The last month has been a hugely eventful one for both rugby clubs. As the term came to a close, we headed to Cambridge and Oxford to catch up with the action, both on and off the pitch.
88’s, Steele-Bodgers, and 150th Anniversary at Cambridge
The last week in November was a particularly busy one for all those involved with CURUFC. The festivities kicked off on Tuesday night with the inaugural ‘88s Game’ commemorating the first match between Cambridge and Oxford’s women. After a hugely successful women’s networking event, Cambridge ran out 15 v 0 winners over Oxford in the BUCS league fixture.
Cambridge ran out winners in the inaugural 88’s Match against Oxford at Grange Road.
One day later Grange Road was packed to the rafters for the Steele-Bodgers match and the game didn’t disappoint. There was no shortage of action and the scores were tied heading into the last ten minutes. Steele-Bodgers replacement Alex Brown made a decisive break to give the visitors the win, 14 v 21.
Cambridge’s Suwi Chibale looks to make a break against the Steele-Bodger XV
The week was rounded off in style with the 150th Anniversary Dinner, where a host of famous and familiar faces returned to celebrate the milestone. Gavin Hastings, Gerald Davies and Tammy Samuel were just some of the names who came back to Grange Road to honour the club. Here’s to 150 more!
Major Stanley’s Event
A week after the 88’s Game, the Dark Blue ladies were back in action, kicking off the Major Stanley’s Event. A strong first half from the visitors saw them leading at the break. But the second half belonged to Oxford and they scored 15 unanswered points, thanks to some abrasive breakdown work led by Rachel Martin and some great back play, orchestrated by Stella Farmer. The hosts ran out 20 v 14 winners and skipper Jessica Abele lifted the Sue Day Trophy.
OURFC Women on their way to victory over the Major Stanley’s XV
The significant downpours in mid-afternoon did little to dampen the spirits of the crowd or indeed the performance of the OURFC Men’s team. The hosts started incredibly strongly, with a dominant performance from a pack including blues Piers von Dadelszen, Euan Friend and Callum Grant. Despite a slight dip after half time, the Dark Blues’ driving lineout proved too strong and they ran out comfortable winners.
The driving rain and Oxford’s driving lineout were both on full display.
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