Cambridge kick-off their BUCS campaign against Bristol University today after warm-up matches against Birmingham and East Anglia Universities.
Alice Middleton, three-try heroine of Cambridge University’s stunning 52-0 Women’s Varsity Match win over Oxford at Twickenham last season, scored a hat-trick in her side’s opening game of the new season against Birmingham.
The Graduate Medic, who has taken over the captaincy of the Grange Road club this term, was far too hot for the Birmingham University defenders to handle as she led from the front in a friendly fixture. Middleton’s heroics allowed the Light Blues to lead by nine points in the second half before falling to a 27-24 defeat.
Even so, it was an encouraging performance ahead of the big kick-off in the BUCS Premier League on Wednesday, 12 October, when Cambridge entertain Bristol University. Missing from the game this week will be last season’s skipper Nikki Weckman, who damaged her knee in the game against Birmingham.
Middleton picked up the Player of the Match award at last year’s historic Varsity Match, the first for the women at Twickenham, after scoring 27 points with her three tries and six conversions. She will have Oxford in her sights once again when the two teams clash at Grange Road on Wednesday 2 November in a BUCS League match prior to the game at the home of English rugby.
Before the Twickenham showpiece, Cambridge face Cardiff Met in the Welsh capital on 19 October and then travel to Exeter University on 26 October.
The 135th Varsity Match and The 30th Women’s Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge will return to Twickenham on Thursday 8th December. Adult tickets from £28 and student tickets from £10 are on sale now alongside a range of corporate hospitality options and events.
