University of Cambridge Sport

In the women’s race, a Cambridge team comprised primarily of first-time Blues runners hoped to upset a strong Dark Blue
squad. However, Oxford’s experience produced a decisive victory, as they took 7 of the top 8 spots. The brightest spot for
Cambridge was the 4th place finish of American grad student Tricia Peters, who ran well to split the Oxford runners and
prevented a whitewash.
The men’s race promised to be a closer affair, with Cambridge’s desire for vengeance fuelled by last year’s agonizing 38 – 42
defeat. Several of the strongest Light Blues were returning, and though a few were battling injuries, improvements by Will
George and Owain Bristow, the year-long dominance of international Paolo Natali, and the emergence of Matt Armstrong and
Andy Bell provided ample hope. However, Oxford fielded an equally formidable squad, particularly in the return of three runners
(Fraser Thompson, Ben Moreau, and Jonathan Blackledge) who monopolized the medal positions in the 2004 contest.
The race began as anticipated, as the top five-Natali (eventually 2nd in an impressive finish), George (5th, a dramatic
improvement over last year) and the Oxford trio-charged ahead, leaving the remaining runners to duel for the middle positions.
This central pack shattered as a handful of Oxford runners pushed ahead in middle of the race, passing Cantabs struggling
through injury-induced lack of mileage or suffering the effects of aggressive starts. Despite the painfully apparent determination
of the injured Ben Hope (10th), last year’s top Cambridge finisher, and American import Pat Ward (12th), struggling to
overcome a hip injury and adapt to real cross-country running, Oxford snagged the 6th, 7th, and 9th places, split only by Matt
Armstrong (8th). The final score of 30 – 51 in Oxford’s favour reflected the vagaries of the day, as several Oxford runners had
excellent races but only Natali, George, and Armstrong raced near their potential. Historical circumstance made this loss
particular poignant, as each team entered this context with 57 Blues match victories.
BUSA
BUSA Cross Country Championships 2006: Stirling University
The final Cambridge Men’s position of 6th reflected both an impressive legacy of talent and training, but solid rather than
stunning performances.
In the Women’s Race Cambridge finished in 15th place in a very competitive field, led by Birmingham and Loughborough
respectively.
Cambridge University Hockey Club
www.cuhc.org
President: Lydia Tong, St John’s
Captain: Andrew Middleton, Girton
The Cambridge University Hockey Club was founded in 1890. Recently, the traditionally separate men’s and women’s clubs
merged to form a single club. We are now recognised as the biggest and most successful amalgamated university sports club at
Cambridge.
Our teams
We run 3 men’s and 3 women’s teams. The Men’s 1st XI is one of the ‘blue riband’ sports teams of the University along with
the rugby, rowing and cricket sides, and has enjoyed ‘full blue’ status since 1908. They compete at national league standard,
one of only three men’s University sides to do so in England. The Women’s 1st XI compete at the highest level of regional
hockey, and have an equally high status amongst Cambridge’s female sports teams, along with the rowing and netball sides.
Unlike the men, the women compete in the BUSA inter-university competition each year. They have competed amongst the best
sides in the country in recent years, reaching the semi-finals in 2000. The ultimate goal of every Cambridge sports team is to
defeat their Oxford counterparts in the Varsity Match at the end of each season.
Our members
Each year 90 players are selected to represent the club from the intercollegiate pool. Our members’ hockey experience ranges
from those who have represented their country, to the competent ex-school or club player.
Although results may not have reflected it this season, CUHC continues to thrive, especially with the generous support of our
two principal sponsors, Merrill Lynch and Deloitte. Doubtless without them the club would not be able to continue to run in its
current format with three men’s and three women’s teams playing at least once every week in BUSA and regional leagues as
well as national and local cup competitions.
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