship, BUCS points will be available solely in the championship categories. Cambridge ended Lent term 25th overall in the BUCS points table, and will be looking to creep up through the upcoming events.

Beyond the upper echelons of light blue events, there is still plenty of exciting sporting action at college level. Cuppers in swimming and mixed lacrosse will be holding their first rounds; the Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club will have their cuppers finals on the Grange Road rugby grounds on 11th May, with the women’s final being between Newnham/Pembroke and Darwin/St Edmunds/Wolfson, and the men’s final being between Trinity hall and Jesus. The quintessential Cambridge sport - rowing - will have its final college competition action in the form of May Bumps, from 18th-21st June, in what will hopefully be a glorious ending for all the hard work and dedication people have given to their respective sports over the entire year.