Hoop-less Cambridge
Sunday saw the Women's Blues face up to their Varsity opponents hoping for greater success than their netball equivalents the day before. Within minutes of the tip-off it became immediately apparent that Oxford had the measure of their light-blue rivals, with captain Antonina Savchenko winning numerous rebounds and initially leading the point scoring. Oxford displayed exemplary laying-up technique throughout the squad and far better shooting from outside the key than their opponents. Georgie Webb's play was particularly
impressive.
The continued domination of the Tabs continued into the second half and belied the Blues' status that, as coach Sam Spare emphasised, is a BUSA league below Cambridge. Within a few minutes into the 3rd quarter the Blues had passed 50 points, and throughout the match they continued their exemplary free-throwing and were clearly far more tactically effective, especially around the key both on defensive and offensive plays. The 4th quarter saw many reserve team players able to participate and they acquitted themselves exceptionally well to make the final score 72-40.
Afterwards, a clearly delighted and somewhat surprised coach, Sam Spare, emphasized the nature of the squad and only reluctantly picked out Savchenko and Webb as having performed exceptionally well. With the season over this result can only impact positively upon the Blues' potential achievements in BUSA next year.
See page 33 for an exclusive
interview with team captain Antonina Savchenko.
3rd Apr 2004