Oxford took on the Tabs in the 27th annual Women’s Football Varsity matches on 3rd March at Oxford’s Marston pitches.
The Furies vs. Eagles match (the 2nds) was highly competitive from the start. Oxford dominated early – both on the pitch and with the chants from the side-lines – and it was only going to be a matter of time until they found the back of the net. When the goal came, from Furies striker Lucia Groizard, it was in some style. The Cambridge Eagles were tough to defend, but their chances were, luckily, rare.
The second half commenced with the Eagles fighting for their comeback, but through the excellent defensive work from the Furies back line, especially Captain and full back, Elizabeth Birch, they were able to successfully hold Cambridge off. Even if they had managed to break through, Cambridge would have needed to produce something spectacular to beat Rosie Glenn-Finer: Oxford’s newest, smallest keeper.
The last 20 minutes saw substitute Julia Skisaker come on at right wing for the Furies who secured their victory in the last 5 minutes, finishing 2-0. A fantastic end to an exciting match and the Furies very deservingly defended their trophy for the fourth time in a row. The Eagles chose Furies left winger Lucy Dubberley as player of the match, while the Furies picked their own right winger, Kathryn Clark.
A 2pm kick-off for the Blues game, and again the match started off well-contested, both sides striving to win. Not only was this a battle to win the most important football match of the season, but also a fight to be awarded with a Blue. For women’s Blues football, part of the condition is to win Varsity and to play the majority of the match. Cambridge, having lost last year, came out stronger, determined to gain the Blue, but as soon as Oxford starting playing the ball around they began to dominate.
Oxford took advantage of their strong possession in the first half with a beautifully crossed corner by centre-mid Rebecca Wyatt, finished off with a striking header by the captain Elizabeth Betterbed (one that she had been saving up all season!).
1-0 up at half time, Oxford were not going to let anything stop them now. However, Cambridge were not visibly perturbed and were able to come back renewed after the break. Twenty minutes into the second half, the Light Blues managed a quick break and scored the equalizer. All this provided in the end was the wake-up call Oxford needed to defend their newly-sponsored trophy.
A few near misses increased Oxford’s confidence, but it seemed as though the match was heading into extra time with Cambridge fighting back just as rigorously. The game was anyone’s, until finally, about 10 minutes from the end of the match, Oxford’s brilliantly consistent right winger, Elizabeth Williams, secured the win 2-1. Cambridge chose Elizabeth Betterbed, and Oxford chose Lucie Bowden as players of the match.
At the end of a great day, the Oxford Blues had defended their trophy from last year, and the entire club had enjoyed a fantastic second consecutive Varsity double win.
