This year the Varsity Match was fought in Cambridge where, for the third year running, our Blues team retained the prestigious Matsudaira Cup, first fought for between the two Universities in 1930.
It is believed that this is the oldest annual judo contest in the Western World and it now seems possible, judging by a comment made recently to our Senior Member, Professor Nick Rawlins, that it may well be older than any equivalent competition even in Japan. Overall Cambridge have the greater number of victories over the years but Oxford is fast catching up.
For the first time, the size of the teams was reduced from 8 to 7 to avoid the situation which has happened several times recent years when a four-all draw result has had to be settled by a futher fight-off between three pairs selected by lot. But this year there was no such no doubt with Oxford winning by six contests to one.
The women’s Blues, lacking their star player Becky Bayliss through injury, were narrowly beaten 3 contests to 2 while the Oxford City team also lost to their opposite numbers.
Oxford did not manage to field a Men’s B team this year – a slightly worrying fact. We have the players. We need you competing on the mat!
The trophies were awarded by Bob Darby OUJC President in 1968 and Oxford’s first ever Judo Full Blue.
Congratulations to all team members.