Ahead of hosting Oxford University’s largest female only varsity in February, Oxford faced Cambridge in BUCS league action looking to right the wrongs of a narrow 46-44 loss to their Midlands rivals in December.
The hosts sit third in Midlands Tier 1 whereas Cambridge sit in fifth – six points behind their rivals.
It had been a surprise win for Cambridge’s first team in their last meeting. On a run of five straight losses, they re-wrote the form book and grabbed a two goal win over Oxford in the last game of Michaelmas term.
This time, however, Oxford made no mistake. Racing out to a ten goal lead, the Blues, led by Captain Abi Moss, used their speed through transition to comfortably hold Cambridge at arms distance.
Cambridge’s impressive GK and co-captain, Nat McEvoy, was kept busy by Goal Shooter Jess Connolly who earned herself player of the match for her efforts.
The final score read 49-38 to the hosts, making it 1-1 going into Varsity on February 21st-22nd which will be held at Iffley Road Sports Centre, Oxford.
Oxford University Netball Club President, Pippa Meigh, said: “It feels particularly good to do it at home. We had fans there, and it was a great atmosphere.”
Five matches plus an alumni fixture will take place across the weekend to decide the varsity champion.
The Oxbridge varsity has origins tracing as far back as 1827 when the first Oxford vs Cambridge sporting match was held – a two-day cricket match between the universities at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Cambridge are the reigning holders of the netball trophy, having come out decisive victors last year in a 4-1 rout.
The singular Oxford win? The Blues won in a two goal thriller… two goals are becoming somewhat of a trend between these teams, it seems.
Not only will the winner claim the bragging rights for varsity, but they’ll take a 2-1 aggregate win across the season.
It is quite rare for the sides to face up against one another so regularly.
Sara Riolo, OUNC’s Development Officer, said: “In the past couple years we’ve been going into it blind but this time it will be really fun to have a bit of history between the sides and know where we stand.”
Webmaster Jess Connolly said: “I’ve played one varsity so far, and we won by two, and it was the best day of my entire year.
“Everyone was sobbing when we won.”
Varsity tickets will be available through @ounetball. For more information visit Oxford University Netball Club’s website.
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