Sports editor Saoirse Byrne looks back on Day 2 of the London Varsity Series as KCL Hockey took to the field.
King’s entered Varsity Day 2 with a 3-1 lead, and with only one fixture scheduled, all eyes were on Lee Valley Hockey Centre for the KCL Hockey Varsity. Despite impressive efforts from both the Men’s and Women’s teams, KCL were unable to secure those all-important points. King’s and UCL will enter Day 3 neck-and-neck, with 3 points apiece.
KCL Hockey (Women’s)
The Women’s side have proved themselves fierce competitors this season, having won every game in their BUCS league bar two (both against King’s own GKT Women’s Hockey). Despite this success, they headed into Varsity 2025 as a clear underdog, considering their UCL opposition compete in the BUCS Southern Premiership, two leagues above their King’s counterpart.
“We came out thinking they were a lot better than us, but actually we might have deserved to win that game”, says midfielder Maddie Butler. The first half proved KCL as worthy competitors against their higher-ranked opponents, with the team’s clean passing and great connections offering UCL no opportunity to take the lead. The favourites did eventually break through early in the second half, but a pitch-perfect penalty from Lara Vautier brought the score to 1-1 with all to play for heading into the final stages of the match.
An unfortunate comeback from UCL ultimately meant that KCLWHC would have to settle for second place, with the final score standing at a very respectable 2-1. Despite this, the post-match mood was positive. “Everyone was putting in their all and having a great game. I’m really proud of everyone”, stated Vautier, after being declared the unofficial ‘woman of the match’ by her teammates.
KCL Hockey (Men’s)
After a league-topping BUCS season, the Men’s team were going into this year’s Varsity with some momentum behind them. UCL may compete two leagues above them, but a recent promotion and Cup success meant King’s were able to enter the game with some wind in their sails.
This momentum was unfortunately no match for a formidable UCL side, who hit hard from the start and didn’t let up, culminating in a painful 8-0 defeat for King’s. KCL showed their grit and perseverance throughout the match, putting their bodies on the line for the team. “The lads left it all out there – we staggered off the field”, says a dejected William Thomas, captain of the team. “[We were] beaten by the better team – sometimes it goes that way. I’m proud of everyone”. Though this may not have been a fairytale ending to the year, KCL Men’s Hockey have much to look forward to going into next season after securing promotion into BUCS South Eastern Tier 2.
Up Next
It’s all to play for as King’s and UCL head into Day 3, with seven points up for grabs and the overall score currently standing at 3-3. Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, American Football, Muay Thai, Swimming, and Water Polo will all be battling it out tomorrow to prove themselves Varsity champions for another year.
