A great result of 4 for Cambridge and 5 for Oxford considering the number of relatively inexperienced fighters.  The score was also impressive when compared to previous years: CUKBS have come a long way since the first time they fought Oxford in 2007.

The Varsity 2009 Team

All of the 9 fighters (see picture above) demonstrated good round technical skills and fitness preparation, managing their energy well till the end of each fight. While Oxford based their strategy on sheer power and very basic techniques all Cambridge competitors, including some experiencing their first time in the ring, showed competent skill, well paced attacking and defending strategies and a good repertoire of strikes.

The show took place in the picturesque Cambridge Union Society, surrounded by a noisy crowd of supporters.  It started with a demo fight between Andrew Gilham representing CARISMA and Robin Turner representing Anglia Ruskin University Kickboxing Club, although also a CARISMA member himself.  Both Andrew and Robin performed well and finished in a draw.

The Varsity fights were:

Chris Webb v James Richardson: Chris winner
Josh Jenkins v Jack Ceadel: Jack winner
Veronika Kantorovich v Cicely Marshall: Veronica winner
Heidi Holmes v Alison Evans: Alison winner

Rupert Goodway v Naoya Koda: Rupert winner
James Waddell v Zac Etheridge: Zac winner
Peter Stovall v Borna Guevel: Borna winner
Sam Goldscheider v Jeff Douglass: Jeff winner
Ollie Okunsunle v Andrew Duniec: Ollie winner

Varsity 2009

We would like to thank everybody who helped with the show: Chris, Colin and Duncan with photography, James with video footage, and the great support from Cambridge University students, CUKBS, CARISMA and ARKBC members that contributed to turn this event into a show (see picture below).  Training is not over as CUKBS will be at the 2009 University Championship in Canterbury (Kent).

Leo Schwartz, President of CUKBS commented: “The 3rd Annual Varsity Tournament was a great success! The crowd were fantastic and the fights were some of the best we’ve ever had at Varsity, professional and well-matched. We unfortunately lost 5-4 but it was neck and neck all the way to the end. Congratulations to all who took part and many thanks to everyone who made it possible. Watch this space for info on videos and pictures, coming soon.”

Please keep an eye on this link for the next posts about pictures and videos.  If you were at the show please leave a comment with your impressions, just click below.