Blues run down in Tab triumph
ON A BLUSTERY and chilly Saturday of fourth week the Fresher's athletics team took on the Tabs in the Annual Varsity match, writes Tommy Kemp.
Oxford had to cope with the absence of their distance runners, who had racing commitments elsewhere, and were badly hit by injuries and illness. In spite of this there were several notable performances from the Oxford athletes and the girls did especially well to remain level with Cambridge for the majority of the competition.
A talented performance from discus thrower Jenny Duff, previously an English Schools National finalist to win her event proved a rude awakening for the Cambridge side.
In the middle distance events Pembrokian Vanessa Harding excelled, winning the 800m and battling against the headwind to finish a close second in the 400m. It was a great testimony to the resilience and versatility of the team that they managed to fill every event from only nine athletes.
Whilst the Tabs remained in the lead, Oxford were still very much in contention for victory and Sarah Day's win in the 400m Hurdles and 1500m spurred on the Dark Blue's pursuit of their elusive rivals. Ultimately this promise was to no avail however as they went down 100-78.
Despite too suffering defeat in the their team event, it is clear that there is also substantial ability amongst the men's Freshers. Grant Sterling, who finished second in the 100m and 200m, displayed further all-round talent in winning the long jump with 6.31m before competing in the high hurdles, the discus and the relays.
Credit must go to all of those who competed at the weekend, keeping up the offensive on Cambridge and giving them a mere hint of the challenge that they will face come the Varsity match on 19th May 2001.
Final Result:
Men Oxford lost 121-80
Women Oxford lost 100-78
9th Nov 2000