Oxford Loses Third Consecutive Rugby Fives Varsity

Rugby Fives is squash, but you use your hands instead of a racket. That’s literally the difference. If you thought it was more complicated than that, you’re probably getting confused with Eton Fives, which is a fucking ridiculous game. If we’re still not making sense, just watch a video.

Rugby Fives, NOT Eton Fives

Oxford went into the 83^rd Rugby Fives Varsity match (sponsored by Pol Roger) as the underdogs, following loses in the last two years, and considering Cambridge’s strong results throughout the season.

The match started with the top four from each side playing one game of singles to 15 points against their opposite number. In the first seed match, Oxford lost 15-4.

Oxbridge’s finest: The starting twelves from Oxford and Cambridge line up before the start of the match

At second seed, Cambridge’s Jacob Brubert, playing in his fourth Varsity match, showed beat Oxford freshman Francis Thomas 15-6.

The third and fourth seed matches were much closer with Oxford winning the former 16-14, and losing the latter 15-13. This meant that Cambridge opened up a 20 point lead, with the score at lunch 59-39.

The victorious Peter Judge and Edmund Kay

After lunch, all eight players were in action with four doubles pairs playing four games to fifteen each. Cambridge’s first pair saw off Oxford’s first pair 15-6, 15-12, and then comfortably beat the second pair. Cambridge’s Lane and Malde showed a few nerves in their game, losing 15-0, 15-10 to our second pair, but took a 1 point victory (10-15, 15-9) against our firsts.

The line up for the Beavers and Sparrows match

Our third pair were beaten 16-4, 15-8, and our fourth pair lost 15-1, 15-2. Cambridge’s fourth pair won 15-1, 15-3 against our fourths, but were beaten by our thirds.

The final result was a win for Cambridge by 265 points to 176.

The benefits of your Varsity match being sponsored by Pol Roger – free champagne!

Although we were beaten by the Light Blues, Oxford’s team showcased a strong and promising performance.