Varsity Matches

Every year, each of CUHC’s eight teams takes on their Oxf*rd counterparts in the annual Varsity Matches. For the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs, these matches are held in late February with the venue alternating between Wilberforce Road and Iffley Road in Oxf*rd. In 2025, this event will return home to Wilberforce Road.

The Blues’ matches are held two weeks later, on neutral turf. Since 2003 the matches have been played at Southgate Hockey Centre in London. Varsity is the pinnacle of any Cambridge student’s sporting life, and selection is highly competitive for all eight squads.

CUHC travelled to Oxf*rd this year for BDotY with high hopes of repeating or even improving on the 6 out of 8 wins from 2023. Unfortunately Oxf*rd had other ideas and were able to sneak by in both the Blunderers and Rovers fixtures, coming away with 1-0 wins that could have easily gone either. Eventually CUHC were able to find the back of the net when the Squanderers levelled their match at 1-1, however a quick goal on the break and another one soon after to seal it meant another Cambridge loss, 3-1. The Beds then earned CUHC's first lead of the day however Oxf*rd fought back and scored with seconds to go, as they won 2-1. Next up was the Wanderers, who played an extremely tight game that made sure the crowd was fully entertained as it went to shuffles, although Oxf*rd managed to secure their fifth win of the day. As hope was beginning to fade and dark memories of 2022 came back to us, the Nomads signed off the day with a well earned 1-0 win, to ensure CUHC came away with a win, and a great evening to follow.

Blues Varsity two weeks later started with another cagey match for the Men's Blues with lots of chances but none managing to find the net for either side. But it was a penalty corner that was the difference as Oxf*rd were able to take the lead and cling onto it for the rest of the game, sealing another 1-0 loss for Cambridge. But the highest hopes were with the Women's Blues, so far undefeated this season, and they brought the game straight to Oxf*rd's door taking a 3-0 lead before half time, tearing apart the Oxf*rd defence. They controlled the game throughout and even managed a victory lap goal near the end and came away with a resounding 4-0 win.