Submitted by Callum O'Shea on Wed, 24/11/2021 - 14:26
Cambridge celebrated victory on Tuesday evening in the inaugural 88s Match at Grange Road against old rivals Oxford.
The 88s Match was created in honour of the first ever Women's Rugby Varsity Match back in 1988, adding a significant occasion in the women's calendar. The match also acted as a BUCS fixture, with Cambridge taking a 15-0 victory over Oxford to secure their first league points of the season in what has been a tough start this term.
Captain Laura Bleehen led from the front, driving Cambridge forward and kicking the home team into a 3-0 lead at half time. The first half was a tight one, in which Cambridge spent much of it in their own third, defending against some excellent kicking from Stella Farmer, one of a number of Oxford players who caused Cambridge problems. Second half tries from fly-half Emma Jones and scrum-half Emilia Bushrod cemented the win for Cambridge, in a half where they showed power in the scrums and an attacking instinct that Oxford couldn't quite match.
Player of the Match went to Centre Tabbie Brough, who put in a brave and dominant performance.
The Cambridge support were vocal throughout, and their support was warmly welcomed by the Cambridge team, who showed greater resilience and fortitude with every roar from the crowd.
Overall, it was a close contest in which Cambridge gained momentum throughout the game, ultimately gaining a deserved victory. Commiserations to Oxford, and we look forward to the return fixture!
Pictures from Kane Smith Photography
