A pre-season tour to Belgium, a trip to London, and two weeks on the training track have proven ideal preparation for the men’s Blues, whose aims for 2011-2 are dual: promotion into the national hockey leagues, and defeat of Oxford in Lent term’s Varsity Match. Captained by Scottish U-21 international Nick Parkes (Jesus), the Blues have been bolstered by the arrival of England youth international and centre-back Will Cairns (Trinity), while Rupert Allison (Jesus) continues to direct play from centre-midfield.

In Belgium, injuries to Owen Graham (Caius), Sam Grimshaw (Jesus) and captain Parkes had left only 13 of 16 tour members fit to play, but those still standing gave good account of themselves against Royal Orée, in spite of 5-2 defeat.

Chris Bennett had struck early for the Blues, flicking into the top corner from an acute angle, and Cambridge maintained this early pressure with a press which only pitch-length aerials could breach.

Still, the strength of the Belgians though their midfield and forward line was clear and the Blues’ hosts struck twice before half-time with clinical finishes against the run of play.

The second half developed much like the first: Cambridge marauded along the right, impressing with their team ethic and strong communication, but struggled in the final third. At last, Felix Styles finished off a loose ball to equalise, but a talented and technically-proficient Orée outfit again showed their class in front of goal, putting away three more chances to establish a three-goal lead which was maintained to the end.

Perhaps the 5-2 margin did not reflect the competitive nature of the match; certainly, it betrays the strength which Cambridge should demonstrate in the coming season.

Beyond the first team, the Wanderers will hope to repeat 2011’s incredibly successful season by reprising their comprehensive 4-1 defeat of Oxford. Led by Joe Bond, the side will be transformed from 2011, with many of that vintage stepping up to the Blues. Nevertheless, with Ireland U-18 central midfielder Jonny Gibson (Girton) pulling the strings, and with a pre-season jaunt to Oxford Brookes having built confidence within the ranks, the Wanderers will be confident not only of following the Blues into the East Premier League, but also of success in BUCS, entered for the first time since 2005.

Meanwhile, in women’s hockey, a full side of returning Blues look forward to their first season in the East Premier League. Skipper Melissa Addy (Jesus) leads a stout defence alongside Becca Naylor (Murray Edwards) and keeper Vicky Evans, while Susie Stott (Pembroke) and her fellow striker Sarah Lee (Murray Edwards) should provide the goals.