Varsity Match 2005
Gazing upon the serene vista of Wimbledon Common, it is difficult to imagine the peaceful exterior conceals one of the most storied venues in University athletics history—on the first Saturday of each December, the Varsity Match pits Cambridge against Oxford in a 126 year old battle of mud, sweat, and brutal cross country racing.
The course (4 miles women, 7.5 miles men) is surprisingly challenging, incorporating several climbs, a water ‘jump’ (more accurately a swim) and the infamous ‘butts’, which combine muddy trails with swift, stomach-churning variations in slope. Facing these obstacles, runners tempted into overly fast starts over the initial fields soon regret their aggression.
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 nabbed 7 of the top 8 spots. An aggressive Cambridge start may have maintained the possibility of victory if Oxford faltered, but as runners trickled out of the woods onto the final finishing stretch, Oxonian dominance was indubitable. The brightest spot for Cambridge was the 4th place finish of American import Tricia Peters, who demonstrated tremendous fortitude and excellent pacing in splitting the Oxford runners and preventing 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 less-manicured British 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.
Cambridge will have its first chance for vengeance at the Cross Country BUSA Championships the weekend of February 4th, following a chance to test their racing mettle on Cambridge’s own Fen Ditton this Sunday, January 22nd. The rivalry renewed and intensified on Wimbledon Common, however, will continue to burn until next year’s Light Blues have a chance to set things right…
Jacob Eisler