Varsity Match

The strongest Cambridge side for some years defeated Oxford convincingly in the 2012 Varsity Match at St. Paul’s, sponsored by Champagne Pol Roger. Both teams featured a majority of Old Paulines, demonstrating the excellence of the school’s fives in recent years, and at times it was almost like a home match for both sides. This, if anything, only served to increase the rivalry, although the match was played, as ever, in the best traditions of sportsmanship.

Oxford’s Hine led his team by example in the singles, playing superbly to defeat Beverly, the 2007 Cambridge captain. Cambridge came back strongly, however, by taking the remaining three singles matches to lead at lunch by 13 points.

In the doubles, Cambridge’s well-balanced first and second pairs looked impressive and won all their matches with something to spare, although Oxford’s top pair offered stout resistance throughout the afternoon. Cambridge 3, with both players new to the Varsity Match, also played well to record wins in all their games, while Oxford 3 prevented a clean sweep in the doubles by narrowly defeating Cambridge 4 in two hard-fought games.

In the reserves match, Cambridge Sparrows, fielding four more Old Paulines, just had the better of a wider-ranging ensemble of Oxford Beavers, with the ever-faithful Wilman brothers in attendance. This was a close encounter, the final outcome determined by the fine play of Rowland and Sloper, the Sparrows’ first pair.

For those who may not have heard about the Cambridge courts’ situation, the news at last is promising. Subject to a large amount of money being raised – the appeal is to be launched shortly – six courts (three Rugby and three Eton) are to be built at the new Cambridge Sports Centre, due to open in October 2013. All Fives players are urged to support this appeal, which if successful will bring to an end almost 20 years of struggle for Rugby and Eton Fives at Cambridge University and ensure the future of Varsity Matches.

Oxford v Cambridge

Singles (Oxford names first)

ML Hine (St. Paul’s & St. John’s) (Capt.) bt A Beverly (St. Paul’s & Girton) 15-8; GWJ Barnes (St. Paul’s & LMH) lost to EI Kay (St. Paul’s & Emmanuel) 7-15; HKE Jefferies (St. Paul’s & Oriel) lost to TJG Chase (St. Paul’s & Churchill) 13-15; CLY Waller (Clifton & New) lost to JB Brubert (Alleyn’s & Queens’) 5-15

Doubles

Hine & Waller lost to Kay & Chase 9-15, 8-15; lost to Beverly & Brubert 7-15, 7-15. Barnes & Jefferies lost to Beverly & Brubert 5-15, 4-15; lost to Kay & Chase 4-15, 3-15. JC Baker (St. Paul’s & Pembroke) & AD Esin (St. Paul’s & Pembroke) lost to JN Lane (Winchester & St. Catharine’s) & JK Malde (St. Paul’s & Clare) 8-15, 11-15; beat ER Malone (St. Paul’s & Churchill) (Capt.) & PRH Judge (Merchant Taylors’ & Robinson) 15-13, 16-14. CDH McKelvie (St. Paul’s & Trinity) & JW Roberts (Tonbridge & St. Edmund Hall) lost to Malone & Judge 4-15, 5-15; lost to Lane & Malde 4-15, 8-15

Result: Cambridge University bt Oxford University 290pts-158

Oxford Beavers v Cambridge Sparrows

Singles (Oxford names first)

TM Hoskins (Oundle & LMH) lost to LO Rowland (St. Paul’s & Fitzwilliam) 7-15; ES Wilman (Giggleswick & Hertford) bt JS Ader (St. Paul’s & Pembroke) 15-2; HR Wilman (Giggleswick & Hertford) lost to WJ Sloper (St. Paul’s & Girton) 5-15; DT Webb (Tonbridge & Magdalen) bt BSI Quarry (St. Paul’s & Selwyn) 15-7

Doubles

Wilman & Wilman lost to Rowland & Sloper 4-15, 10-15; bt Ader & Quarry 15-10, 15-4. Hoskins & Webb bt Ader & Quarry 11-15, 15-10; lost to Rowland & Sloper 4-15, 3-15

Result: Cambridge Sparrows bt Oxford Beavers by 138 points to 119