Round 1 for the National University League was hosted by Oxford. Match reports are provided by the men's captain, Cam Sharp and the women's captain, Beth Hamilton.
Oxford Vs Cambridge Men
Our Oxford men got their NUL campaign off to a tough start against a strong Cambridge side, going down by 21 points in trying conditions. Ultimately a fast start out of the blocks and a big bodied Cambridge side proved too big a task to overcome, however there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
With a collective 28 players available for round 1, this was the first of two separate 14 man squads to take the field on the day. Included in this first squad were six debutants who all put in a great showing and will certainly benefit from the run under their belt. Accompanying these fresh faces was the experience of our senior players which really shone through in the tough conditions.
In the end despite not coming away with a win there is plenty of upside for the team going into the rest of the season.
Oxford Vs South Wales Men
Eagerly awaiting the afternoon game versus South Wales was our second 14 man squad for the day. The fresh legs and a last minute field change saw what should’ve been a boggy affair turn into a more free flowing match, to which our boys ran our 73 point winners.
Throughout the game there was a clear balance across the field with the defenders, mids and forwards all complimenting each other. This saw some slick ball movement from end to end which was promising to see. Highlights for the game were 4 goals on debut from Dexter Chiew and a commanding first game in defence from Andrew Giltrap.
Overall our men will take a lot of confidence into the rest of the season with a 1-1 start and giving plenty of players a run.
Oxford Vs Cambridge Women
Our first game of the season- the first game as a team, and first game ever for a lot of members of the team! Despite our usual game day venue Uni Parks being closed due to flooding, thanks to the magic of club secretary and vice-captain Romy, the day proceeded at Horspath athletics track.
Although Cambridge proved too good a team on this occasion, we kept our heads up throughout the game, the chat and support was constant, and there was a dramatic improvement between the first twenty minutes of play and the second half, as we became more familiar with the rules and playing with each other.
A shout out to our defensive side who turned over countless balls and to Esther, who after a solid half of running between mid and forward, sustained an injury which unfortunately counted her out of game 2 (she has recovered well!). Special mention to the following players for their first ever game of AFL: Fig, Veronica, Alice and Linda!
Oxford Vs South Wales Women
After a mere 20 minutes of rest (and 1 x hobble to the bar and back from Beth), we started “warm”-up for match two against Wales. After a tactics talk from Mitch regarding ruck set up, and ongoing positivity from everyone involved, we took to the field in high spirits. The improvement from game one was evident- we matched up woman on woman, moved the ball into space and down the field more effectively and continued the encouragement and chat up throughout the game.
Fig scored a first early goal, outrunning the defence, met by furious cheers from the side-line. Another (almost) goal from Emilie, who also did an excellent job being ruck throughout both games despite a hand and hip injury. Katie was impressive in her perseverance throughout this game despite a couple of notable run-in’s with the opposition.
Although Wales won convincingly, but we were happy with the improvements from game one, and have lots to take away as learning points for future training and games.
Oxford Vs Cambridge Men
Our Oxford men got their NUL campaign off to a tough start against a strong Cambridge side, going down by 21 points in trying conditions. Ultimately a fast start out of the blocks and a big bodied Cambridge side proved too big a task to overcome, however there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
With a collective 28 players available for round 1, this was the first of two separate 14 man squads to take the field on the day. Included in this first squad were six debutants who all put in a great showing and will certainly benefit from the run under their belt. Accompanying these fresh faces was the experience of our senior players which really shone through in the tough conditions.
In the end despite not coming away with a win there is plenty of upside for the team going into the rest of the season.
Oxford Vs South Wales Men
Eagerly awaiting the afternoon game versus South Wales was our second 14 man squad for the day. The fresh legs and a last minute field change saw what should’ve been a boggy affair turn into a more free flowing match, to which our boys ran our 73 point winners.
Throughout the game there was a clear balance across the field with the defenders, mids and forwards all complimenting each other. This saw some slick ball movement from end to end which was promising to see. Highlights for the game were 4 goals on debut from Dexter Chiew and a commanding first game in defence from Andrew Giltrap.
Overall our men will take a lot of confidence into the rest of the season with a 1-1 start and giving plenty of players a run.
Oxford Vs Cambridge Women
Our first game of the season- the first game as a team, and first game ever for a lot of members of the team! Despite our usual game day venue Uni Parks being closed due to flooding, thanks to the magic of club secretary and vice-captain Romy, the day proceeded at Horspath athletics track.
Although Cambridge proved too good a team on this occasion, we kept our heads up throughout the game, the chat and support was constant, and there was a dramatic improvement between the first twenty minutes of play and the second half, as we became more familiar with the rules and playing with each other.
A shout out to our defensive side who turned over countless balls and to Esther, who after a solid half of running between mid and forward, sustained an injury which unfortunately counted her out of game 2 (she has recovered well!). Special mention to the following players for their first ever game of AFL: Fig, Veronica, Alice and Linda!
Oxford Vs South Wales Women
After a mere 20 minutes of rest (and 1 x hobble to the bar and back from Beth), we started “warm”-up for match two against Wales. After a tactics talk from Mitch regarding ruck set up, and ongoing positivity from everyone involved, we took to the field in high spirits. The improvement from game one was evident- we matched up woman on woman, moved the ball into space and down the field more effectively and continued the encouragement and chat up throughout the game.
Fig scored a first early goal, outrunning the defence, met by furious cheers from the side-line. Another (almost) goal from Emilie, who also did an excellent job being ruck throughout both games despite a hand and hip injury. Katie was impressive in her perseverance throughout this game despite a couple of notable run-in’s with the opposition.
Although Wales won convincingly, but we were happy with the improvements from game one, and have lots to take away as learning points for future training and games.