Saturday 8th June saw the greatly anticipated 135th year of the Varsity Polo Match between Oxford and Cambridge, sponsored by Jack Wills. As the most prestigious event of the year for the polo calendar, both teams were eager to put their long months of training into practice. The Cambridge side was comprised of Simon Bewsey-Dyke, Casra Labelle, Sam Browne and James Marshall. They faced tough competition from a strong Oxford side, including four goaler Lanto Sheridan, whose experience was evident on the pitch.

In the first chukka the Cambridge team held strong against a tough Oxford side, managing to only let 3 goals in as a result of some strong ride-offs and aggressive play. Cambridge played well, getting close to the goal mouth on several occasions, but it was clear from the outset that this was not going to be the easy ride that we witnessed last year at the match. In the next three chukkas, Cambridge was forced onto the defensive through strong individual play and some impressive goals by Oxford’s Lanto Sheridan, who seemed to be playing almost every position on the Oxford side. Despite this, the Light Blues ploughed on admirably with gallant determination, and this paid off as Cambridge began to close the net, scoring 3 goals.  However, despite a valiant effort from a strong Cambridge side, the final score was 11-3 to Oxford. The score aside, it was a fantastic day for all, with brilliant weather, Pimms and picnics all round at Guards Polo Club in Windsor. Sam Browne’s pony, Penina, won best playing pony of the match.

Many thanks to Harriet Wakeman for this report.