Cambridge’s First XV faced their sternest test of the season in a top-of-the-table showdown with Bletchley, Flooding at the club forced a last minute change of venue – thanks to CURUFC, the fixture went ahead under the lights at Grange Road.
The opening twenty minutes unfolded in driving rain as Cambridge set up camp deep in Bletchley territory. Wave after wave of pressure finally told when prolific try-scorer Kate powered over to extend her lead atop the points table, before coolly adding the extras. From there, Bletchley, already stretched by their depleted squad, were consigned to a long afternoon of hard labour. Handling error (inevitable in the slick conditions) proved costly, and Cambridge’s pack feasted on the scrum, stealing several against the head. Tries from forward-of-the-match Alex and the ever-industrious Allegra, plus another conversion by Kate, sent Cambridge into the interval with a commanding 19–0 advantage.
Though the rain eased after the restart, the intensity did not. Bletchley launched a series of spirited counterattacks, but Cambridge’s defensive line refused to budge. Captain and full-back Molly earned back-of-the-match honours for her tireless sweeping work, snuffing out every half-chance and denying Bletchley entry into the 22. Building on that platform, Cambridge stretched their lead with a brace from Mez, another score for Kate, and a finish from Afroditi—each complemented by Kate’s reliable boot—to push the margin out to 38–0.
Bletchley’s determination never wavered, and in the dying moments they finally breached the Cambridge defence for a deserved consolation try. But the day belonged to Cambridge, who closed out a statement 38–7 victory in testing conditions. With this victory, our women are on top of the league table. A warm thank-you to Bob Coote, who is always there to take action shots for the Women’s 1st XV.