TT No.51: Brian Buck - Wednesday 3rd February 2016; Cambridge University 1 Oxford University 0;             BUCS League Midlands Division 1A (played at Queens College Sports Grd, Cambridge); Kick-Off: 2pm; Att: 25.

                                                                                                                                                                                It’s a rarity for these two sides to meet on any other occasion other than in the Varsity Match, but this season they actually play league matches against each other as well, hence the larger than usual crowd.

Last week I was the only spectator when the Blues played the Falcons in a friendly match! Earlier in the season the Blues secured a draw in the away fixture. We also had three match officials on duty, whereas we usually just get one here these days.                                                                                                                                                                     

It seemed from the early exchanges that they might be needed as well, as the visitors put in a few feisty tackles as they tried to weather the hosts early onslaught. But things calmed down after one of their players suffered an injury, serious enough for him to be subbed. The Blues were well on top for the first half hour, but then Oxford started to see more of the ball.

After the break the Blues took the lead on 48 minutes. From our angle there was some doubt if the shot would go in. We were right behind the ball as it trundled its way towards goal. At one point it looked like it might bounce of the post and come back into play, but although it hit the post it actually went the other way and over the line. This was a good time to score for the Blues as Oxford were temporarily demoralised by the goal. However they fought back well and without actually dominating the Blues they did enough to ensure that they had to kept working hard to ensure that the points would all end up with them.

Yet again the football on show demonstrated what is so good about University football. Good honest graft, playing for the honour of the University rather than for any financial reward and giving their best in their chosen sport.

WebEd - note that this was Brian's 229th match of the season and his 11,832 in total!   

contributed on 04/02/16