Cambridge University Mixed Lacrosse Club (CUMLC) continued their winning streak last weekend, sending Oxford home in shock after a 18-3 thrashing by the Light Blues.

In the first meeting of the sides since Cambridge’s 9-5 Varsity win in February, Cambridge proved that victory was not a fluke, dominating Oxford from the start. A goal by Jeremy Sharman in the first minute set the tone for what turned out to be a thoroughly convincing win for the new-look CUMLC side.

Cambridge out-paced and out-shone the Other Place all over the pitch, as the attackers created space and movement and the defenders pressured the Oxford attack into errors. A series of spectacular saves from goalkeeper Harriet Wade meant that Cambridge went into half time with a clean sheet and a goal tally in double figures.

But the game was not over yet. In the third quarter, Oxford fought back, looking more dangerous in front of goal and testing the Cambridge defence. However, excellent communication and tenacious play from the Light Blue defenders allowed Oxford only a single consolatory goal for their efforts.

The fourth quarter saw much of the same, in an exciting finale to this Varsity warm-up. An error from Cambridge allowed Oxford a soft goal, but the Light Blues responded positively, adding to their own goal tally shortly afterwards as a result of impressive transitioning down the pitch. No ground ball was allowed to go uncontested, and not even the cold, windy weather conditions could put Cambridge off their stride.

The final score of 18-3 is a hugely impressive one for this Cambridge side, marking the first Cambridge victory over Oxford in a league game in four years, and it has huge significance for the Varsity match, to be contested in Oxford in February. A lot can change between now and then, but this victory means Cambridge will go into the match as favourites, and also as league title contenders. The Light Blues will go into their next match against Portsmouth with confidence in their squad and a determination to come away with all three points.