Varsity Match 2009

The Varsity Match is an annual competition between the karate clubs of Cambridge and Oxford Universities. In the match, which is usually held in February, two men's teams and a women's team from each university compete in kata, team kata and kumite for the three team titles and the overall trophy, the Enoeda Cup.

Winners of the Enoeda Cup 2009: Cambridge

Team results:

• Men's A: Cambridge
• Men's B: Cambridge
• Women's: Cambridge

It's with great pleasure that we can announce that Cambridge secured another resounding victory against Oxford at yesterday's Varsity Match, the club's third win in a row. All four trophies (Men's A, Men's B, Women's, and the overall Enoeda Cup) are now safely back where they belong — here in Cambridge.

In the kata event, a commanding performance from British and German champion Roman Sztyler set the tone for total Cambridge domination. Further classy performances from Nim Sukumar and Paul Smith completed a Cambridge 1-2-3 in the Men's A, while Gosia Stanislawek, and Joseph Poore and Kai Chai, ensured Cambridge topped the Women's and Men's B events respectively.

By the mid-way stage both men's teams had built up almost insurmountable leads, while the women were just two points ahead. On to kumite and up first was Smith who comfortably eased past the Oxford first man. Steph McTighe dominated the women's event, taking control of both of her fights, and there were further wins for Stanislawek, Madeleine Wood and Tegwen Ecclestone. However it was Men's B where the real excitement was with Andreja Erbes producing the point of the day, sweeping away his opponent's front leg he swiftly punched him in the back of the head; the Cambridge crowd exploded as all four judges' flags flew up for ippon. A win for Mike Hayoun and a hard-fought draw for Chai rounded off an excellent day and a clear win for the light blues. The final scores were Men's A 78-52, Men's B 86-44, and Women's 67-35.

It would have been easy to have been complacent after the last two victories, but that was never the case. Everyone on the team trained intensely over the last few months to make yesterday the success that it was, and it's a credit to the whole team that the final scores were so one-sided. As always Cambridge competed with the utmost spirit, determination, and sportsmanship, making it plain to see what our club is all about: top class karate.

A big thank you to all who came along to support, it was great to see so many members (and ex-members) of the club cheering the team on. Thank you also to all the instructors, especially Sensei Richard, for all their hard work, advice, and patience.

Well done to everyone involved.

Photos

View photos of the competition.