Saturday 23rd February

Parker's Piece

Cambridge University MLC    9

Oxford University MLC           5 

Amidst snowy scenes at Parker’s Piece, Cambridge’s Mixed Lacrosse players produced a spellbinding performance to beat Oxford and claim the Varsity trophy for the first time in 13 years. Goals from eight separate members of the team and a series of spectacular saves from goalie Ed West proved too strong for the Dark Blues, and the performance was a testament to the sheer talent and determination of the squad this season, with the prospect of topping the league table also tantalisingly close.

Determined to reverse the 10-9 loss to the other place in January, goals from Jeremy Sharman and Fiona Latham in the first few minutes of the match set the tone; from then on in, they never looked like losing. Throughout the first two quarters, Cambridge were quicker, sharper, and stronger than the Oxford team, converting fast breaks into goals and beating the Dark Blues to nearly every ground ball. A half-time score of 6-1 to Cambridge reflected the tenacity of the Light Blue defence and the accuracy of the attack. However, Oxford’s comeback from a one-goal deficit in January was still fresh in the minds of the players, and the half-time talk focused on tactics to keep possession and to stifle the opposition attack.

In the third quarter, Cambridge capitalised on Oxford’s lack of discipline in the fan. The Dark Blue defence were unable to cope with the powerful drives and plays from behind-goal attack without resorting to blocking shooting space, which was duly called up by the Varsity umpires. The resulting penalty shots were converted into goals to increase CUMLC’s lead still further.  Oxford, visibly shaken, had no answer to Cambridge’s confident play. Dark Blue attempts on goal were consistently blocked by the combination of the quick reactions of West, the flying interceptions of Wei-Ying Chen, and clear communication led by Emily Binning.

The intensity cranked up another notch in the fourth quarter; an injury to Jeremy Sharman disrupted momentum and Oxford threatened the impossible with several goals in the final minutes of the match. However, Cambridge were undeterred, continuing to dominate possession and create chances, spurred on by dedicated light blue support from the side-lines. Fast breaks from midfielders Charlie Douty and Rich Moon in the final seconds of the match heaped pressure on the Oxford defence, who were unable to keep up with the pace. Emotional scenes followed the final whistle as CUMLC celebrated victory with sprayings of Cava and an abundance of team photos.The team was never reliant on any one player for victory, with eight different goalscorers in the game, and the Cambridge’s defensive unit of provided a masterclass in high pressure defending, never allowing the Oxford team to get going. The Dark Blues will surely be disappointed, but this was an entertaining game played in good spirits, and the Cambridge victory was well deserved. Next year’s Varsity match is sure to be a thriller.