Trinity’s seemingly unassailable lead over the rest of its competitors at the top of the table means that the only exciting finish in Division 1 will be the race for eighth. Caius, Catz and Christs are battling to avoid being relegated along with Girton. Thus last weekend’s fixture between Caius and Catz took on particular significance, as Caius emerged with the all-important victory.

The opening exchanges provided an exhibition of attractive football, as both teams had the confidence to play the ball on the ground and spread the play to the wings. However, neither side was able to convert any opportunities that were created. Tom Scrase’s timid attempt was saved well by the Catz goalkeeper; at the other end, the Catz attackers were unable to seriously test the Caius goalkeeper Livingston.

Eventually, the opening goal was scored in bizarre circumstances by Caius centre back Alex Mathers. Having threatened on several earlier occasions with free kicks from deep, Mathers lofted the ball into the box, only to see the wind carry it over the keeper as he came out to claim it, and into the net. Caius finished the half on the front foot, as they attempted to capitalise on this advantage, but went into the break only one goal up.

After half time, Caius remained the stronger of the two sides. They won every tackle in the centre of midfield, and if Catz ever did pick up the ball in space, the Caius defence were organised and were able to deal with any danger comfortably. On offence, Caius continued to create chances, as Scrase in particular was guilty of squandering two more golden opportunities. However, Caius did eventually double their lead, as their play merited. Catz failed to clear a corner further than the edge of the box, from where midfielder Noah Isserman fired past an unsighted goalkeeper. Catz threatened to make it a nervy finish, when they headed over from close range near the end, but Caius saw out the rest of the game to pick up a deserved three points.

With only a few games left, Catz sit precariously in ninth on three points, four behind Caius, and five behind Christs. However, with fixtures against Girton and Christs themselves, Catz have the opportunity to pick up six points, which would mean that Caius would need to earn something from their fixtures against Trinity and Fitz. Only claiming four points would appear to be too few, as Caius have the cushion of a far superior goal difference.