The start of the volleyball season has seen the Oxford men’s 1st team enjoy mixed success; getting the season off to an emphatic start with two convincing 3-0 wins against Brookes and Cranfield, then slipping to equally resounding defeats to Cambridge and Nottingham, 0-3 and 1-3 respectively.

The team’s shaky start to the season had made the game against Loughborough crucial if the team were to turn the season around. Loughborough on the other hand, currently second in the league, were looking to close the gap on Cambridge at the top. Thus both teams had much to gain from the match, making for a tantalising contest.

The Oxford team were coming into the game full of confidence on the back of a great performance at the weekend in the qualification tournament for the EVA student cup, which saw them win all four of their group stage matches and progress to the final tournament, to be held in February.

And so with confidence and determination the Oxford team stepped onto court to face the team currently ranked 2nd in both the BUSA league and the EVA student cup and clear favourites to win the game.

Both teams started the game with intensity and after some good all round play from both sides the scores were level at 7-7. As the set continued the standard of play remained high from both teams, though unfortunately for Oxford, Loughborough were able to carve out a lead, bringing the game to 24-19 in Loughborough’s favour.

Oxford salvaged 3 set points through some excellent serving from Bartek Redlicki before eventually losing the set 25-22. Despite having lost the first set the team still felt that the game was very much there for the taking. So with renewed vigour Oxford stepped out onto the court for the second set.

Carrying forward the momentum that they had begun to build up at the end of the first set, Oxford managed to force their way to an early 4 point lead at 8-4. This they managed to maintain throughout the set hanging on to win it 25-21.

Having clawed their way back into the game Oxford allowed themselves to relax a little going into the 3rd set. Loughborough on the other hand, vented their frustration at having lost the previous set by putting in a very strong defensive performance which paved the way for some excellent offensive play, particularly from hitters Dove and Winter.

Loughborough’s redoubled effort on the court showed as they dominated throughout much of the set eventually finding themselves with a comfortable lead of 9 points late in the game at 22-13. Again some great serving, this time from the other twin Jakub Redlicki, as well as some dogged defensive play saw Oxford pull the score back to 23-20. Unfortunately in the end they couldn’t keep up the pressure and slumped to defeat at 25-20.

Once again, however, the Oxford team refused to concede defeat and on the back of the late push in the 3rd set came out firing in the 4th. Darek Nehrebecki, the captain, led by example, hammering shot after shot past the Loughborough block, to which their back-court players had no answer. In what seemed like no time at all the Oxford team had stormed to a 13-6 lead.

The task appeared to be simple from this point onwards, however, when the Loughborough setter, Tsui, came up to serve he was able to put the already struggling Oxford Libero, Andy White, under pressure by serving ruthlessly and consistently short. As White failed to come up with a solution, Loughborough managed to turn the game around, bringing the score to 19-16 in their favour.

The frustration of the Oxford team was evident and it looked for a moment as though they might throw it all away but they dug deep and were able at last to find their rhythm again, managing to finish strongly closing out the set 25-22.

So after four epic sets, which had seen both teams dominate periods of the game, it had come down to a fifth and final set. This time the set would be shorter, first to 15 only. Oxford knew that they would have to come out firing on all cylinders to have a chance. Loughborough’s hunger to win was equally evident as both teams came out in the final set giving their all.

Unfortunately for Oxford, Loughborough’s hitters were back at their best for the start of the set and Loughborough we able to carve out a 7-3 lead. Oxford pushed hard in an attempt to close the gap but could not manage to do so. After having come so far and come achingly close, the Oxford team fell to a 15-9 defeat in the final set of an extremely hard fought match.

Despite the obvious disappointment at having lost such a hard fought and crucial game it is not all doom and gloom for the Oxford team. The season is just getting started with opportunities for revenge.

There is the student cup in February, as well as the BUSA championships, giving the team the opportunity to prove their credentials as one of the top teams in student volleyball. All this is not to mention the Varsity match, which will be held next term, and promises to be a great event.

Final score: Blues 2, Loughborough 3

On Tuesday night, an Arsenal side with an average age of just 18.6 gave a footballing master-class to an all-but-Emile Heskey strength Wigan side. The game was won 3-0 and could have been easily more, were it not for the heroics of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. The passing football was sumptuous, the first touch, pace and sheer audacity just breathtaking; a joy to behold for Arsenal fans and neutrals alike. The subsequent press is full of drooling eulogies far longer than this one, declaring this to be the perfect exhibition of ‘The Beautiful Game’.

Beautiful indeed and few, if any, of the reactions to Tuesday’s game were overstated or unjustified. Yet is beauty alone really sufficient? This particular game resulted in victory, but the club as a whole are trophy-less since 2005. Arsenal, and their pioneering manger Arsene Wenger, have been accused countless times of trying to be too pretty, of being unable to match class with consistency, rave reviews with results. The question is, gorgeous as such football proposed by Arsenal often is, is it worth it at the expense of success?

Too often, sides that strive for the ultimate footballing purity are out-done by those favouring pragmatism. One of the greatest victims of such a clash is the Dutch World Cup side of 1974. This side was the ultimate exponent of ‘Total Football’, a philosophy demanding extreme technique, fluidity and talent. Led by the magnificent Johann Cruyff, the Dutch obliterated Argentina, East Germany and Brazil on their way to a final date with the efficient behemoth that was the West Germany side. Typically, the efficiency outdid the excellence, and despite a magnificent Dutch opening goal the Germans showed their steel to win the game 2-1. The Dutch went home with the plaudits, but it was the Germans that took the prize.

Indeed, what is the purpose of playing sport, especially professional sport, if not to win? Ask any Chelsea fan if they would take back Mourinho’s years of pragmatic dominance to be where Arsenal are now, the response is likely to be incredulous. In fact forget the fans, midfielder Michael Essien himself said this week, “Everybody likes to watch beautiful football, but to play beautiful football without points is… I don’t think it’s worth it. Arsenal is one of those teams that just plays beautiful football, but at the end of the day they don’t get the points that they want to”

Crucially sport is about results, results gained by any means necessary. Just look at the record of Italy and Germany; four and three world cup victories respectively, with each won with brutal efficiency, matching clinical finishing with watertight defending. Much as it pains me, I would rather have been one of the delighted Italians partying through the night after victory in 2006 than a dejected Brazilian contemplating a journey home halfway round the globe after a weak quarter final exit. Nothing, not even the most seductive of pretty football, beats the thrill of victory.

Yet in all sports the best praise, the highest platforms of greatness, are reserved for those that can deliver both. Nothing is more satisfying, nor more enjoyable than watching the outrageously talented perform to their optimum. What better than Brazil at their show-boating best, the All Blacks flowing at full speed, or Roger Federer stroking another ball into the far corner? It is here that sport can be so exciting, so thrilling, that its memories live on far past the original game and propel themselves into folklore.

Sure, Liverpool’s recent victory over Chelsea will be rightly regarded as a tactical masterpiece, but it’s that and nothing more. It ticks one box, and so while it might well be crucial in this year’s title race it’s hardly going to be remembered. Yet put one of those classic sides together, the type that mix superb football with great results, and that’s when they can guarantee a place in the record books: think Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’ in 2004, the treble winning Man United side in 1999. Those are the sort of teams which will really be remembered as great; and not just by their own fans. Win dirty, and a side will always be treated begrudgingly; win beautifully and everyone from the fans, to the press, to your own worst enemies will be singing your praises from the rooftops.

The sort of greatness we are here referring to is that achieved consistently over time. Take Gascoigne, or even George Best. These are the individual reflection of what Arsenal seem to have been in the last couple of years. Nearly great, but not quite; have the potential but choke short of success. No amount of audacious flicks and tricks can match up to those which really make the grade. Think Pele, think Maradona, think Zidane. These are the individuals which mix the game at its best with the ability to produce it when it matters time after time.

Still, why bother eh? What are the chances of being able to be both brilliant and brutal? Well, slim maybe but by no means impossible, especially for those at the peak of their sport. Every sportsman wants to go down in history for being both brilliant and successful, and as long as the two can feasibly be achieved side by side I would commend anyone who aims so high. Little in sport gives such satisfaction as victory, but victory in style, victory deserved, feels all the better.

Every time the new set of Wenger’s young starlets emerges, the praise hits the roof. This side they say is his best youth crop yet, and few who watched Tuesday night’s game will argue otherwise. Yet the Beautiful Game is only worth it if it brings beautiful results. Half-baked flair is as pointless as the term suggests. Every single sports fan loves beauty in the game, can sit for hours watching the greats do their stuff, but it must be fulfilled. There is no way that this author would recommend its abandonment, that’s not what sport is about. Yet as far as Arsenal are concerned it’s time to start delivering, or be consigned to the scrap pile of history along with all those who manage either beauty or success, but not both.

ORIEL – 0
NEW – 3

New College grabbed an important away victory against a flagging Oriel side, thanks to a perfect blend of persistence and patience. Oriel fought hard throughout, but could not match some decent play with goals, while New, having struggled to create through much of the game, scored three late goals to continue their excellent start of the season.

The highly physical encounter could well have gone either way, with both teams struggling to create the final ball until late on. It was in fact Oriel who dominated the opening exchanges, getting out of the traps first and looking to test goalkeeper Alex Khosla at any opportunity.

Their first big chance came inside the first ten minutes, when a well delivered free kick just outside the area was headed onto the bar by skipper Jonty Warner. Oriel looked to have possession under control and a flowing passing game, yet lacked any kind of killer ball to supply strikers Webb and Hoare with ammunition, which eventually proved to be the story of the game for the side floundering at the wrong end of the table.

Yet New College were not prepared to lose their grip at the top without a fight, and a few big challenges soon turned the heat up. Howell, a constant thorn in the side of the Oriel defence, began popping up left right and centre, looking to latch onto any through-balls carved out by the New midfield, although they were merely frustrated by the strong Oriel offside trap as the first half was played out to a pacy finish.

In the Oriel camp, Warner’s instructions were clear: keeping the ball on the ground in good conditions would lead to solid chances, whereas the tried and tested method of long-balls to Webb would not. He soon got his wish when the midfield began working the ball around the pitch at a steady rhythm, with little reply from New. Harry Hoare pulled his markers wide and opened up gaps and chances which gave American ‘keeper Sam Evans something to think about. However, it’s a mystery where his mind disappeared to in the 70th minute, when two incredibly weak goal kicks gave Gibbon and then Hoare clear cut chances to put Oriel ahead, which were ultimately wasted.

This stroke of luck seemed to spur league leaders New into action and almost instantly they replied with the breakthrough. Scrappy play by the Oriel defence left Robin Cantwell to sweep the loose ball just ahead of Howell, who caressed the ball past the onrushing Khosla with the deftest of finishes on 75. It had been a frustrating wait for the goal, and, as if at a bus stop, two more soon followed. Captains Painton and Warner had marshalled their teams well in an aggressive game, yet ultimately one had to prevail. Painton was released down the left wing and slid in a tantalising cross that was diverted into the Oriel goal by leader Warner himself. Although Oriel had worked tirelessly all game, heads dropped and the third goal was straightforward. A late corner just wasn’t dealt with, allowing Tommy Stadlen to open his account for the college from 5 yards out.

Despite Hoare hitting the bar with a volley that could – and perhaps should – have been put in the back of the net, the crushed yet unfortunate Oriel side had a sloppy end to the game, the scoreline of which somewhat flattered New. The game proved to be a lesson in converting chances when on top, and New showed why their ability to do just that has seen them storm to the top of the table approaching the halfway point in the season.

New College grabbed an important away victory against a flagging Oriel side, thanks to a perfect blend of persistence and patience. Oriel fought hard throughout, but could not match some decent play with goals, while New, having struggled to create through much of the game, scored three late goals to continue their excellent start of the season.

The highly physical encounter could well have gone either way, with both teams struggling to create the final ball until late on. It was in fact Oriel who dominated the opening exchanges, getting out of the traps first and looking to test goalkeeper Alex Khosla at any opportunity.

Their first big chance came inside the first ten minutes, when a well delivered free kick just outside the area was headed onto the bar by skipper Jonty Warner. Oriel looked to have possession under control and a flowing passing game, yet lacked any kind of killer ball to supply strikers Webb and Hoare with ammunition, which eventually proved to be the story of the game for the side floundering at the wrong end of the table.

Yet New College were not prepared to lose their grip at the top without a fight, and a few big challenges soon turned the heat up. Howell, a constant thorn in the side of the Oriel defence, began popping up left right and centre, looking to latch onto any through-balls carved out by the New midfield, although they were merely frustrated by the strong Oriel offside trap as the first half was played out to a pacy finish.

In the Oriel camp, Warner’s instructions were clear: keeping the ball on the ground in good conditions would lead to solid chances, whereas the tried and tested method of long-balls to Webb would not. He soon got his wish when the midfield began working the ball around the pitch at a steady rhythm, with little reply from New. Harry Hoare pulled his markers wide and opened up gaps and chances which gave American ‘keeper Sam Evans something to think about. However, it’s a mystery where his mind disappeared to in the 70th minute, when two incredibly weak goal kicks gave Gibbon and then Hoare clear cut chances to put Oriel ahead, which were ultimately wasted.

This stroke of luck seemed to spur league leaders New into action and almost instantly they replied with the breakthrough. Scrappy play by the Oriel defence left Robin Cantwell to sweep the loose ball just ahead of Howell, who caressed the ball past the onrushing Khosla with the deftest of finishes on 75. It had been a frustrating wait for the goal, and, as if at a bus stop, two more soon followed. Captains Painton and Warner had marshalled their teams well in an aggressive game, yet ultimately one had to prevail. Painton was released down the left wing and slid in a tantalising cross that was diverted into the Oriel goal by leader Warner himself. Although Oriel had worked tirelessly all game, heads dropped and the third goal was straightforward. A late corner just wasn’t dealt with, allowing Tommy Stadlen to open his account for the college from 5 yards out.

Despite Hoare hitting the bar with a volley that could – and perhaps should – have been put in the back of the net, the crushed yet unfortunate Oriel side had a sloppy end to the game, the scoreline of which somewhat flattered New. The game proved to be a lesson in converting chances when on top, and New showed why their ability to do just that has seen them storm to the top of the table approaching the halfway point in the season.

With the first month out of the way, it’s clear that changes are afoot at OURLFC this season. A massive recruitment effort at the end of trinity has lead to unprecedented interest in the club. Record numbers at early season training have meant that the dream of becoming a two team club has been realised for the first time in OURLFC’s history.

Although there have been challenges that go along with running an extra team, the benefits make it clear that “The Maroons” are here to stay. On the pitch they won their first two games against Warwick University 2nds and Brunel University. The Maroons came down to earth with a bump in week 3 however, losing 60-30 at home to local rivals Oxford Brookes, who are now runaway league leaders. Despite this, a number of players have performed excellently for the Maroons with Jacob Turner’s exceptional defence being a highlight.

The Blues, having stepped up to the BUCS Premier South division, have competed well. Pre-season friendlies against Oxford Brookes and Oxford Cavaliers were keenly contested, with the Blues beating their university rivals before falling to the Cavaliers in the annual Jacques Scott Memorial Match. In BUCS, a challenging first game, against an experienced Nottingham University side, proved too much for many of the club’s new players as the Blues went down 52 points to 12. Although clearly beaten, it has to be said that the game was more competitive than the score line suggested. The team bounced back in week 2 with a strong 42-24 win against Northampton University and, although at times disjointed, it was clear that the side were starting to come together.

Week 3 saw the Blues travelling away to UWIC for the first time since the club’s last stint in the Premier division back in 2003. Despite losing in the last minute, the Blues were the better side for large sections of the game, and were unlucky with a few refereeing decisions. The club will now be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Loughborough last week when they play Exeter this Wednesday.

Throughout the month some very strong individual performances, particularly from Pete Forster and Phil Satterthwaite, and with a number of key personnel, particularly Blues captain George Smibert, set to return the club’s strength can only improve. With tough fixtures ahead it’s clear that this will continue to be a challenging term for OURLFC.

You all train hard, as with all the blues squads. How rigorous is tennis training in a typical week?

Obviously with the Oxford schedule court time is an issue that there is not much getting around. We train twice for good two-hour sessions during the week with a bucs match every Wednesday, and Saturday fixtures against many prestigious tennis clubs. In Trinity in preparation for varsity training increases to most days (as long as the English weather does not have other plans.)

How is the season shaping up so far for the blues?

It’s going well. In Michaelmas it’s all about the bucs league and we are currently 4th in the top division of the country. This is no mean feat as the other five teams in our league are full on tennis academies.

I would imagine it’s tough to get team spirit going at points, what would you say?

Team spirit is easy when you’re winning, but sure, when the losses start rolling in it gets tough. Tennis is very much in the mind, and I feel as a team we’re pretty mentally tough and so this, as well as Park end on a Wednesday, create a strong team spirit.

Have any great freshers stepped up to the team?

We have one fresher in the squad this year, John Groom. He is stepping up to the plate very nicely and has won his last three singles against some very good players so it bodes well.

Do you personally think the use of graduates at the pinnacle of Oxford sport is unfair on aspiring undergraduates looking to push into the top teams?

I personally do not know what an “easy degree,” at Oxford involves or even if it exists. If they do exist then there is an argument. However as a sportsman you want to be the best even if you have more academic hours (again I don’t know if this is true). It should just inspire you to work harder and act as motivation.

Lastly, how do you fancy your varsity chances?

Varsity is a unique competition. It is a pressure cauldron that suits some but not others, and momentum can be won or lost in a couple of points. It’s impossible to call definitively. However, as a sportsman you must back yourself, which is exactly what we will do when the time comes.