Oxford v Cambridge Men's Match 2016 Rugby Union Varsity Match

Welcome to Twickenham on what is almost a barmy but dreary December

afternoon for the annual Varsity match between Oxford and Cambridge.

An anachronism in many ways in the modern world of professional rugby.

The fixture dates back to 1872. It will be one of the highlights of the

playing careers of the players irrespective of other honours. In

recent years it has been a one-way street, with Oxford victorious on

the last six occasions, including a 46-3 triumph a couple of years ago.

What shade of blue will break through the clouds today? There are

some shafts of light blue up there at the moment. That will give

encouragement to Damian Hopley and Tyrone man. You spend your life in

the higher echelons of the game. Where does this fixture set in the

general rugby calendar? Even back in our dear -- day, this was almost a

trial for England thing. That is gone now. It holds a unique place in

British and world rugby. It is two teams, amateur, going toe to toe. It

is a fantastic occasion for everyone involved. You were a British Lion on

many occasions. The two locations you played in a Varsity Match, why

do they sit for a year? When you say you want to live without regrets, we

lost both games. That is a sense of regret. The sense of occasion. The

sense of tradition and the sense of history. Lots of players have gone

before you. All these strange rituals. You meet interesting

people. I still have nightmares about this. I should have chipped

it. No. It is an amazing occasion. It is a superb family occasion.

Increasingly, these players, who may not go on to play professional

rugby, this is the biggest day of their rugby and sporting lives. In

that alone it has got huge value. In the context of these guys in the

autumn of their academic careers, and what has this been the driving

force for the last 12 weeks? It is everything. The whole season and

lifetime depends on the next 80 minutes. Regardless of whether

Cambridge are coming in on four wins in a row, it doesn't matter. And

Oxford monopoly in this fixture for the last six years. Does that have

any bearing. --? Certainly does. There is a lot of experience on the

pitch. There is so much pressure and nerves in these young men. It is who

has the composure and calmness to perform in what is for them a hugely

perished -- pressurised environment. That experience will help. Self

belief counts for a lot. There is going to be some Cambridge side in

the future, today our next year, that will overturn this Oxford

record. It is up to these guys to do it. We will let Damian go to be part

of our commentary team. You will have missed the women's Varsity

Match area. Last year it was a one-sided affair with Cambridge

winning by 52-0. This year it was a very different affair.

Again, a little bit of a tangle for a Cambridge. Both teams guilty of

that. Getting in front of each other. The referee is happy that no

obstruction was caused. Play can continue. Hansen wasn't expected to

start today. The Swede was meant to start on the bench. But because of

the injury and reshuffle she has ended up starting. Catherine

Wilcock, the captain, stepping up for this first penalty opportunity.

And she has got points on the board for Oxford, who now lead in the

Varsity Match. Look at this run. It is Sophie Trott. She needs better

support. She has run nearly half the length of the field. They need to

back it up. Numbers on the far side. Cambridge need to look up and see

them. Unable to connect with the ball. Somehow Cambridge win it back.

Brilliant break from Sophie Trott. It is this ball which goes into our

hands. So graceful gliding through the gap. She sees she is about to

arrive into the space of Alice Middleton and steps inside. A small

mistake in the end. Half the length of the pitch.

Add to the far side. Here comes Sophie Trott. She is still going.

Eventually she is taken down. It is pulled back on full-back. We are

enjoying the 15 contest. This tale of two full-backs just continues.

Middleton had Sophie Trott lined up. There was nowhere for a Sophie Trott

to go. A big smile on her face. She pins her ears back. The angle Alice

Middleton has got, there was only one way that was going to finish.

See smashes her off the park. A brilliant contest between two very

good players. Charlton has stepped one position

inside. What a one-handed pass. It was Middleton who gave her the ball.

And Sophie Trott is waiting. A big hit. She stops the flow. What a

one-handed pass from Middleton to France. -- far rant. They are

combining well. She frees the ball up to get the flawed. Pinning her

ears back. A tale of two full-backs again.

Is this the opportunity? She is still going! She is eventually taken

down by Sophie Trott. She couldn't get the step away. They need to move

this quickly. They have taken it back inside. Middleton knocks it on.

It's not going to come. That was as close as Cambridge were ever going

to get in this match. It would be a scrum for Oxford. What a line from

Laura Suggett. She steps inside. Seize the defence. -- she sees the

defence. Sophie Trott the saviour for Oxford again at the back.

Middleton is there. Sophie Trott, take a bow! I think she may have

injured herself in the process. What a hit. What a try saving tackle.

Another excellent head back from Sophie Trott. -- hit. Let's what it

one more time. It is the timing. You are careering across the pitch,

sprinting to get there. Tight at the front. Is this going to be the

perfect ball? Burn hazard. She getaway. The defence has to hold.

The referee says no. She is saying it didn't come incorrectly. And

Oxford have done it! They have won back the varsity Trophy in the most

incredible of circumstances. It was only a three point ball Gary

Streeter looks like he has got tears in his eyes. He can't believe they

have done it. The first time they have won it since 2014.

It was a truly unbelievable performance by the Oxford defence.

The number of tackles that team must have put in hats to number in the

hundreds. And Catherine Wilcock, who is reading history, a moment of

history for her and the rest of her team. The first woman to captain

Oxford to victory at Twickenham. Obviously, desolation Cambridge. The

Oxford full-back, Sophie Trott, who was absolutely outstanding, we will

hopefully talk to her at half-time. Kick-off gets ever nearer for the

men's much. To roll how is here. Last year we spoke about Jamie

Roberts, who limped out of the game injured and didn't have much of an

impact. Today, Charlie Amesbury is the big name. He has been a

Premiership player at Newcastle and now at Bristol. How difficult that

full-back will it be for him to impact on the match? That is the big

challenge. He is wholly dependent on set piece possession from his pack.

And good distribution from the half-backs. One would expect that

Oxford will not want to kick too much to him. There is a little bit

more space. Defences are more fractured. Huge opportunities for

him. The question is, can he get his hands on the ball? This is a match

of enormous history. It was first played at Twickenham in 1921. The

BBC showed this match in 19 28. And here we are, still going strong.

The players gathered for the match between Oxford and Cambridge. After

the edible, Oxford had the advantage. What a try!

And commentary on the 135th Varsity Match comes from Damian Hopley and

Chris Jones. Good afternoon and welcome to

Twickenham as the teams come out of the tunnel, past the famous trophy.

Oxford led by their skipper, the second row Fergus Taylor, and

Cambridge by Daniel Dass, their captain. For many of these players,

the biggest game of their lives. For the winners, joy. For the losers,

despair. Oxford may have won the last six, but Cambridge have been

bullish this week. They feel if they play well they will win. And end

this long run of defeat against the Dark Blues. The players lining up.

Cambridge in the light blue. Oxford in the dark blue. We will talk

through the teams after the national anthem.

Oxford have won the last six and they have a large contingent of

players who know all about winning at Twickenham. They are without

Lewis Anderson, who mixed his last -- maximum six bars last year. --

varsity 's. Wilson has moved from seven to eight. There are captained

by Fergus Taylor. De Berker is alongside Strang. Cambridge have

lost six. Plenty of blue blood along the Light Blues. Last year Jimmy

Robertson. This year, Charlie Amesbury of Bristol. Daniel Dass,

the skipper, switches to number eight. Fraser Gillies plays his

third Varsity Match. Tullie, his fourth.

The referee is Tim Wigglesworth, who took charge of this fixture in 2012.

A Premiership referee since 2007. Vastly experienced. To start us off

will be Fraser Gillies. It is taken in by Will Wilson. The Oxford number

eight. Henry de Berker back at scrum-half for the Dark Blues, finds

Basil Strang, a science teacher playing in his second Varsity Match.

Good afternoon, Damian Hopley. Good afternoon, Chris. What are the first

few minutes of this game like? You spend the entire season building up

to this. You can understand the huge pressure these players feel under.

Oxford has got everything to lose. Six from six. Cambridge want a

patient start and to get the set piece working. The Cambridge rolling

maul had plenty of success last year. Moving over the 22. Controlled

at the back by Andrew Hunter. Now their breakaway. A big carried by

Mike Phillips in midfield. Cambridge only ten metres out. Daniel Dass had

a big game last year in the number seven shirt, the Ulsterman. Triniman

was pulled down. The turnover is good, says the referee. That was Tom

Stileman, last year's man of the match. Oxford clear their lines. The

first chance to see Amesbury attack. Helped out by Henry King. Cambridge

with all the ball in the opening stages.

A good start from the Light Blues? Yes, and they need it. They need to

settle their nets as soon as they can. Good continuity, making the

ball available well. Half chance for a Rory Triniman. Oxford Sharp on the

breakdown. Cambridge need to find points in this position. It is

important to start well and they are doing so. For top -- A good start so

important to their confidence. The Cambridge maul making some

ground. Gaining traction. Is it playable for Tullie? Yes. He finds

Fraser Gillies. Cambridge continued to press.

Gillies charged down. Good work by Wilson. The Oxford number eight. And

now Oxford have their first decent set of possession. They have the

penalty. The first few minutes was all

Cambridge, but Oxford show their experience. Oxford do not want to be

the size that lose that six match winning record, so I'm sure they

take huge confidence, and talking with John Carter the previous

captain, Oxford have really built on the culture within the squad.

Eckhardt is the Oxford hooker. -- Ed Hart. Daniel Dass, the Cambridge

skipper. And that is their first good it of all this afternoon.

Andrew Grant back in the second row for his second varsity.

De Berker looking to snipe a lot in the opening five minutes. A penalty

to Oxford. And a chance for the first points of the afternoon. Good

control from de Berker and Strang. Waiting patiently, moving the ball

around. The first opportunity for the Dark Blues. A couple of men

offside in the Cambridge line. Henry de Berker playing his third Varsity

Match. Studying a medicine degree. He has been prominent in the opening

stages. Basel Strang, the fly-half, played a couple of years ago. In

eligible last year. A science teacher. He has a chance to put

Oxford ahead. Pushed to the right. Damian, how much do you want to get

your first kick in that situation, especially fairly regulation as that

was? Of course I am in parcel. But again, you want to get ahead. So

much pressure. A letter offer Cambridge. -- a let off for

Cambridge. Henry Hughes, very experienced, in his fifth Varsity

Match. Plenty of whooping and hollering from Cambridge. They would

need all that intensity if they are to break this long run. No win since

2009. There are captained by Dan Vickerman. Cambridge is looking to

keep the set piece ticking. A tester for Strang. Hit hard by

Amesbury. Cambridge may look to turn this over. Oxford did well to claim

possession. Strang missed his first kick at

goal. Amesbury opting not to counterattack. Strang with plenty of

time. Good kick from Strang. Yes, he can kick the ball a long way. The

experience he has, coming back for his second Varsity Match. A

wonderful crossfield kick from Fraser Gillies. Both teams happy to

let the opposition have the ball. Still a lot of nerves even though we

are almost ten minutes in. Charlie taking a secondment from Bristol.

Last year it was Jimmy Robertson. How much pressure do these big names

feel? The pressure is on them. Jamie Roberts coming off with a dead leg

at half-time had an impact. Charlie is loving it at Cambridge and

relishing today's game. A tricky kick from Gillies. Basil Strang goes

well. He sees plenty of space. Nicely weighted. Cambridge, through

Gillies. He has not really got hold of that one. A big territorial gain

for Oxford through the boot of Basil Strang. Great vision from Strang.

Wide-open spaces. Happy to let Cambridge habit. The unforced error.

Poor execution of the kick from Fraser Gillies. The best attacking

platform of the opening ten minutes for the Dark Blues. Not played

entirely cleanly. Tidied up nicely by Blomfield. The Aussie in the back

row. A strong carry around the corner. Oxford moving over the 22.

Again de Berker has a sniper. -- sniped. He has done that a few

times. First little bit of fisticuffs. Any

issues when you played in 92? No, we were incredibly gentlemanly to each

other. I get is least involved in physical as possible. It is a good

sign. Ollie Phillips, former England sevens player, involved with

Cambridge this year. It is great to see that this means so much to these

young men. It is a result that will last them a lifetime.

The celebration tonight will have a different tone for the winners

compared to the losers. First scrum of the game. Oxford have got the

penalty. The body language from Oxford shows they are up for this

battle in the front row. Kieran Ball and Joe Morris in the front row.

Strang missed his first kick. Surely can't miss his second? Jonathan

Dixon under pressure from Kieran Ball. Ball has experience as an

England under 16 and 18 is player. -- 18s.

Here is Strang. This time he makes no mistake. So Oxford, who have

dominated this fixture the last six years, again go into the lead after

11 minutes. Loose from the kick-off. Strang is

full of confidence after his first successful kick at goal. Six foot

five, Basil Strang. The knock-on advantage over, says referee Tim

Wigglesworth. Oxford look to play at from their own 22. Good carry from

Matt Geiger. He had a golden opportunity to score last year.

Oxford won that 12-6. Strang under pressure. Oxford still keeping it in

the hand. A chance for a Charlie Amesbury to

counterattack. A lot of eyes on the Bristol player. He has also played

at Harlequins, Newcastle and Sale Sharks. Oxford with the line-out.

Oxford have strong defence. They are putting pressure on Cambridge. You

hope that Cambridge can actually attack with a bit more vigour when

the counterattacking opportunities, Krul. Oxford are looking very

comfortable. -- when the counterattacking opportunities come.

Oxford again putting some width on the ball. Geiger, the full-back,

only five foot eight. A bit of hustle and bustle. Another player

who has had representative honours with England. Geiger ran into

Tullie. Oxford Drive on. A penalty. Slightly high tackle from Cambridge.

After those first few minutes, do you get the sense that Oxford, with

all that winning experience behind them, are going into this game? They

are. We knew that Cambridge would come out all guns blazing. The

defence has been strong on both teams. A high tackle going in there.

Strong defence. Managing to -- Oxford managing to contain

Cambridge, keep field position and move into their half. Hunter looking

not to have seen a yellow card. Amesbury clears downfield. Strang

has spent plenty of time in the backfield. He boots it into the

greater can skies. Grey Twickenham skies. Good boot on him, Basil

Strang. Excellent. He has learned his game at the Warriors. A lot of

kicking in the opening quarter of an hour, but Oxford on the whole have

been winning. Another pinpoint kick from Strang, said Tullie for

Cambridge. Wilson in no hurry, and Oxford line-out on the halfway. They

have gone quickly, surely forward from Wilson to Henry Hughes. Oxford

play on, got away with that one. The skipper looks deep, there is a bit

of space for Stileman now. A good tussle in the opening quarter of

this game. Counter ruck from Cambridge is good so is the referee.

Tullie sees it, but it pops instead to Brian du Toit.

Tullie's kick is fielded by Will Wilson, the history undergrad.

Pulled down by opposite number Dass. Strang goes deep. A bit of space now

fit David on the far side, and he has gone around Briggs. What a run,

but he is upended, huge tackle coming in by Amesbury. After a David

cut through the defence. He is still struggling over there. Oxford attack

in centre field. He has still got his hands on his knees, did all that

good work only to get completely and utterly upended. Henry Hughes has an

option outside him but doesn't need it, and he is over the 22. Amesbury

again as the last line of defence, but Oxford attacking with real

vigour here. Kieran Ball the loosehead, they are in centre field,

Oxford. The Berker, deep to Alex Hogg. Back to Henry Hughes. Do

Berker looks blind. He is pulled down by the Cambridge skipper. And

it will be a line-out to Oxford, but if you just look at them in attack,

the dark Blues are making things happen, and this is the break from

Ed David, up against Will Briggs. No contest. And here is the tackle that

came in by Amesbury, and it is textbook as well. When Hughes came

through, Amesbury again was the last line of defence, so the professional

has bailed the Light Blues out twice. He has done very well, it

must have been Ed David's dream to look up and see a prop on the wing.

But he halved him, a nice welcome to the Varsity match. If you remember

the game last year, the likes of Hughes and Geiger Stileman, the man

of the match, they were dangerous with the ball in hand, it is a game

we are seeing, that attacking ability. I do think the broken field

situation, you have to favour Oxford more, they look comfortable with the

ball in hand. That was fantastic technique, but I do think it will

suit Oxford, and they are trying to move Cambridge around to create more

for their backs. Wilson takes it, they peel round the corner through

Blomfield, and Oxford looking dangerous. They have a 3-0 lead, but

they are sniffing the first try in the Varsity game for a couple of

years. Kieran Ball, the Lucent. De Berker finds Strang, options short

and wide. Stileman sends it out to David, looking for the corner, good

tackle by Phillips. Ed David sniffed the corner flag, but really well

don't buy Mike Phillips in the Cambridge number 12 jersey as David

looked to the corner flag. Good composure again by Oxford, they are

moving the ball well. Ed David set loose, but it was a wonderful tackle

from Mike Phillips. Pressure on the Cambridge line-out. Look and finds

Tim Bond, nicely done, they find the century of touch that gives Oxford

line-out over on the far side in between the 22 and the ten metre

line. How important is it for Cambridge to

score next and not for Oxford to score the try and open up a bit of a

lead? You just feel that have Oxford could get more points on the board,

it starts to become more of a psychological issue. I know

Cambridge have drafted in the England defence coach, hopefully

they can keep this up. Strang up against Gillies. Oxford starting to

tick here after 20 minutes, the ball slightly slowed up for the Berker. A

little knock-on, frustrating for Oxford, but we spoke about Basil

Strang and his big vote, he was using all of that 6-foot five French

burst through. It is almost like having another back row playing at

fly half, obviously making some good yardage, but the knock-on at the

base year means Cambridge have the opportunity to clear the line. The

first scrum was dominated by Oxford, who won the penalty. Gave Strang a

chance to put Oxford into the lead. So, pressure now again on the

Cambridge set piece. Will Briggs, the experienced former captain.

Andrew Burnett and Jonathan Dixon in the front row with him. Here is

Daniel Dass, lively with the ball in hand. He sets up a platform for his

scrum-half, Tullie. Gillies under pressure, so only finds Matt Geiger,

who looks for the skies, and he has hooked this one up on the full. I

wonder if he should have kept that in hand given what Oxford have done

so far. Excuse the pun, but last time Geiger was an outstanding

counterattack. He is an outstanding broken field runner.

This time the Cambridge line-out does malfunction, a bit of a

collision in midfield, no harm done and smiles all round, but Cambridge

for the first time, there line-out going a bit awry. That was a big

collision involving Brian du Toit for Cambridge. But it will be a

scrum to Oxford. So, de Berker to feed for Oxford,

who after a slow start are making the most of territory and possession

in this 135th Varsity match, first played back in 1872, and again the

Oxford scrum marches forward. Stileman making grand over the ten

metre line, that tax free for Oxford ever dangerous. Nick

Roberts-Huntley, the MBA student, qualified Dr. Another experienced

operator in Henry Hughes. Finds skipper Taylor, but this time,

Cambridge spoil well at the breakdown. Oxford holding on, and

moving back into territory. Excellent work from Du Toit.

Cambridge have nine new Blues, Oxford have many returning. They

don't have the horror story of the last six years to hang over them.

Cambridge now into the Oxford half. I spoke to Daniel Dass before the

game, and he said it was a new team looking to make their own history,

and it almost serves the welter have so many new faces, because we are

not scarred by the memories of the last six years. And Dass has led

very well in the last 20 minutes, play looking to rewrite history

books. 19-year-old Andrew Burnett finds his man, nicely done at the

front of the line-out, and now Cambridge, they can get this going,

which brought them joy lasted, and so far this game they have managed

to really make some ground with their rolling ball. They have

already gone ten metres or so up to the 22. Tullie finds the hook of

Barnett. Wilson over that ball for Oxford, but it is back on the light

side as Blomfield pause forward. That was legal, according to the

referee. Dass now in centre field, loose ball. It will be a scrum to

Cambridge at least. They are playing the advantage.

Advantage over, says the referee. A little space for Phillips, key

kicks, a test of the David. Fairly wisely looks to Basil Strang,

who makes decent metre ridge up the pitch. As you would expect, trying

to get the ball to Strang as often as possible, he has looked

controlled throughout this game. He and de Berker have had a strong

start for Oxford. Cambridge doing well, they are still very much in

this game, only one penalty between the sides. I wonder if the referee,

Tim Wigglesworth, will let the game flow a little because there will be

nervous. The standard is clearly lower than a Premiership game, there

has not been a lot of whistle in this game. Tom Stanley of Cambridge,

they are over the gain line. Gives Dass a chance to tear into midfield.

Gillies looks for the Cambridge winner, it sets up for Davies, and

he is at the try line, was he tackled off the ball by Strang?

There is some Boeing from some sections of the Cambridge fans.

Lovely kick from Gillies, David onto it. Strang came across to save the

day, but I just wonder if he took Davies out without the ball in any

shape or form. I think that is probably OK, Davies didn't claim it.

It is a tight call, but the referee happy that it was knocked on first.

Clever thinking there from Gillies. They don't seem to have the cutting

edge that Oxford have in the backline, especially the back three,

but using the boot the sensible option. And certainly space in the

time this Oxford defence. Good work from Gillies.

Five metres from their own line, their scrum so far has had the

better of Cambridge. They have the march on again, but referee

Wigglesworth said that both front rows popped up simultaneously. If

you are Cambridge here, the last thing you want to do is give away

the penalty and relieve the pressure that has been built. They really

just want another throw to Oxford. So, just the one Basil Strang

penalties so far. Last year it was only 12-6 to the dark Blues, so it

hasn't been high-scoring for a couple of years. It was a hammering

in 2014 when Oxford prevailed 43-6. But they are inevitably quite cagey

affairs, the Varsity match. Referee warbles with wanting the

front rows to behave. He has been a Premiership referee

for almost ten years, so all the tricks of the trade in the front row

he will have seen many times, nothing that these students will be

able to do, you would imagine, to fool referee Tim Wigglesworth.

Free kick to Oxford, that will be a source of annoyance for the

Cambridge management, having built oldest territory, to just give it

away, and that is strong from Will Wilson, wearing number seven last

year, now wearing number eight. He impressed last year. And it is a

penalty to Oxford as Cambridge don't release the ball carrier, so one

free kick, one penalty and Oxford can move out of their own 22.

Disappointing to let the pressure off from Cambridge, particularly

when Basil Strang is kicking very, very well today. Last year 12-6,

this year 3-0 after half an hour. Why so cagey? Will it always be a

tense affair because of the nature of it? Yes, no one wants to make the

mistake leads to scores or tried penalties or positions, so everyone

is so nervous, certainly second half. There will be strong words

from the coaches at the break, which I am sure will calm everyone down.

From a light bloopers but give, I am feeling relaxed that they are still

very much in this game. -- from a light blue perspective.

Basil Strang has a massive boot, and he is Charlie Amesbury have been

playing kick tennis for a large part of the opening half an hour, but

this time Amesbury does run with it. Has he been held up by Oxford? It

looks like he has got it to ground. Looking messy on the far side, but

Tullie finds Du Toit. Now Gillies, will he look for the boot? That is

good flow to Hunter. Lovely hands from the hooker. Davies is tackled

well into touch. Excellent from Henry de Berker. Good hands from the

Cambridge forwards. Hunter and Burnett both prominent forward.

Henry de Berker, Talisman of the side, it looks like he has picked up

an arm injury or a hand injury. He came across to this tackle here,

great covering from the nine, but straightaway you saw the plane, left

arm, left hand. But he is up and about. A few running repairs for

both set of forwards, but it looks like he will be able to continue.

Great off-load from Dass, but Cambridge need to get some

continuity going, as Oxford have in this half. Dass is such a key man.

If he can get those balls out of contact, Cambridge will be in

business. Big day out for the crowd here. We had this during the autumn

internationals, with the Twickenham crowd with their lights. It is

better I suppose later in the evening. Is this a day in the

calendar that as a student has either of these universities, you

circle it and say, that is our day. I suppose it might be the holidays

now. It is a fantastic family occasion, a great occasion for us

old likes to get together and talk about the glory years, so most

enjoyable all-round. Cambridge have stolen the Oxford line-out, and I

don't think Dass was expecting that from scrum-half Tullie, so the

skipper Daniel Dass in his third Varsity. Played for Ulster under

18th and 19th. He knocked that one on, so Oxford will have the scrum.

You feel if Cambridge are not going to break the stranglehold Oxford

have on this pitch, they have to take their opportunities when in

Oxford territory. That is key to the entire performance of Cambridge,

patience has to be critical, and you saw there and unforced error, that

lays writing to Oxford's hands. Eight minutes to the break, Oxford

leading 3-0. This penalty from their fly half bottles trying. And again,

assumption and begins at scrum times, which referee Wigglesworth

will be keen to stamp out. We saw Ollie Phillips pitch side before.

Their head coaches James Schamus and in his second spell at Cambridge,

but the two Varsity games he has presided over both ended up in

defeat as opposed to James Wade, who has played five, won five in the

Oxford corner. The scrum goes to ground again, it is a penalty to

Oxford, they have won a couple at scrum time. The referee seemed to

have just sided that Oxford are getting the nudge on on the scrum,

and any illegalities were Cambridge lead. That will take play up to and

may be passed the halfway line. Is the scrum a problem for

Cambridge? I know nothing about scrummaging, and I'm quite proud of

that. The first couple of scrums, Cambridge seem to be solid, but

there are tactics they are trying to employ, but revelry Wigglesworth is

very experienced in the dark arts of the front row, unlike myself. He

won't allow any foul play. ? Morrison decided that he went to

ground that he was pushed on thereby Cambridge. Cambridge, if it isn't

going their way, it is the line-up, and they will look to the space. He

has let it go over his head, and it might work out well for Oxford. It

will be long enough for a 22. And with six minutes left, who is going

to be the happier coaching team as we head to half-time? The line-outs

are working very well, it is what they do when they get the ball, that

is the key. They kicking has been a little errant in this first half,

you feel they are not really challenging, so whether it should be

more kick chase and towering balls raining down on Matt Geiger and the

back three. Amesbury decided to carry, he could have had a kick

there. Du Toit has been promising in the opening 35mm. Baby Cambridge

could get some numbers appear, and there is Tom Stanley. Good off-load

to Davies. Davies over to Andrew Hunter, bundled into touch by Matt

Geiger, Hunter against Geiger, physical mismatch in terms of

but the definitive Geiger stood up well to the challenge, and that is

good covering by Matt Geiger. Cambridge linking well, the forwards

and backs interchanging nicely. But that was a big tackle on the

full-back from Hunter, and it will be a scrum to Oxford given the

knock-on. Oxford would prefer that, because they are dominating the

scrum time, but losing a few on their own ball in the line-out.

Encouraging signs from Cambridge on the counterattack, keeping the ball

in hand, said they definitely have it in them, it is just that final

pass that is being forced, perhaps field has issued trying to get the

ball back in field rather than add to touchline. Every scrum so far has

needed a reset. This one is no different.

This one splinters to the ground, and Oxford told to use it. Strang

again, didn't quite get all of this one as he tried to clear his lines,

and it sets up for Amesbury. Will he counterattack? He off-load instead.

Cambridge have really grown back into this half after Oxford

dominated the middle part of it. And they would love some points before

the break to chauffeur their territory over the past ten minutes

or so. Really ships it on, but loose, so barely has to tidy up the

hooker, but he docked on in the process. And you heard somebody from

the Oxford camp saying, guys, get up in their faces. Maybe Oxford feel

they are letting Cambridge, them too much of the last part of this first

half. They are, the last passes going astray, and it has impacted

differently. You feel that Cambridge are growing into this game, becoming

a bit more assured, but it is really just that final execution which is

letting them down. Trying to see who is being treated, it is Kieran Ball,

the loosehead prop who has had the better of his opposite number,

Jonathan Dixon. That is Ollie Phillips, former England sevens

captain. Now at Cambridge. I also play 15 aside for the like of Stadt

Francais, so a good man to have in the Cambridge corner. Then we were

working with James Shanahan, the Head Coach, to get the right

messages across. Three minutes left to the break, Kieran Ball back on

his feet and erasure lock horns again with the Cambridge front row.

Strang loops around with de Berker, interception by Mike Phillips! And

Cambridge go under the posts. The first try in the Varsity match for a

couple of years, and it has gone to the light loose and Mike Phillips.

Fantastic stuff from Mike Phillips. But really was telegraphed in terms

of the past. Cambridge, as I said previously, getting a bit more

assured, and that will be a huge boost was before half-time. Mike

Phillips played it well, foot race to the line and he crossed it

without a hand on him. Look at the Cambridge support in the crowd, they

no have significant that is as de Berker looks wide. Phillips

committed, and no one was going to catch Mike Phillips. Under the

sticks, what a moment, scoring at Twickenham. The 20-year-old in his

second varsity, came off the bench last you, but this time he started,

and he has scored, as Gillies tags on the two, and Cambridge rewarded

for their pressure. Oxford 3-7 Cambridge, 90 seconds left of the

half. I think Mike Phillips couldn't believe his luck there, the smile on

his face tells a story, and Cambridge will be absolutely

thrilled to be going into half-time with the lead. Coach James Wade may

be wanting a word with Strang and de Berker to not be running such an

intricate move in their own half. But I suppose you could criticise

the innovation, just the execution as Gillies clears to touch, and

Oxford will have field position now to try to reply to that Phillips

score. As we see the try again, de Berker and Strang, who have combined

well in this half, but the wide ball couldn't find Stileman, Phillips

took the gamble, and how he was rewarded. What a moment for

Phillips, and what a moment in the context of this varsity game, 60

feet in a Rover Cambridge, but they have scored the first try and score

the line-out yet again, and this will probably be half-time if

Cambridge can show their composure. Tullie is under pressure, he manages

to show good strength as we ticked towards half-time. Here is the

experienced veteran of varsity rugby, will breaks. And time is up

in three, two, one. Baby Cambridge will want to keep playing, inspired

by that Phillips try. Back to Gillies, and he will look for

half-time, Fraser Gillies. He chips it out on the full, but it matters

not, half-time. Cambridge started well, Oxford came back strongly, the

penalty from Basil Strang, but a key moment of this first half came with

just a couple of minutes left of the first period, Oxford attacking from

inside their own territory, Mike Phillips intercepting and scooting

under the posts for the try, converted by Fraser Gillies, so at

half-time it is the Light Blues who have lost the last six, but they

lead at the break. Oxford 3-7 Cambridge.

JOHN INVERDALE: A match that proves you don't need tries to provide an

interesting spectacle. This is an interesting game. That will do

wonders for Cambridge's confidence. They try to put pressure on Oxford,

but those passes just not coming up, and it must be hugely frustrating to

budge in all that effort and not come away with something. That

intercept changes the complexion of the game, and now Oxford have to

come out and chase that. When you look at that dry, it is so easy to

apportion blame, but there is also opportunism by the medical student,

just what the doctor ordered! I think what is very good is that the

defensive line has kept pressing, it would be very easy to read it going

and hang back to back to try to wait for it, instead the pressure keeps

coming up, and Mike Phillips is actually earned that try by keeping

on pressing in defence. Ollie Phillips has joined us. You

must have enjoyed this? Yes, it is fantastic. We have tried to put

pressure on the Oxford attack. Mike Phillips getting the reward. Nice to

be in the lead at half-time. To row was saying how frustrated you must

have been. You had a lot of ball but the opportunities were not been

converted. Why was that and what will you do the second half? We have

not been patient enough. We need to keep hold of the ball a little bit

longer. A little bit too anxious at the start. We have an interesting

incident with Simon Davies almost scoring. I'm sure you probably

watched this and thought he was tackled without the ball. Definitely

a yellow card. Do you think it was just one of these things? We were

all screaming yellow card. I think he just knocks it on before he is

tackled. We will give that one to the Dark Blues. I don't think there

was anything terribly emphatic one where of the other. Too big a

decision for the referee. We talked about the influence that a player

with experience can have. Charlie Amesbury playing at full-back, a

professional player for a dozen years. What does he give in terms of

experience around the pitch? With his background playing professional

rugby, it helps enormously. Especially when you come to this

sort of stage, playing at Twickenham in front of 20,000 people. You need

to keep a level head. His workrate in attack and defence has been

outstanding. Some of the hits have been try savers. We felt that one!

The whole crowd felt that. That is what he is therefore. To make

crucial decisions at the right time. He saved us. Basil Strang has been a

key influence. Six foot five at outside-half. He has a massive boot

on him. Could he be a key player? Absolutely. We have to see more

adventure. The tendency is to overplayed. You are gaining 50 yards

with one play rather than maybe going through the phases. Oxford

have some joy putting the past behind, opening the wide channels. A

few times we have seen mismatches. They have to come up with something

more. They are backing their physicality. I think we need to see

a little bit of ambition. It is the nerves. It just plays into your

hands. How much was made about the recent record before the game? A

lot. It gets spoken about. We want to end that run. I would love the

game to be over now. The rivalry is furious. It is a fabulous bit of

amateur rugby history, the fact it has been 135 years. An amazing

landmark in the rugby calendar. It's brilliant to see Oxford and

Cambridge universities going head-to-head. We need to right that

wrong today. We will let you offer some words of wisdom. Thank you very

much. Until that try was scored before the end of the half, we were

debating what the odds were on this match finishing 3-0 just like the

woman's match. It was anything but dull. A single penalty by Catherine

Wilcock after just 13 minutes decided the game. And thereafter it

was an extraordinary display primarily by the Oxford defence.

This player in particular, Sophie Trott, who in attack had very quick

feet and created opportunities. But fundamentally it was an

extraordinary performance that she put in tackling. There she is being

tackled by her opposite number. Look at these hits. And a try saving

score here that probably decide of the match. Bang! And so Katherine

and Sophie are here. Both beaming. I am going to come to you first. When

you get a penalty 13 minutes into the match, you don't imagine for a

moment it will decide the game? Not at all. You want to get the points

on the board. That is all you are thinking about. I can't believe I

scored, to be honest. I will come to the star of the show in a moment. In

terms of the defensive effort your team put in, you must have putting

collectively literally hundreds of tackles? I believe it was around

230. A lot of tackles. In the last ten minutes were you thinking,

somehow or other, you have to find the energy to keep going?

Absolutely. Dig deeper. We had to push ourselves. The girls did that.

I couldn't be prouder. We just showed some of your tackles,

especially the tackle on the line against a player bigger venue. That

takes a lot of God 's? I just knew I had to do it. The whole team was

behind me. I just knew I had to make that. And I did. Is it right that

you only began playing the game about four or five weeks before last

year's match? Yes. Inexperienced. Definitely better this year. You are

obviously a hell of an athlete. What sports did you play before rugby?

Mainly netball, hockey, volleyball. Everything. A PE teacher at school

mention that might be good at rugby. I found out she was a fly-half for

the Blues. I e-mailed her. I haven't looked back since. Talk about the

influence of your coach? He is amazing. We couldn't do it without

him. He has turned us around from last year. He has faith in every

single player. He develops individuals one-on-one. Just been

talking to Ollie Phillips about the fact Cambridge have lost six in a

row. Having lost 52-0 last year, was that almost a subject nobody dared

mention? I think it was a major spur. We know we have built our team

now. We focused on the match. We got through in the end. You were so

happy in the end. We can see the smile on your face radiating around

Twickenham. Did you expect to win today I was at a victory against the

odds? I didn't think it was against the odds. We knew we could beat

them. We had to put it on the table and perform and we did. And how much

of your influence do you think your boys need now? This game is poised

on a knife edge macro will stop it is. It is very tense. I have every

faith in them. How much does the fun have tonight depend on this game? A

double dark blue victory would be incredible and it will definitely

impact our might add. Many congratulations. You are a history

student and you made history today. You will never forget that. Well

done. The next rugby we have for you on BBC television, we have to get

Christmas out of the way first and then the New Year, and before you

know it of rugby nations macro. Scotland play Ireland on the 4th of

February. -- Six Nations. Mention of Christmas brings us to an indelible

part of the Christmas calendar. BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

There is also a programme on BBC Radio five Live that evening which

runs after the television programme, which all the guests -- were all the

guests popping for a chat. We are going to Sara Orchard. No, we are

not. I will keep talking to Tyrone. In terms of a match as tight as

this, nobody wants to be the person who makes the mistake that decides

the game as may have already happened. How do you weigh the

balance between being adventurous and seizing the moment and playing

conservatively? I think inevitably when you start this game, unless

something catastrophic happens in the early quarter, you sort of easy

way into it. Everybody is too nervous to do something. Sometimes

it takes a score to force a team to react. It is now down to Oxford to

produce something. That is why the Cambridge try is so important. It

will boost their confidence. I think we are saying, OK Oxford, we have

scored more points than we have in the last couple of years. Cambridge

have only scored six points in the last two games. If Cambridge can

score again, there is a gap and Oxford have to come up with

something. We normally talk about potential game breakers. We have not

seen anybody who could change it. Somebody will make a headline.

Sara Orchard is down in the tunnel. We have with us former England fly

half, Rob Andrew. How did you feel when Mike Phillips run-in that try?

It was great. We were outplayed for most of the first hour. Hopefully we

can win the main match. How impressed I you with that boot from

the Oxford fly-half, Basil Strang? He is a big lad for a ten. They are

getting bigger. He is a good player. Oxford do look probably the most

dangerous. We have two hang on in there. Thank you for your time. Back

to the commentary team. The 135th Varsity Match is in the

balance. Cambridge have not won this historic Victor since 2009. --

fixture. They have scored their first try in the Varsity since 2013.

The Light Blues lead by 7-3. Andrew Hunter takes in the restart from

Basil Strang. His big right boot. A line-out to the Dark Blues. Let's

CF there have been any changes. There has been a change. Andrew

Burnett is on for a Cambridge. -- is off. Simon Hugkulstone is on in his

place. Oxford have a penalty as Cambridge

failed to use their arms in the tackle. And Strang will no doubt

look to get this as close to the Cambridge line as possible. Or Mikey

may be going for goal. He is. Not surprising. He has got one from two.

He has certainly got the capacity and length. Oxford will be desperate

to be the first team on the scoreboard. They gifted Cambridge

seven points. Strang missed his first shot at goal. A regulation

one. He nailed his second. This one is at least 40 metres. It is to the

right. This would be some kick. The direction is good. The direction and

the distance spot on. That is a magnificent kick. That was wide out,

far out and he has split the post. That was an outstanding kick. What a

way for Oxford to start the second half. Just what Oxford needed after

that late try in the first half from Cambridge. Strang's second penalty.

That was a kick to grace Twickenham on a Six Nations day. De Berker will

look for the forwards to set up a platform. Hull Kingston is on

perhaps earlier than he would have anticipated. -- Simon Hugkulstone.

Oxford claim it through Tom Stileman. A chance for Oxford.

Numbers to the right. Good ball for de Berker. Huge kick from Strang.

Gillies doesn't have the same distance on his line kicking but he

does look for touch and he finds a solid one. Oxford line-out. Good

work from Gillies. Well read. He obviously realised that Strang will

be trying to pin them back. Some strong defence from Hunter in the

previous play. The game is really finely balanced. That is James Wade

and the Oxford coaching team. Wade has been in charge since 2011.

Played five, won five in the Varsity. Previously high performance

manager at Wasps and the academy manager at Sale Sharks. Cambridge

have spoiled the line-out. That is three or four they have managed to

turn over. Now they said it up through their ever involved skipper,

Daniel Dass. That has worked out well for a Cambridge. -- for

Cambridge. Oxford working the short side.

Another change for Oxford. Tom Kershaw is on for de Berker, who

took a few knocks in the first-half. Both sides making changes. Penalty

to Cambridge. Oxford holding on. And look at the body language from the

Light Blues. They know they are in with a chance of ending that long

and miserable run in the Varsity Match. It is definitely a feature of

the modern game that players, from all angles and whoop and holler. It

is great see. Collective ambition on both sides. Cambridge have a crucial

turnover. They are in a good attacking frame at the moment. As

Ollie Phillips was saying, if they can keep that last pass and not try

to force it, they are well placed. Kershaw on for de Berker is an

injury replacement, given de Berker's leadership role in this

team. His third Varsity game. Cambridge claimed the line-out. They

have got the penalty advantage as well. This is where they have been

dominant a couple of years in a row. There is the penalty. A shrill blast

by the referee. Oxford broke their bind to come through the middle of

the wall. This is surely a chance for Fraser Gillies to edge Cambridge

back into a four point lead? Just what Cambridge needed, Damian, after

that outstanding Strang kick. Yeah, again, good continuity, good patient

build-up. A great opportunity now for Fraser Gillies. He and Charlie

Amesbury combining well in the crossfield kicks. I'm sure we will

see that more from Cambridge. The news from the touchline is that

Kershaw for de Berker is tactical. A surprising move. That is nicely

struck. Drills it through. Fraser Gillies on the money. Ollie Phillips

rouses the troops as Cambridge move into a four point lead. 10-6. Plenty

of twists and turns to come. Great to have the likes of Ollie Phillips

involved. He brings that experience. A hugely positive individual. I am

sure he will be encouraging the boys throughout.

The set piece battle has been interesting. Oxford have dominated

the scrum, Cambridge have dominated the line-out and the rolling mauls.

Both sides will look to remedy what has gone wrong. The Cambridge back

row has done incredibly well about the line-out. Oxford giving away

some height in the line-out. Oxford make some yardage. But

Cambridge have stripped it. They have turned the ball over. Will they

look to move this? Amesbury was wrapped up but high. Maybe there

were so desperate to shut Amesbury down because they know the threat he

provides. Strangle his technique wrong. Excellent work again from Tom

Stanley. He has had Super Rugby experience with the Hurricanes in

New Zealand. He has impressed me. He has grafted hard. This is where that

Cambridge maul will look to wear into life. And grind through the

gears. The replacement hooker finds his man. I'm sure they will maul,

Cambridge. They have a good foundation. Jonny Dixon was in the

middle of that one. He is, is the cry from the Cambridge supporters.

They are running a bit out of room. Dicing with the touchline. Tullie

comes away. He is just about wrapped up by Roberts-Huntley. A potential

is -- try saving tackle. Half an hour remaining. They are ten minutes

out. Looking for their second score. Amesbury with space. A big shut --

shot. Numbers to the left for Cambridge. They go left. Confidence

coursing through the Cambridge side. The flowing locks of the Northern

Irishman. Oxford have to stay firm. Another Cambridge try could be

decisive in this Varsity. Gillies wrapped up 12 metres from the line.

Joe Morris went down. Good tidying up work from the Oxford tight head

prop. The hefty boot of Basil Strang's takes play outside the 22.

Cambridge looking dangerous. They are. It may be a question of just

keeping the ball in hand. Cambridge looked very comfortable on the ball.

They should keep hammering away at Oxford, keep building the pressure

and hope the gaps appear. Now we will see whether those six defeats

in succession have a mental impact on Cambridge. They have the lead,

they have the ascendancy. They can't claim that on # At the line-out.

But they have an advantage. It is a penalty. Taken out indy air, the

Cambridge jumper. Will Wilson the guilty party. Surely Fraser Gillies

will look for the three points? He has got to go for goal. Absolutely.

Every point is so important particularly when this hoodoo of a

six-year losing streak is hanging over you like a guillotine. It is

important Cambridge come away from the Oxford have with points. A great

opportunity for Fraser Gillies to do that. Daniel Dass, the Oxford

captain, in conversation with the referee. Bass will have to use all

of his leadership abilities to steer Cambridge home. -- Dass. Fraser

Gillies has kicked it. A fine kick under pressure from Fraser Gillies.

And Cambridge have their healthiest lead of this 135th Varsity Match.

13-6. A change in the Oxford front row. Ed Hart coming off. Will

Thornton is on. Changes being made by both coaches. The use of the

squad and the strength in depth is so important. Cambridge with a

converted try separating the teams. They have to keep their confidence

and keep playing. And they are playing. Hogg took Amesbury to the

ground. You can see Cambridge visibly growing in confidence. They

lead at Twickenham. Gillies has looked very composed will stop his

kick finds Matt Geiger. He sees a little bit of space. Nicely

weighted. Cleverly done by Henry King to Gillies.

Strang caught Amesbury. It is breaking up a little bit at

Twickenham in the Varsity. Tom Kershaw steps inside from the

touchline. He finds last year's man of the match, Tom Stileman.

Cambridge implored to leave the ball alone by the referee. They obliged.

Strang looking to get involved. Phillips was almost on to it again.

Shades of the first half when his interception led to a try. Hughes

finds a gap. Geiger for the corner. Great defence coming across by a

combination of Gillies and Amesbury. Henry Hughes had so much Twickenham

turf to gallop into. It couldn't quite commit Gillies entirely. Great

covering by Gillies and Amesbury. Clever work from Henry Hughes down

the short side. That covering work from Amesbury and Gillies,

outstanding. Outstanding. At the other and it looked like Mike

Phillips might be going for a second interception. This game is opening

up. A fantastic spectacle. What could Oxford have done differently

there? Hughes could possibly have gone himself and trying to -- try to

off-load out of the tackle. The touchline was the ultimate defender.

It was easy for Amesbury and Gillies to track across. And put Matt Geiger

into touch. It really has opened up in this second half. We have seen

line breaks and the ball being thrown around that little bit more.

Cambridge will tighten and tense up. 25 minutes left. They have the lead.

Nicely done by Tim Bond in the Cambridge second row. Six foot

seven. He used every centimetre to win the ball. Very solid kick from

Cambridge and their scrum-half. Outstanding. He was only a few

metres from his online. Excellent drill. Tim Bond has been towering in

the second row. Such a small space to work on. But Tullie putting

Cambridge to the ten yard line. A welcome relief for his forwards. A

bit of pressure on Will Thornton. He was an unused substitute last year.

Oxford just about claim the line-out. Strang may look to take on

more responsibility as this game enters its crucial phase. A big hit.

Daniel Dass on his counterpart. George Blomfield, MBA student. Alex

Hogg has had the ball more in the second half.

Oxford go through the phases. Geiger came in from full-back. Massive hit

by Brian Du Toit. Look how quickly Daniel Dass is off the line. The

referee happy years on-site. Perfectly done by the Cambridge

captain. Strang forced to kick. Amesbury was extremely well

positioned. He belted down the field. Tired bodies out there. We

move towards the final 12 minutes of the Varsity. Wilson, the Oxford

number eight. Good hands by the captain, Fergus Taylor. Geiger had a

try scoring opportunity for the second year running but wasn't able

to take it. Good play from the openside by Blomfield. Good quick

ball as well. Wilson with a wide ball. The Chancellor David to

stretch his legs. -- a chance for David. Cambridge were off their

feet. They didn't leave the ball alone. A penalty to Oxford. Strang

can't kick this one, can he?! Surely this is too far out, even for him.

It has been a very, very entertaining second half. Both sides

absolutely exhausted. It has been end to end. Great to watch for this

game and for the crowd. As a former light blue, how much

anticipation do feel with 20 minutes left, that the Light Blues can

finally beat Oxford? As we have seen throughout the recent Autumn

International series, 20 minutes is a long time in rugby, so it is about

keeping their composure and trying to interrupt set pieces. Oxford set

up a platform through Hughes in centre field for shop flat ball from

Strang over to Geiger. They may have spoiled that one, they slowed it up,

they turned it over, but illegally so. Cambridge playing it on the

floor, and if Strang doesn't take this on on the angle, he will nudge

it into the corner and give Oxford a fantastic platform to eat into this

lead. Du Toit and gas have been exceptional this year, but it is a

situation where it would be the right thing to do. Cambridge have

conceded nine penalties now, and that tally will only go up as the

game gets towards its final penalties. Another change for

Cambridge. Lola Riera Bob Bryan -- Erogbogbo is coming on. The

advantage is still with Oxford. Gillies came through with a try

saving tackle. Oxford round the corner with Thornton, advantage

still being played by the referee, they just need to show their

composure. They can walk this in, yes they will. And Oxford score, and

with the conversion to come, Oxford may be able to level up this varsity

match. It is Henry Hughes' fifth varsity, and that was really nicely

done by Oxford. Their forwards made the initial dents, and then they

just use their hands, and after that they used quick hands down the short

side. Great build-up from Oxford, great communication to talk his pack

around him, and then some very slick hands here just take and give, rugby

at its simple best, and Henry Hughes, a well-deserved score, and

this game right back in the balance. Henry Hughes fifth varsity fish use,

he played on the wing last year, but in an outside place this year. All I

is an Basil Strang, this to level up at 13 all. He makes no mistake and

it is all Square, Oxford 13, Cambridge 13, and how decisive could

that try be in the final reckoning. Will Cambridge try to tighten things

up, will they continue playing as they have done, it is those

penalties and field was issuance that are allowing the light lose

right back into this game, and they are taking their opportunities

extremely well. Daniel Dass, the Cambridge skipper,

has gone off. He is replaced by the experienced Athol you. 13-13, into

the final quarter. -- Richard Bartholomew. He really is having an

outstanding game, and for any forwards to look up and see them

advancing to the halfway line, it is a wonderful uplift. We mentioned la

Ray Lare Erogbogbo, and he comes out as well to join his brother.

Cambridge again comes out. Basil Strang has been at the heart

of everything Oxford have done. And it is a penalty, Gillies has a

chance to put Cambridge back ahead. It is the opportunity to clear your

lines and move the ball out of your own half, because there is such

pressure now on these sides, they kick chase incredibly well, getting

the turnover for the Light Blues. Richard Bartholomew as well as to

tour it in there, all over Basil Strang, and here is Strang's

opposite man, it is Gillies who has been the model of efficiency from

the tee. Fraser Gillies, his third varsity, had a season at racing 92

as a youngster. And up he steps, and he has missed it. He has pulled it

to the left, snatched at it a little bit, and he knows what a chance has

been passed up. And we stay level. Just a snatch at that ball as it

goes across the face of the posts. Classic commentators curse, just

talking about how well Gillies has kicked so far today, but that for

those superb opportunity. Lare Erogbogbo upended by some big hits

from Oxford. Will Cambridge look to disrupt it? Gillies will surely look

to clear his lines, and he does just that, finds opposite number Strang.

13 points all. Geiger sees a bit of space, straight down the throat

against brick, what can he do? -- of Amesbury. Tullie attempted to kick,

but doesn't. There are few options for Cambridge. Wide to Stanley, but

his past doesn't find Simon Davies, who came infield. Cambridge have an

advantage. Gillies finds Lola Erogbogbo. Space down the Oxford

left-wing, which Tullie sees, but Strang, as he has been all day,

well-positioned, this time he calls the mark. It seems he is struggling

a little with his calf muscle at the moment, Strang, but he has been so

important to Oxford throughout this game.

A big kick from Strang, and it will be a line-out Cambridge, so it was

only a free kick. Line-out to Cambridge on their own ten metre

line. Gillies with the boot again, looking

for territory. Strang under pressure from Lare Erogbogbo, shows his

strength. Kershaw, and now here is Kiernan is of the Oxford bench. 13

all in the varsity, the next score could be crucial as Oxford attack on

the fringes through Bromfield. Kershaw looks to the short side,

where he finds the ever industrious Fergus Taylor, the Oxford captain.

Thornton, the hooker, sets it up. It looks like Strang has maybe moved

into the Id field. He is isolated again, and for the second time,

Basil Strang guilty of holding on, and here is struggling with a little

bit of an injury, perhaps, Strang, who limps back towards his own 22,

and after missing a few moments ago, Gillies has another chance. Tom

Stanley was all over that ball, and they just couldn't shift Tom

Stanley, Oxford, and he has won the penalty, and Gillies can put

Cambridge back ahead. Makes no mistake this time, Fraser

Gillies. That is good mental strength from the Cambridge ten, and

as we near the final ten minutes at Twickenham, Oxford 13, Cambridge 16

again, it was the back row of Cambridge setting that up, excellent

defence, and then du Toit causing the turnover, getting the penalty,

and Fraser Gillies making no mistake.

Basil Strang was the man caught in possession. He is still not looking

like he is moving totally freely. Perhaps his experience, his big

white boot will be valuable even if he has not quite been 100%, he has

been so influential today. And now Oxford need a response.

They will to secure their line-out ball as Thornton prepares to throw.

His replacement, Conor Kearns, caught in possession. Kershaw to the

left. He finds Taylor, the captain. Cambridge quick off the line, Will

Wilson pumps those legs, but again, Cambridge are working hard on the

floor to slow the ball down. WHISTLE

It is a penalty, and they go quickly, Stileman goes quickly off

his wing, Oxford putting a little bit of pace on the ball through Tom

Stileman, can they get quick ball? Advantage... It is a penalty.

Cambridge not rolling away, and what an intervention from Tom Stileman,

the Oxford wing. Last year's man of the match injecting pace and energy

into the game, excellent work from the Oxford number 11, seizing

advantage, putting Cambridge back. It is quick thinking like that going

into this final ten minutes that will have a huge difference in terms

of the game, the experience he has in terms of playing previous varsity

matches. It ensures Oxford now have a great opportunity to tie the

scores. 20,000 here at Twickenham fixated on Basil Strang, the Oxford

fly half. This is to level up the varsity at 16-16. Up he steps, he

has pushed it to the right. And perhaps the nerves of the occasion

getting to both kickers, we saw Gillies miss one a few moments ago.

This time Strang. And Cambridge's narrow 3-point advantage remains

intact. David and the restart, well shackled

by Lola Erogbogbo. Kershaw, Taylor again carrying a lot of ball

recently, Fergus Taylor. Conor Kearns wide. Not quite now or never

for Oxford, but only eight minutes to go. Have Cambridge held that up?

Yes, says the referee. This will be a Cambridge putting, and there we

are, good defence from the Light Blues and they have the putting.

Excellent work from Will Thornton. His team-mates know how important

that was. Will Wilson, who has had a very

strong game again for Oxford, Thornton got himself into a very

strong position. Cambridge have the putting. Now the change, James Blake

-- James Brophy Bartholomew away, good hands on the

short side, and a chance for Simon Davies took gallop into space, and

he is always up to the 22. Stanley almost up to the 22, the Kiwi.

Gillies looks across field, what a ball! Infield to Triniman,

outstanding tackle, but I think he has got there, and Rory Triniman may

have scored the try to steal the varsity for the Light Blues, we will

check with the television match official, but the ball inside found

Triniman, he may well have got there. A nervous wait for the Light

Blues, but great vision from Fraser Gillies. Here he is, Rory Triniman,

I wonder whether he could have got the ball away, but we will see

whether he managed to get down for a try. It was Strang who came across,

it is all on this. It looks good. Looks great. So

speaks the former Cambridge University student. It looks like he

has got the requisite pressure. REFEREE: It is the grounding I am

bothered about. The referee says it is all momentum,

sliding on the greasy turf. REFEREE: It is probably the one from

the far corner. Tim Audel is what wants another look

at it. WHISTLE

Try given! Rory Triniman with arguably the biggest moment of his

rugby career. It needed to be checked by the television match

official, but the pressure was there from Triniman, and Cambridge, surely

now they cannot be caught. Oxford will have to score twice in the

final six minutes. It was great build-up, follow Amesbury, Davies.

This was a beautifully weighted kick from Gillies, Erogbogbo back inside,

and Rory Triniman, twist and site. It is a classy try, a lot of

components had to come together. And has Gillies nailed it from the

touchline? Watto second-half Fraser Gillies has had for Cambridge! He

has kicked his goals, set up a try, and Cambridge have a ten point lead,

and those years of herds dating back to 2009, are they about to be over?

Oxford 13-23 Cambridge. And Damian, can you see Oxford scoring twice in

these final for five minutes? We have seen some cracking matches with

late flurries over the last few years, so I am not counting any

chickens at the moment. It has to happen now for Oxford. Cambridge

23-13 up, and good value for it. They have been clinical and composed

as Oxford attack to the right. But look at the pace off the line from

Bartholomew. Cambridge will know they are on the brink here.

George Blomfield, who has tried his best in the second half, so, too,

has captain Taylor, he has carried plenty of ball, the Oxford skipper,

but it probably will be a losing cause unless they can strike

straightaway. And David scores! And Oxford are back in it. What a game

of rugby, great composure from Oxford keeping the ball alive. Ed

David, who has worked very hard all day, excellent hands. And a great

one-two with Roberts-Huntley, who has impressed today. David with

another five points for Oxford. Sometimes the quality of the varsity

leaves a bit to be desired, but these are high-class tries to be

scored. Beautiful finish from the winner. And can Strang add the

extras from the left that? Up steps Basil Strang, sends it towards the

post, all eyes on the flags, but they stay down. So Oxford will have

to score another try with just under three minutes left. How I nerves,

Damian? I could do with a drink and a lie down! Richard Bartholomew has

come on to replace Daniel Dass, and he has is one of the only players

who has won a varsity match previously. They will have to keep

composure now. Try scorer David runs it out of defence as Marsden comes

on the Henry Hughes. So all of the replacements used by Oxford. Two

minutes left at Twickenham, five point minute, and Oxford will have

to go from deep. Strang, wide now to full-back Geiger. The referee was

happy with that. Strang again. Oxford keeping it in the hand, they

are not risking kicking the ball away. It looks like they will have

to come from 80 or 90 metres. Strang to captain Taylor, over the 22, but

the wrong 22, for The Dark Blues. Strang again, Blomfield very

involved in the second half, the Australian. And it looks like

Cambridge may have been able to turn this ball over! They have! It is

back on the Cambridge side, and that could be that. Brian du Toit has

been named man of the match. Penalty to Oxford, though. As Cambridge were

holding on. And there is still life left in the varsity, and Brian du

Toit is getting to his feet. He has been named the man of the match.

Will it be in a winning cause at the moment? It looks like it will be

unless Oxford can with the last play of this varsity score a try to level

the cause. Cambridge have to be composed and tight in defence.

Oxford have to come up with something with 20 seconds left of

normal time. Cambridge have been working extremely well in the

line-out throughout the game, and they will be looking to seal this

one in what will be a famous day for the University. Thornton then to

throw. The clock is almost dead. Can he find his man? He can. Oxford's

last throw of the dice in the varsity, what a tackle that was, it

looked like Phillips, and it was, the first try scorer. Mike Phillips

starting and finishing the game well. Oxford again over the halfway

line, but they are out of time. They have got to score off this play,

wide ball. Was the referee happy with that pass? He was. Thornton,

but the next time the ball goes dead, Cambridge will win unless

Oxford can score. The tackle coming in by Hugkulstone, he has made an

impression of the bench, the Cambridge Raqqa. Wide ball from

Conor Kearns, Wilson over the halfway line. He is on the floor,

surely. The first offence was a knock-on by Oxford, and that is it!

And for the first time since 2009, Cambridge have won the varsity

match. Years of hurt, six straight defeats, and look what it means to

the Light Blues. They have come to Twickenham, and against the odds,

they have beaten Oxford by 23 points to 18. And the celebrations for

Cambridge will go long, long into the evening. Oxford, desolation.

Cambridge, sheer joy. That is the nature of the varsity match. And

Oxford were a link which their grip on the varsity match crown to

Cambridge. Oxford 18-23 Cambridge. JOHN INVERDALE: Tremendous scenes as

you would expect at the end of the match. 135 occasions, this match has

been played, that was a long run of defeats Cambridge, but it has come

to an end today in hugely entertaining second-half. The

quality of the game, there was some good tries Gord. It was drama with a

D, and quality with a Q. A terrific second-half performance from

Cambridge, they absolutely deserved the win. Was their confidence good

enough and robust enough to season through? They did benefit from

having not that many returning Blues, there were not that many

players who went through the previous experiences of former

years, and they saw them across the line with a quality try. We do talk

about this every year, but you can see from the reactions on the final

whistle in terms of elation and despair how much this match means to

all of the players involved on both sides. It is the unique quality of

the varsity match, the only barometer of your season is this

result. It is absolutely victory or desolation, and unfortunately for

Oxford, this is the team that has lost that run of the Cambridge. We

said, will it happen this year, next you, but this is the team that

stopped it. The presentations will take a moment or so, and hopefully

we will talk to the man of the match. Without accentuated the

negative, Basil Strang, so influential, was clearly carrying an

injury in the second half, he missed a very straightforward kick, and we

will talk about Strang in just a moment so, but we do have the man of

the match now. I am joined by Brian du Toit, man of

the match, but most importantly, Cambridge, you have ended a loss of

six from six. What does it mean for you? It is huge. We put such

emphasis on not worrying about the previous six games, we knew we had a

tight-knit group of boys, we wanted to do it for each other and the

people who have worn the Jersey previously. Such big history, such

an incredible institution, we all want to do it for them and our fans,

it is amazing. How nerve wracking were those last few moments when

Oxford went over for that try? To be honest, I think we probably

shouldn't have let that off, it was a soft try. I think mentally we

probably switched off a second, and the fact that they scored helped us

get back into gear, and those last three minutes, I didn't even think

it was nervous, I just thought everyone wanted it so bad that we

were all willing to get up off the ground when we had nothing left in

the tank. You wanted to do it for your brothers, your team-mates, your

family. One of your brothers out there is Will Grigg is who has been

on the end of a few losses in his time, he has finally got a win on

the fifth time of asking. What does it mean when he could turn out

someone like him and finally him victory? He has been like a father

figure to myself and a few of the other boys in the team. He has

really helped bring everyone in and if there is anyone who epitomises

Cambridge rugby, it is Batman, and I'm glad we could go out and do it

for him and all other boys. . You have been awarded the medal for the

man of the match in the varsity. Thank you very much.

Alastair signal a former BBC correspondent of hours. Brian Du

Toit is studying technology policy at Cambridge University. I am none

the wiser. Damian Hockney has joined me. I'm sure you will say it is good

for the game because an endless run of one side winning it is not good

in terms of promoting the game as a spectacle. Definitely. Thrilled from

Cambridge. It was a fantastic game of rugby. The second half really

opened up. There were some good skills. The Cambridge players made

up. I think we can hear from Will Grigg is. We will hear from him in a

moment. He will be the happiest man. Having lost five in a row. That

would have been a place in the history books you suspect nobody

would ever have eclipsed. If I can see coming true front row forward

style, he is walking in a purposeful but not very quick speed towards us.

I can see his grain from 50 yards away. In terms of Cambridge,

deserved victors in the end? Two outstanding tries. Especially the

decisive try, which was fantastic. They took their tries well. There

were very composed and very impressive. Here is the man who was

eyeing a place in the history books he didn't want. And now you have

finally won. Thank you very much. The boys have been brilliant. I am

sure people were ribbing you a bit in advance saying, if you lose today

you will be in the record books for evermore. The team played so well.

You are in control in the last 20 minutes? We felt in control. Oxford

are a great side and they made us work hard. We were well prepared.

The boys stuck together. It is fantastic to win. As someone who has

played in this match so often, what does it mean in the context of your

life at Cambridge? I would be lying if I said I didn't hang around

Cambridge a little longer to play a few more games in the Varsity Match

and to get a win. It is a big chunk of my life. The boys know what it

means. It is probably hard for the viewers to understand. It is massive

for May. What will you do with yourself in the future? That is a

good question. I don't know! Watching and supporting. The boys

will have few beers tonight and celebrate. Many congratulations. I'm

sure there have been occasions when you have laid awake at night

thinking, I have got to win it. Now you finally have. Well done. Thank

you very much. For every winner, a loser. Sara Orchard has the Oxford

captain. No, she doesn't. Will, many congratulations. In terms of the

action that we have just seen. I mentioned that decisive score. We

have to get the TMO inaction. In terms of the quality of finish, as a

wing and three quarters yourself, this was a great way to get the ball

on the line? Yeah, he did really well. The crossfield kick was

outstanding. The kicking was good for Cambridge all day. The spin and

to have the awareness of where the line was. I was trying not to jump

out of macro of my seat. There was a huge amount of seed -- skill

involved. It was the best passage of play Cambridge had. They got across

the gain line, recycled, pinpoint accuracy with the kick. You could

see what was going on with his -- in his head. He thought he was so close

he would twist around. Great skill and composure. Cambridge played with

conviction in that second half. You could see the desperation. They

wanted to get a victory. It was a terrific score and a terrific

finish. Maybe it was apt that that got them across the finishing line.

We can hear from the Oxford captain. Fergus Taylor, commiserations. It

could not go on forever? I guess it couldn't. I know it is a cliche but

we really did give everything. We prepared really well. We were tight

as a squad. We had the opportunities to win and we didn't take them in

the first-half. What was the difference between yourselves and

Cambridge today? You were still in it until the final whistle. We came

out firing in the first 20 minutes. We should have scored a couple of

tries. Didn't take the opportunities. Tauqir our foot off

the pedal. We didn't turn it on until the last 20 minutes, to lead.

How will you take this forward into the next Varsity. --? There have

been so many positives from this season. Even though we didn't get a

result, we have happy memories. Thank you. Ms orations. Well done

free reference. Thank you. The Oxford players applauding. It is a

good point that Damien made. In terms of the quality of the match. A

lot of interesting games have been played on this bitch in the last

month. There were odd moments between two top sides that would not

have disgraced the internationals we saw the last month? You so quick

cans for the Oxford try, accuracy for the Cambridge tries, you saw

ambition and a lot of perspiration. What is very heartening for this

fixture is that it was talent and skill that actually made the

difference rather than simply the perspiration. Cambridge had nine new

Blues this year. I am sure that helped enormously. The way they grew

into the game, certainly in the second half, keeping the ball alive,

made a huge difference. This is a wonderful moment. That is the moment

of triumph for the Light Blues over the Dark Blues. And somebody in

their, this is a moment he will never forget, is Charlie Amesbury,

who has played professional rugby for 12 years, Harlequins, Newcastle

am currently at Bristol. And for all the Whee Kim, week out grind of

being a rugby player, this will be different but utterly memorable? He

has loved every minute of being involved. To have this post-World

Cup last year was tremendous frame. The players Association is about

trying to encourage players to have different interests. To see Charlie

do this is a fantastic example of moving into a different rugby

environment and benefiting. Third member of the family to play in the

Varsity Match. A great day for their family. This is his contribution to

the game. It was not about big tackles only, it was about how he

marshalled the back three and how the back division played. When you

come in with a reputation and everybody expects so much, he did

have a big impact on the game. The experience he showed at the back. He

got Cambridge on the front foot through his kicking game. He

followed up very well. He made big important tackles. It was that

solidity at the back that give them a good solid foundation.

And here he is. You are on a two month sabbatical from Bristol. It is

going well, isn't it? It has had a sweet ending. Oxford put up a hell

of a challenge. It was down to the wire. Luckily we came away with a

win. Happy days. How hard is it for you to come into a squad almost

halfway through the season? It has been easy. They are a great bunch of

guys. The tightness at Cambridge, they have helped me come in and make

me feel one of their own. It has been easy. Jamie Roberts couldn't

get Cambridge over the line last season. Do you feel you have done

something for the professionals? I am an amateur player at the moment.

I was at the back defending. The guys ahead of me scored the tries. I

just did my bit at the back. You are being incredibly modest. You made

some incredible meters and incredible tackles. Are you sharing

everything you have learned? Yes. Sorry, I'm going to have to get

involved, is that OK? Go and join them.

That is a moment he doesn't want to miss in his illustrious rugby

career. Damien, good to have you here today. You mentioned in your

capacity with the players union. You must have had a pretty busy week. We

didn't see any injuries this week but the George North injury

situation, I am sure people watching, huge controversy and

debate of what happened to him last weekend with the head injury and the

medical protocol that goes with it. From the union pilot -- union pots

perspective, what needs to be learned? The first thing that George

is OK. His health and welfare is the most important thing. You find

yourself caught back in the middle of this storm. They are all sorts of

comments coming from viewers. Everybody is a qualified doctor.

George is OK. He is not showing any symptoms. From our point of view as

a game we have invested a lot of time into awareness education. All

of the players have mandate E! Online concussion training. The

question is around process. We have two trust that process. We have to

see what comes from that. If there is a flaw in the process that needs

to be looked at and addressed immediately. Tyrone, in your

capacity as a schoolteacher, what impact does the whole debate about

concussion and head injuries have a schoolboy level in terms of

involvement, in terms of parents actually watching things like this?

I'm very happy to say that protocols are very strictly adhered to. If

there is any suggestion whatsoever of a head injury, the person leaves

the pitch. They will be accompanied to the stand. There will be

accompanied to medical care, whether by teacher or parents. They will

have a gradual return to rugby. There will only take part in running

until they are assigned off by the medics. The process is clear, the

protocols are clear and we have to go through very established routines

at the start of the season to make sure that we are aware of what is

expected of us in terms of responsible adults. But it is scary

from a parents' point of view. I always think it is worth watching.

-- worse. The boys are getting bigger, they are doing more in

strength and conditioning. The impacts are increasing. There is an

inherent risk. Certainly schools are being responsible. They are taking

the best care they can. The Varsity Match alive and kicking? A fantastic

day for rugby. Both teams went at each other brilliantly. For me, this

is a unique day in the year. Long may it continue. If you ask these

guys when they return in 20, 30 years, they will say this was the

highlight of their sporting careers. It will be interesting asking

Charlie Amesbury the same question. This will stand out for him as a

true highlight. Great to see you both. We will be with you for more

live rugby at Murrayfield on February the 4th for Scotland

against Ireland. And given the events in recent weeks, the Six

Nations promises to be a fantastic event. France must beat the All

Blacks. As Twilight descends on Twickenham this evening, it actually

has, for the first time in seven years, a light blue tinge.

Goodbye. I went on television in

the January of 1975. Welcome to Comic Relief!

CHEERING