Cambridge University Lacrosse Club

03/03/07

Cambridge Blues 7 - Oxford Blues 6
Cambridge Eagles 11 - Oxford Iroquois 6

A beautiful clear sky swept overhead as the men's 2nds game faced-off to get the Varsity day started. The Oxford 2nds (named the Iroquois after the Native American inventors of our sport) were met by a Cambridge 2nds team, which might more aptly have been named the 'Legends'. The team, comprising as many old boys as current residents, was led out by CULC President Nick Clemons. Following the lead of their captain, the Eagles were miserly in defence and merciless in their hits throughout a physical encounter, to the crowd's great enjoyment. Going forward also, the Eagles always looked dangerous, and wasted little in taking the lead, which they maintained until half time. At this point however, some spirited play from Oxford stole the momentum and brought the game back level for the start of the final period. This left Cambridge firmly on the back foot with 20 minutes left to play.

The counter was both swift and absolute. Oxford looked slightly shell-shocked when a rejuvenated Eagles team came out all guns blazing, quickly pulling away to an insurmountable lead. The attack was spearheaded once more by Clemons, who was an inspirational presence on the field throughout, and whose final goal tally of 6 left the recipient of the Man of the Match award in little doubt.

Uplifted by 2nds' victory, James Dods led out a Blues team in high spirits to face an Oxford team completely unrecognisable from that of last year's Varsity game. However, the less experienced and considerably less American (than last year) Oxford Blues were not to be underestimated, and had acquired several handy players in the new season. The Cambridge team, by contrast, will have seemed very familiar to those watching in the parks in Oxford this time last year. The four additions, all of them American, did however give the light Blues a far more formidable offensive line-up, and it was soon apparent that this would make all the difference this year.

From the off, the light Blues looked dynamic and threatening, so it was no surprise when the ball found itself in the back of the Oxford goal. Celebrations were cut short however, as Cambridge were found to be off-side, and the goal discounted. Shortly after, the ball found its way into the stick of Oxford's no. 21, their play-maker behind the goal. A strong cut from the US Navy attacker, and a weak Cambridge defensive slide left the light Blues a goal behind early on, as has happened so many times this season.

Cambridge responded quickly sticking in two in quick succession. They would have gone into the break 3 - 1 up, were it not for a second goal being disallowed, this time for a crease violation, so the Blues had to settle for a lead of a single goal. The light Blues had started to show the kind of fight and determination that has been lacking for much of the season. They picked up far more than there share of ground balls, and solid work from centre-man Alex Scanlon ensured that they came up with the majority of the face-offs also. The attack put great pressure on the Oxford clear, forcing several mistakes, to regain possession cheaply. Meanwhile, the Cambridge clear operated almost without incident.

Their lead was stretched further, as the light Blues continued to dominate proceedings. producing plenty of chances in attack and remaining solid at the back. Oxford however fought bravely, and a combination of poor finishing by the light Blues and some excellent saves by the Oxford keeper, meant that they never lost touch with Cambridge's score and never relinquished the pressure.

Several light Blues players must however have been beginning to relax, when with 1 minute 44 seconds left in the game and the score at 7 - 4, Oxford called a time-out to prepare for one last desperate effort. Only a minute later, Oxford had incredibly clawed two back, to set up a completely frantic last 40 seconds of lacrosse. It was Oxford, who uncharacteristically came up with the ball from the face-off and, quite sensibly, wasted no time in starting their final attack. The ball found its way to the Oxford no. 9, who having burst into life in the last 2 minutes, hastily beat the first defender. Several Cambridge hearts must have skipped a beat, as the dark Blue midfielder took his shot. The hero of the moment was the captain Dods, who was amazingly quick to react, getting himself in the way of the shot and taking the ball in the chest.

As the ball rolled off the pitch, the final whistles blew, completing a historic pair of victories for the men's lacrosse club. Months of training, five times a week, were rewarded in that moment's ecstasy. The Blues can now look toward next year's meeting, when they will be in much same situation as this year's Oxford team; trying to built a team almost from scratch. It will be a huge challenge to retain the Varsity cup (particularly since Oxford lost it), but I'll tell you one thing: I can't wait!

Attacker Dave Haines and goal tender Chris Smith both had strong cases for Man of the Match, for their three goals and superb shot blocking respectively, but the eventual honour went to the vice-captain, defender Chris Jones. His efforts in subduing Oxford's most dangerous attacker prevented them from dictating play in the light Blue half of the field and were invaluable on the day.

The men's teams would like to thank all those involved in organising Varsity for a great day (and night). We'd also like to thank again the four referees, who all did both of the men's games. It was without doubt the best set of officials for any game I've ever had the privilege of playing in. Both matches were played safely and in the correct spirit, whilst the adrenalin was running high. That they were both still free flowing, exciting games to watch was a testament to officiating skills of the referees.

Chris Jones