Sports
For more information on the extremely high standard of sport enjoyed at Christ's, please see: www.themarguerites.com
In particular the termly sporting reviews:
http://themarguerites.com/TheMargueritesLent09SportingReview.pdf
http://themarguerites.com/TheMargueritesMich08SportingReview.pdf
Your one source for everything going on with college sport!
Download the Sports and Societies booklet - especially produced for Freshers' Week this is your bible for all college sports and societies.
ROWING (MEN’S & WOMEN’S)
Rowing is by far and away the most popular sport in Cambridge and the Bumps races at the end of the second and third term are a hugely exciting and unique part of Cambridge life. Christ‘s boasts one of the oldest boat clubs of any college and a large vibrant membership within college. Although our main priority is the Bumps races (crazy races where you line eighteen boats up along the river and aim to hit the boat in front of you!), we also take part in lots of other races during the year. There is a whole range of opportunities within the club, from training for the top boat to just popping in when you feel like doing a bit of training or getting some mates together for a bit of fun on the river!
Anybody can get involved, even if you‘re a complete beginner – most people, me included, only started rowing when they got to college. The Boat Club also organises a large number of social events, including a big dinner every term which all the crews are invited to and lots of smaller formal swaps, barbecues and drinks evenings. With more people involved in rowing than any other sport, there‘s also more opportunity to meet people from other colleges. In recent years the Boat Club has had a lot of success with almost all our crews bumping last year and most notably our top Women‘s boat getting blades (meaning they bumped every day!), winning loads of other races and even beating a crew from Oxford University at Henley Women‘s Regatta!
Rowing is a sport that you don‘t often get to try, and there is no better place to start than at college, where you can come down in your own time and try it out. It‘s a great way of meeting people, and when you‘re in a crew of eight people, you end up making some fantastic friends. It‘s also a great stress reliever, as you can get away from college, get some fresh air and see your mates – all at the same time!
There is a lot going on within the Boat Club and there a huge number of ways of getting involved, either rowing or coxing, and you can commit as much or as little time to it as you want. To find out more, please e-mail the Men‘s Captain, Duncan Bull (drb46@cam.ac.uk), the Women‘s Captain, Penny Thuesen (pt303@cam.ac.uk) or look for more information around college or on the website: www.christsbc.co.uk
MEN’S RUGBY
We are not the Royal Marines. When it comes to Christ's College Rugby Football Club, affectionately known as the 'Brown Rings', it is by no means a case of "99.99% need not apply". We absolutely love to have ANYONE (there is a women‘s team too) who is interested in giving it a go, whether they've played a bit before or never seen a rugby ball in their lives. Indeed last year, half the team had played little or nothing of the sport before coming to university, so please don't let inexperience put you off.
Nevertheless, the college has a distinguished rugby history. In recent years the CCRFC have reached the final of Cuppers (the inter-collegiate competition) and won the Cuppers rugby 7's. We also arrange summer tours to exotic destinations, such as our trip to Canada in '07. During term we generally play once, and train once, each week. Off the pitch, there's plenty on the social side of things too, with heaps of team spirit and a really friendly atmosphere within the club. And, of course, stash is highly esteemed so if it's a bit of college sports clothing you're after, the Brown Rings will not disappoint.
Many make the mistake of thinking the standard will be too high for them. We‘re not the Marines – please, please come and give college rugby a try! If there's anything else you'd like to know about it, please don't hesitate to email me (tpg27@cam.ac.uk). Otherwise, I very much hope to meet 99.99% of you at the Freshers stall!
Tommy Gill (Captain)
WOMEN’S RUGBY
Fancy the opportunity to play a non-traditional banterous sport that has the best nights out of any team? Christ‘s Women‘s Rugby football club could be for you! No experience is necessary; all you need to be is willing to get stuck in. Women‘s Rugby is a sport that has exploded in recent years - our team was set up a few years ago and has since flourished. We train once or twice a week and usually have a match too. Even better-we are trained by the men‘s rugby team- and that includes joint touch rugby training sessions too!!!
Everyone is really friendly and keen to get everyone involved. You don‘t have to be a giant/really scary/hardcore to join-all training is provided and everyone is welcome-we train hard, play hard with an amazing social scene.
Women‘s rugby is played in teams of 7 and matches are short (sometimes 5 minutes per half) so they are intense but great fun. Apart from the Cuppers (knockout) matches, we also play tournaments against other colleges. We have been doing really well getting through to quarter-finals and semi-finals. This year could be our year... Don‘t be afraid-get keen and join today!
Captain: Flo Wolfe
MEN’S FOOTBALL
The CCAFC are the most successful football team in the history of Cambridge University. In March 2008 we beat Girton 6-2 in the final of the cup to win what is repudiated to be the oldest trophy still played for in the world for a record sixteenth time. We run three teams within the Cambridge college leagues. The first team play in the first division, whilst the third 'Allstar‘ team proudly props up the entire league. Anybody can get involved regardless of ability or past experience. The first team take things fairly seriously and train once a week, either at the grounds we share with St Catherine‘s College or on one of the local greens. While the emphasis of the second team is very much on enjoyment, participation in the college leagues means that everybody can take part in competitive football.
Away from the pitch the club has a great social life, with weekly club nights [including games, songs, and perhaps a little bit of drink (though the club does not encourage excessive alcohol consumption...)] and swaps with a variety of Cambridge‘s finest ladies.
There will be a kick about in freshers‘ week, keep an eye out for posters but if you can‘t wait until then e-mail the captain Dom St George ds465@cam.ac.uk
1st Team Captain: Dom St George (ds465)
2nd Team Captain: Matt Coneys (mhc30)
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Want to get involved in a fun, relaxed but competitive sporting team with a great social side? With CCWFC (Christ’s College Women’s Football Club) this is exactly what you’ll get!
Training once week – once with coaching, once a friendly team practice match. League matches against other colleges. All-stars match against previous Christ’s students. Social evenings with and without the men’s team. ‘Cuppers’ tournament against other colleges. VERY attractive blue kits!...and a whole lot of fun and team spirit!
Captain: Sabrina Bezzaa (sb695)
Vice-Captain: Chloe Hole (ch459)
CRICKET
What is there to say about the Christ‘s College Cricket Club (the CC(CC) C) that has not already passed through innumerable myths and legends? Well, to start with, we have the nicest hats of any sports teams in the university, and also the nicest ties. Secondly, we have the oldest player ever to have played cricket for a university team anywhere in the world. Thirdly, only in this team can you find a Welshman who has taken more wickets than everyone else (put together).
So, Cricket at Christ‘s you may think is not serious. Au contraire, we start training in the second term, once a week and indoors, and by the time we reach the summer term we are finely honed cricketing specimens. Of course this means you do not have to have had any experience of the game whatsoever before joining our club. We are proud of our inclusive policy (we let a man with only one kidney play last year) and thus we have two teams (one of which you will certainly get into if you can hold a bat without support). In the summer, we play about once or twice a week depending on how far we get in the cup, and train a similar amount. As with all the men‘s teams in college, the CC (CC) C is open to members of both sexes and we encourage as many girls to play as possible – last year we had none, so we are almost guaranteed to improve on that if not maintain it. Socially, we are an excellent club too. The annual round of fines after a game results in alcohol and food being consumed in disgusting amounts (oh no!) and the ability to wear a CC (CC) C hat around college is the only pull factor you need.
So join us. Please contact me with any queries
Nikhil “Bucket” Shah ns426@cam.ac.uk
NETBALL (WOMEN’S & MIXED)
Christ‘s has both a ladies and mixed netball team so boys don‘t just turn the page! It‘s a great way to make friends and keep fit. I will also be arranging swaps for the Ladies‘ team with some of the Men‘s sports‘ teams this term, which will be a good way to meet and socialise with people from outside college. Last year the mixed team was so successful that we moved up into League 2. The ladies‘ team was created this year so will start at the bottom in League 4.
In Freshers‘ Week there will be trials for both; look out for a finalised date/time. Practices are held once a week for about an hour at Christ‘s Pieces, which is situated right next to college. All abilities welcome.
If you have any questions, you can e-mail me on lkw29@cam.ac.uk or find me, Laura Wharton, at the College Freshers' Fair.
MEN’S BADMINTON
Badminton has been flourishing at Christ‘s. Our squad consists of 3 teams: men‘s 1st team, men‘s 2nd team, and the women‘s team. All teams are eligible for playing regular inter-college league games. 5 games will be arranged for each team during the term time. During the Easter term, extra Cupper‘s games will be on.
Team members train on Mondays (6pm) and Wednesdays (10pm) at the Kelsey Kerridge (KK), a sports centre which is 10 minutes away from Christ‘s by walking. If you don‘t want to play at a competitive level, no worries—loads of Club members come around on Wednesdays to get some recreational badminton sessions. Our 4 courts are usually fairly sufficient if players switch around every so often. As court rentals are paid by the college, each of you only need to pay 1 pound as entry fee to enter KK. Shuttlecocks will be
provided, but you‘re advised to bring your own rackets— otherwise it will cost you extra fees to rent rackets.
If you‘re interested, don‘t hesitate to contact me and sign up for the Club. My name is Henry (Lishi) Li, and my email is ll338@cam.ac.uk. Hope to see you at KK!
WOMEN’S BADMINTON
Whatever standard you are, badminton is really fun and a great way to mix with other people from college! We play twice a week (but you can come as often as you like) with the boys and play matches against other colleges. In the second term we play Cuppers which is a big inter- college competition. If you are interested in playing then email me
(Sammy) sj339@cam.ac.uk or sign up at the Freshers’ Fair.
MEN’S TENNIS
Christ‘s College has a strong men‘s tennis team, reaching the final of cuppers last year and the semis the year before that. The core of the team is made up of University players but all standards are welcome. There will be several social tennis afternoons and barbecues throughout the year and everyone is welcome to come and play.
We will be entering two men‘s teams into Easter term Cuppers (the main intercollegiate competition) and trials for the first team will be held towards the end of Lent term. The first team is more serious but the second team is just for fun and anyone can play – the team is rotated to make sure everyone gets a game!
Our matches are played at the college sports ground where we have three grass and three astroturf tennis courts. There will be several training sessions in the first two terms and more closer to matches in Easter term. There are four public tennis courts right next to Christ‘s college in Christ‘s Piece where we train. These courts are great for having a hit with your friends. Lots of people from Christ‘s can be found playing here during exam term as it‘s a great way to relax and refresh your mind, so bring your tennis rackets!
The team this year is being captained by Andrew Nowell (ajn36@cam.ac.uk). To get involved or simply find out some more information about the club or university tennis contact Andrew or sign up at the Christ‘s Freshers‘ Fair.
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Having 4 courts so close to Christ‘s is perfect for getting lots of people out playing tennis. Although this club doesn‘t really get going until the end of Lent term I am sure that practises can be arranged if there are lots of keen people. So – there is no standard requirement to join this club. At the end of Lent and through the Easter Term there are weekly practices and then about 2 matches a week depending on how far we get through the Cuppers competition. The matches include both singles and doubles sets, so you can practice every aspect of your game.
I would like to emphasise that you don‘t have to be team standard or interested in playing in any matches to come along to the practices and give them a go.
Captain: Alexandra Bryant (aclb4@cam.ac.uk)
SQUASH
Christ's College has a strong first squash team which plays in the top division for inter-college squash and also reached the quarter-finals of the Cuppers tournament last year. The college squash club welcomes players of all abilities, even those who are keen to pick up a racquet for the first time. There will be regular training sessions to keep us on our toes and in good nick for the many matches that we'll have throughout the year.
As there are several league and friendly matches, this will give many players of all standards the chance to represent Christ's. Both guys and girls should definitely join us since there is also a women's league and if we have enough players then we can join it! (Not to mention we also have a Blues girl playing for our first team too). And last but not least, you cannot forget the on and off court banter that goes on, making the squash club great for many things, be it competitive play, a run around or just for a laugh. Get in touch with me and/or sign up to the mailing list at the freshers' fair. Don't forget!!
Captain: Alqahir Ladak (al490@cam.ac.uk)
MEN’S HOCKEY
Hockey at Christ‘s is open to players of all ability and experience; many in the current squad only picked up a stick for the first time when playing for us. We can provide sticks and goalkeepers‘ pads but it is advisable for anyone wishing to play to bring their own shin pads and astro-turf trainers. We have no fixed training sessions, although they can be easily arranged if a large number prove to be keen, and matches are usually once a week. It‘s a great team to come and play for if you want a bit of a run around, meet some really good guys and girls early in your college life and try something new or pick up on where you left off at school. If you are interested in playing, or even tagging along to matches as a social member, then look out for us at the freshers‘ fair or contact me (Topher Hockey) directly by e-mail (cch37@cam.ac.uk).
WOMEN’S HOCKEY
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned player I cannot recommend this team enough. Anyone and everyone should get involved; whether you are looking for a bit of exercise, meeting people outside your subject/corridor/year or total league domination.
Not having a stick or never having played before is no reason not to join this club. Weekly league matches against similar standard teams and then Cuppers against teams from higher divisions mean we get a good range of matches and lots of opportunities to improve. I am also hoping to arrange some training so that we can conquer the league and cuppers! All we need is willing and keen players!
There is also an opportunity to get into the mixed hockey Cuppers team, which is a laugh. And if you needed any more persuading, we also have the nicest stash around, and get taxis to far away matches.
So any questions about college hockey please contact me!
Captain: Chloe Hole (ch459@cam.ac.uk)
Vice-Captain: Charleen Chan Min Li (cmlc2@cam.ac.uk)
SWIMMING (MEN’S & WOMEN’S)
The opportunity to swim in Cambridge is limited at present. Unlike water polo, there is no College swimming league and so the main event of the year is Cuppers which takes place in the summer term, where Christ‘s has an excellent record. All strokes are covered and the competition is for men and women. If you want to swim recreationally or for fitness then try the pool next to Kelsey Kerridge (5 minutes walk from Christ‘s across Parkers‘ Piece).
Swimming captain = Jo McGrath (E-mail: jrm88@cam.ac.uk)
WATER POLO (MIXED)
The Christ‘s college water polo team is probably the most successful sports team in the college, definitely in terms of effort input to results gained and probably in terms of achievement: last year we were the best college team in the leagues and only just missed out on becoming cuppers champions (cough, CHEATING, cough). We have the current water polo university captain in our side, and yet despite this we did no training all year and actually managed to boast a team with people on it who had never played before! We play about 4 matches each term, and, as I have mentioned, don‘t really train due to lack of a pool (although I will try and spend some of our budget on getting one now that we have the blues captain onside!)
This in turn means that there is very little commitment. In fact, all we ask is that you free yourself after the match to join us for the traditional kebab and beer celebration. As with all men‘s teams in college, they are open to both men and women and therefore anyone can play for us. Crucially, you don‘t need any experience whatsoever. Last year, three out of a total squad of about 15 had played before and we won the league, so as long as you won‘t drown when put in the water you‘ll be fine. We‘re also guaranteed to be the team with the best stash in college and if this alone should be incentive enough to join.
If this interests you, which it should, you can contact me with the details below (although we‘ll have a stall at the Christ‘s Freshers‘ Fair too).
Captain: Michael O'Halloran (mo326@cam.ac.uk)
LACROSSE (MIXED)
We restarted Christ's lacrosse last year and so we are new to the league but we have been really successful so far, getting to the semi finals in Cuppers last year! If you are interested in getting to know people from all years within Christ‘s and having a great time helping us win the league please contact me (Charlotte Trace – ceat2).
WHATEVER LEVEL YOU ARE WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU!
Even if you haven't played before we are happy to teach you. Practices are usually on a Monday afternoon for about an hour and matches are at the weekend. Don't worry about sticks, we provide those. If you are not sure about anything and want to ask any questions
please come and see us at the freshers fair.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Welcome to Christ‘s College Basketball. If you want to play a sport that is competitive, a lot of fun and doesn‘t involve ridiculous amounts of training, basketball is what you should be looking at. You don‘t have to be very good at the game to join the society; in fact, you can play even if you haven‘t ever played before and want to try out something absolutely new.
All that is required is keenness and enthusiasm. We aim to train at least once a week and more if we all manage to find a time that suits us all. We hope to start the training as soon as possible because the league matches start quite early on. Christ‘s has an active basketball team that plays matches against other colleges in both Michaelmas and Lent terms very regularly, but not in exam term. We did really well last year and came 2nd in the league. Not only do you get the chance to play the sport, you also get the opportunity to help reff-ing other matches. I can tell you by experience, it is quite a lot of fun!
We will be setting up stall in Freshers‘ week where you can come sign up and ask any questions or even just come by for a chat. For any details, please contact me, Apoorva, at ak571@cam.ac.uk
POOL
The Christ's Pool team is looking for players keen to represent the college in the college league and cuppers. We currently have 1 team but would be looking to field 2 (with the possibility of a women's team if there's sufficient interest) in the coming year. Pool is competitive but at the same time fun and there are lots of opportunities to shine and play at University level.
Time commitment is low and you can play as much or as little as you want to. Get in touch with Vin Shen Ban (vsb23) no matter what standard you think you are at.
THE MARGUERITES
We are the Christ‘s College Men‘s Sporting Society, established in 1899, to uphold the sporting excellence of Christ‘s College. Described in the 1908 issue of the college magazine: "The Marguerites have been the premier club of the College in the past, and claim to represent something more than mere athletic distinction". We can be found on a social most Wednesday or Sunday evenings, with a flutter of fine young ladies keen on finding out what sporting excellence means. The club also throws parties in college each term, allowing students to escape from the stresses and strains of academia.
President: AJ Nowell (ajn36@cam.ac.uk)
THE HIPPOLYTANS
The Hippolytans (or Hippos) is a society that groups together women of Christ's college who excel in sport. Women can become members by reaching certain sporting criteria throughout their college career. Once a member of the society, events are organised including an annual Christmas dinner and end of term dinner. The society also plays a dynamic role in college life, alongside the Margs, helping to organise a range of exciting social events.
President: Rachael Stubbins (rs525@cam.ac.uk)