RUGBY FIVES - Varsity Match 2011
Saturday 19 February 2011
A rejuvenated Cambridge won this season’s Varsity Match by a clear margin, recording the first light-blue victory since their four-point win in 2006.
British Universities singles finalist Kay gave Cambridge a good lead by defeating the veteran Ronan, playing in his sixth and final University Match, while the second string singles resulted in a narrow win for Oxford’s Hine over Malone. Chase at three for Cambridge won well against Barnes, and the Oxford captain Baker, the only left-hander on either side, went down by a few points to Brubert at four after a lengthy battle.
Cambridge’s 23-point lead in the singles looked useful, if by no means decisive. As the doubles developed, it became clear that Kay and Chase, the reigning British Universities doubles champions, were the outstanding pair, and they defeated Oxford 1 (Ronan & Adcock) convincingly. However, Hine & Baker for Oxford combined well against the second Cambridge pair (Malone & Brubert), winning one of their games to love and restoring the balance of the match.
Cambridge’s third and fourth pairs this year were more experienced than their opponents, all of them new to the Varsity Match. This allowed the light-blues to settle more quickly and establish a good lead on points against their opposite numbers.
At halfway in the doubles, Cambridge had increased their lead to 47 points and looked safe. Oxford 3 (Barnes and McKelvie) would have none of this, defeating Cambridge 4 heavily; and the top dark blue pair won both their games as well, giving just a glimmer of hope. But the irresistible Cambridge 1 and their reliable third pair (Kelly & Rowland) won all their games to ensure the lead was protected, the final margin being 37 points. The score was 238-201 in favor of the light blues.
The Oxford Beavers were too good for the Cambridge Sparrows in the reserves match, retaining the ‘Fist of Iron’ trophy won three years ago. It was good to see each University bring a full complement of players this year. Congratulations to both captains on this achievement, and to Cambridge’s Charles Compton on leading a winning side.
Lastly, our thanks go to St. Paul’s School for providing the excellent venue – and equaling the record of nine Old Paulines playing in the top match.
David Barnes
Cambridge 238 - 201 Oxford
Blues 2011
Sparrows 2011
