The sun was out and shining for the 111th Varsity Hockey matches at Southgate in London. As the crowds descended, the atmosphere built and by the time the Blues ladies strode onto the pitch, the tension was palatable. Having not won a match since 2004 ,Cambridge were the out and out underdogs, but were nevertheless confident that this year, History could be made, and the Light Blues would be taking the trophy home.

Taking the first push back Oxford made a bold move, striking the ball deep into the Cambridge half, only to be intercepted by fresher Charlie Banfield. Turning over possession, Cambridge began to put pressure on the Oxford D. Driving runs from winger Jess Sturgeon gave Suzie Stott the chance to fire at goal, but was denied by the keeper.

Cambridge seemed to hold the pressure for the first twentyfive minutes, but perhaps nervous of really testing Oxford, were not as aggressive as the dark blue side, who looked menacing on the break. Georgia Rawlinson was commanding at centre back for Oxford, her England experience on display as she displayed clever disguise and immaculate distribution. However, Oxford could not put on a one-woman show, and artful passing from centre-mid Hannah Rickman gave Cambridge the opportunity to play around the back and test the Oxford back four. Winning a number of penalty corners, Rachel Quick was unlucky to tip the ball past the near post.

In a moment that ran against the grain, a lapse in concentration left Cambridge vulnerable at a free hit just outside the D. Driving at the back line, Oxford slipped the ball just in front of keeper Vicky Evans and Oxford ‘Player of the Match’ Sara Ffrench-Constant finished to put the Dark-Blues 1-0 ahead at half-time.

Cambridge came back determined to make up the deficit, and following a stirring half time team talk by coach Chris Marriott, the Light Blues begain to make their mark on the match. Becca Naylor was inspired at centre-back linking with Abby Gibbs to pressure the centre of the pitch, whilst Sarah Lee’s speed and quick footwork left Oxford high and dry. A green card was awarded to Becca Langton for a cynical lifted ball. This error was swiftly made up however, when, taking the ball from a stranded Rawlinson, a searing cross from the top of the D missed the near post and winger Lee by inches.

Cambridge’s pressure finally paid off however when, taking the reigns of the match, Captain Kirsty Elder struck from a penalty corner to bury the ball at the far post. Ecstatic, Cambridge continued to build on their pressure, driving runs from Vice-Captain and Cambridge Player of the Match Mel Addy were sensational, and it was Oxford who were relieved to have escaped with a 1-1 draw when the final whistle went. Cambridge were inevitably disappointed to have missed out on a deserved win, but should be very happy to have denied Oxford victory for the first time in seven years.  

The Blues Men’s match followed, in a display of exciting, pacy, and exceptionally skilful hockey. The match was tight from the first whistle, with both teams threatening on goal. It was Oxford however who took the lead, firing from the top of the D in a well worked penalty corner that displayed the skills of an expert drag flicker.  It was not long however before Cambridge came back, a series of well placed passes within the Oxford 25 gave Salveson the opportunity to shoot on goal, but denied on the line by a Dark-Blue foot a penalty stroke was awarded. Stuart Jackson took the opportunity to roll on as expert flicker, and sending the keeper the wrong way, showed a cool head to place the ball confidently just inside the right post.  

Evening up the score line, Cambridge might have taken the opportunity to press for the lead, however with two more penalty corners awarded against them, the Light Blues were at the mercy of a clinical Oxford routine and went 3-1 down with minutes left. The deficit was lengthened with a goal from open play that saw the score line at 4-1 to Oxford at half time. 

The second-half was a display of end to end hockey. Cambridge looked like they might return to contend for an unexpected win when Jackson finished his second from a corner, however, this was not to be. Taking a brutal blow to the hand, Rupert Allison continued to play on despite broken bones, and increasingly stretched at the back, Cambridge conceded a fifth goal before time was out. Man of the match was Nicholas Parkes for his commanding play through the midfield. 

 

For more pictures of the men's hockey, please click here