Varsity 2005

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Saturday the 26th February saw the 33rd annual Varsity Games trampolining match take place at Cambridge’s Leys School. 29 keen competitors were present, fighting (or should that be bouncing?) it out in three teams for the Varsity Match trophy, with the A and B teams also contesting the three all-important Varsity Games points.

Oxford were slightly late arriving due to a mix up with their minibus, but with the judges in place at around 11 o’clock the competition could begin. The B Team kicked off proceedings. Katherine and Alex ended the round of set routines in first and third, with Katherine holding onto her position to win the B Team competition after the voluntary. Alex, however, met with misfortune on the second bounce of his vol, while Ali just touched the end-deck at the end of an otherwise good routine. Kirsten produced an excellent vol to finish in fourth, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Oxford taking the overall B Team crown, along with one Varsity Games point.

The A Team followed, with a couple of enthralling routines securing first place for Oxford’s Dan James. Elaine Bettany also completed a very difficult vol to secure the overall A Team competition for Oxford, giving them a total of three Varsity Games points. Kate and Lee took second and fourth respectively with professional ease. Alastair impressed with his daring routine but had some trouble on his last move, while Rob produced two solid routines to add to Cambridge’s score.

The C Team rounded up proceedings, starting with the set routines. Charlotte started her routine impressively, but seemed to lose track halfway, resulting in only 5 of her moves being judged! Louise remembered the routine, but bounced out of her final tuck-front into the end deck. Tim followed, bouncing out of his backdrop half-twist onto the side of the trampolining, cutting short his routine. Luckily, Amy then rectified matters, completing a neat routine that placed her third after the set. Oxford’s Christina Alt finished top after the set and retained her place after the vol, although Charlotte’s routine was the highest scored vol of the round. Louisa completed a near-perfect routine (by my judgement, although not the judges’) to finish third overall, while Amy repeated her set to come fourth. Unfortunately that wasn’t enough to defeat Oxford, as they won the C Team overall competition.

Packing up quickly to allow some Badminton players on their courts, both teams headed off to Bella Italia for a slap-up meal, including certificate presentations and, unexpectedly, extensive ice-cube throwing (we can’t take Rob anywhere!).

Thus it was that Oxford came, saw and conquered CUTC, but routines from all three teams exhibited great promise for next year. Thanks to all involved (especially Tony Burton for last minute training and judging) and here’s to next year’s match being just as enjoyable!

Joe Owen