Oxford University 2nds Vs Oxford Brookes 2nds
In the most tense and nail-biting match of the season so far, the Roos took on their local rivals at the Brooke’s sport centre just up Headington Hill. The shooting stats were greatly improved and more consistent than in previous matches, yet more changes occurred in the defensive units because of injury and Molly Atkinson returned for the Roos first time since her ACL injury last year. Every goal was a hard-fought battle; the lead changed hands several times throughout the match0, but agonisingly it ended 46-44. Unfortunately this meant the end of the Roos’ BUCS cup journey, but there was not time to dwell on it because they had a BUCS league fixture to focus on the next day.
Oxford University 2nds Vs Loughborough University 3rds
In yet another close match, the Roos took on a strong side from Loughborough. Following the great team performance of the day before against Brooke’s, the Roos pulled together to recover from Loughborough’s early lead and during the final quarter closed the gap to 3. For a moment it looked as if the Roos were going to steal victory, but the final score was 36-30 to Loughborough; a credit to the fantastic shooting ability of the opposition. However, this score perhaps fails to reflect the huge defensive effort from the Roos, particularly in the dying minutes of the match. Despite the losses that come at the end of a very intense Michaelmas term, the Roos showed incredible fight and perseverence. They have good things to come next term, but for now it’s time for rest, recuperation (and perhaps a little revision).
By Rebecca Annells