As we enter Hilary Term it’s all about giving our best, but not just in an academic sense. Make sure you are warmed up, because as winter turns into spring, important sports events such as the 200-year-old tradition of Varsity competitions, are defrosting. Let this article be your companion for the most important events throughout this upcoming term.
Starting off strong, Oxford’s Powerlifting Club is hosting their opponents from Cambridge on 8 February at the Iffley Road Sports Centre. Following the annual Varsity tradition, competitors aim to excel in three categories: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Based on recent years, there is usually a live stream of this event on YouTube. Be sure to tune in and follow along live!
If you are more interested in speed and strategy, the Oxford University Handball Club will face off against Cambridge in the 11th annual Varsity Handball Match on 22 February. Whilst the competition will take place in Cambridge, the currently ongoing Handball World Championship might be a way of looking into the sport from the comfort of your Oxford home.
One of the most traditional sports in Oxford is also holding competitions this term—the Oxford University Athletics Club (OUAC) usually arranges their inter-college competition (Cuppers) at the end of February. If this wide range of athletics inspires you, the OUAC is always welcoming new members, regardless of your experience.
As February passes the ball to March, the Oxford Basketball Blues carry on England’s oldest Basketball competition by playing against Cambridge on 1 March. This year, the matchups are held at the Iffley Road Sports Centre. They present a perfect opportunity to support your fellow students and to set yourself up for the NCAA and NBA playoffs in March and April.
Despite having to tackle their coursework, the Oxford University Rugby Football Club are gearing up to face their Cambridge opponents in one of the biggest Varsity matchups in history. Last year, the location was notably changed to StoneX Stadium in North London. Last year, an impressive 50,000 people watched the livestream, so this event is surely something you won’t want to miss. The matches take place on the 8 March, starting with the Women’s kick-off at noon. Tickets are still available, so grab your friends and witness history in the making.
Lastly, if you want to stick with your New Year’s resolution of engaging more with sports, hockey season is still ongoing. Although the Varsity match will be held in Cambridge, you can still support the Oxford teams at home. The second women’s team, for example, faces off against Oxford Brookes on Wednesday, 29 January at 14:00 at Iffley Road Sports Centre. The Men’s Blues team plays that same day at 18:00.
Whilst this was an overview of the most prominent sports events, why not tap into other sports that are less common?
A few other interesting sports competitions happening in Hilary Term and taking place in Oxford are:
Oxford University Boxing Club, Town vs. Gown: 1 February
South West Pole Varsity: 1 February
Fencing, Varsity Competition: 8 March
Clay Pigeon Shooting, Varsity Competition: 15 March
Strength, speed or strategy—this Hilary Term has it all. Whether you’re a sports fanatic or merely need a distraction from your dull coursework, I hope this overview has sparked your interest. Good luck to all students on and off the field!