Results and Match Recaps from OUNC’s largest ever varsity!
Travelling over to the auld enemy for an away varsity in Cambridge, the Devs started off the weekend in exactly the right way. Displaying great passion and skill, the Devs came out with a strong 24-18 win. Shooter Ilona Reid getting Player of the Match.
After a night enjoying the 1-0 advantage, OUNC piled into taxis ready for an action-packed Sunday with the 4s, 3s, 2 and Blues all waiting to play – only one room managed to sleep through their alarms!
Beginning with the Koos, the 4s immediately set the tone for what would become a thrilling day. In a nip and tuck game that constantly swung from side to side, the Koos came agonisingly close. The game was drawn deep into the fourth quarter, however, the 4s lost 38-35 in the dying minutes of the game. POM was Emily Patterson for her calm composure under the net amidst immense pressure from the Tabs, both on and off court. This loss meant it was 1-1 in the battle to retain the title.
Following closely behind were the Emus. Unfortunately, following a first-quarter blitz from Cambridge, another defeat followed. Despite fighting back, drawing all remaining quarters, they lost 50-36, such was the strength of that rapid start from the Tabs. POM was the tireless Amelia Harris-Lovett.
With the aggregate now 2-1 in Cambridge’s favour, the 2s knew it was go big or go home. Not only did they need to level up the score but they had been the only losing team in the year prior, in what otherwise would have been a clean sweep for Oxford. Never fear, the Roos had the last laugh this year and won a thrilling encounter 38-37, winning in the last minute. It was a game that took years off the lives of everyone watching! Becca Nolan won POM for her decisive work at GA. This levelled things up to 2-2, meaning it was all down to the Blues match.
With it all to play for, the Blues came out strong and led 15-11 at Q1 time. The game became an arm wrestle as Cambridge began to assert themselves, too. However, ultimately, Cambridge pulled away in the final five minutes to win 51-45. Flic Elvidge was POM for her fearsome presence in the defensive end.
Unfortunately, OUNC had to hand back the trophy this time but the girls exhibited such strength, teamwork and grace throughout the weekend. They left everything out there – including a fair bit of blood! Massive thank you to Holly Hayward, as well as CULNC, for organising such a seamless weekend.
To the girls leaving this year – you have left a mark on the Iffley courts… And to the returners – let’s bring the trophy back where it belongs!