Ones to watch: 2005 - Rugby
The Blue's 18-11 win over Cambridge capped off a fine end to 2004. They had offered many of the Premiership reserve sides champagne rugby, often won, always looked dangerous and finally toasted a well earned and dogged victory over Cambridge.
And by no means did they stand alone. Although many appetites were left unsatiated by Cambridge's tenacious late try to steal the win in the Twickenham under 21 match, both the Greyhounds (Blues 2nd XV) and the Whippets (U21 2nd XV) had previously recorded victories over their light blue counterparts with scores of 22-18 and 18-8 respectively.
So too did the Colleges XV- a more informal Varsity fixture featuring players who have shone for their colleges but may not have the time (or ability) to dedicate to full Blue status. Both character and skill a plenty was on show in a fine 15-12 victory at Iffley road.
The Blue's now face tough opposition in the New Year from the Forces, with matches against the Army, Navy and RAF, as well as the Australian Universities side
The Oxford Greyhounds provide perhaps the most exciting prospects for the term, with thePremier South B league balanced on a knife-edge. The greyhounds currently lie equal on points with Imperial Medics and Cardiff,with all three teams in contention for thrid place.
The greyhounds face these two teams at home in the coming weeks, and will thus hope that home advantage allows them to prevail in what promise to be highly physical encounters.
The Women's Blues go into Hilary term in third place in BUSA Southern Premiership Division. The side have three league matches remaining, plus certain qualification through to the last sixteen, making for a punishing schedule.
Marjons will provide major opposition, but the Blues dealt effectively with their size and pace last term. The annual Old Girls match on in 5th week provides warm-up for Varsity on Saturday of 8th week
Following a successful mid-season tour to Malta in 0th week and the arrival of new coach James Boyd, team spirit is high. With a good blend of experienced players and rapidly improving newcomers, nothing less than a double varsity victory will do.
This term the women's Blues will be looking in particular to strengthen the depth of talent in the squad, particularly by recruiting new players for Panthers, the only women's rugby seconds side to play in BUSA. If anybody is interested in playing they should contact club vice-captain at sarah.taylor2@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk.
The strength of the Blues has fortunately not detracted from the quality of college rugby. After the first reshuffle of the season, the top Division remains a hotspot of drive and ambition, with a more open race than anticipated.
St. Peter's and Teddy Hall, as ever, look strongest to take the title, but newly promoted St. Catherine's did well to score a resounding victory over Exeter (35-7), who themselves comfortably beat New College (38-7).
Division two champions, Brasenose, closely lost to Teddy Hall (0-5) after their promotion, indicating that they may well be a team to watch this term.
Queens and Oriel, demoted from Division 1 will hope to continue to dominate Division 2.
Pembroke and University will be looking to regain some pride in the coming weeks, having been replaced in Division 2 by St Annes/St Johns and LMH/Trinity. The changes in the lower division have favoured St Hughs and Magdalen, who will now be looking to get a foothold on the ladder.
20th Jan 2005