Sports Editors Joel Lim and Abyan Memon recap Day 6 of Varsity.
Following a stormy night, the rowing fixture was cancelled. The other fixtures took place as scheduled, here’s a recap:
Handball
KCL Handball faced off against UCL at Somers Town Community Sports Centre. While UCL took an early 5 goal lead in the first half, the Reds showed grit and fight as they clawed their way back into the game in the second half behind the standout performance of key goal-scorer Alice. Unfortunately, however, their rivals eventually got the better of them, as they eventually took the game with a score of 18-20.
Despite the result, it was still a great showing by KCL handball, who fielded many new players in this year’s varsity squad. Prior to the start of the academic year, many of them had not even picked up a handball before. Their competitiveness in this year’s Varsity game therefore speaks volumes as to the status and professionalism of the club!
Futsal
In their second ever varsity series, KCL futsal started the game with a nervy performance, conceding 3 goals in the first five minutes. Gradually easing into the game, KCL futsal entered the half time with a 4-1 deficit and a huge hole to crawl out off.
It was, however, evident that hope was not lost as the Reds huddled together during half time around their coach’s animated and motivating team talk. Off the back of KCL’s number 6, Anish’s two goals and one assist, the Reds managed to fight their way back into the game, eventually taking the lead at 5-4. A late last-minute free kick goal by UCL brought the game to a tie that had to be resolved with a penalty shootout.
The atmosphere was tense, as the crowd recognised the importance of each penalty attempt. However, as UCL and King’s traded conversions between one another, the shootout saw a stalemate after the initial 5 takers, bringing it further to a sudden death scenario. The stalemate was ultimately resolved, as KCL’s captain and goalkeeper, Ossie, pulled off an incredible save at the seventh penalty to lead the Reds to victory. What an incredible game!
Netball
Varsity netball produced an incredibly competitive and tense game, as both teams were on each other’s tails from start to finish. The first quarter saw King’s take a solid 3 point lead (13-10), that they managed to hold on going into half-time (23-22). This was in large part down to their exceptional shooting and confidence going into the game.
This lead, however, evaporated in the third quarter, as UCL capitalised on turnovers to take the lead and bring the scoreline to 36-34. The fourth quarter, therefore, was a cagey affair, with the Reds constantly on the heels of their rivals. Hope was injected back into the squad in the last minute, as Georgia Goddard scored the equalising goal with two seconds to goal to even the scoreline at 46 a piece.
From that point on, the atmosphere in the crowd was nothing less than phenomenal, as both teams battled it out in extra time. Unfortunately, UCL’s bench depth and freshness of their squad meant that they had a slight edge on the endurance front, leading them to an eventual 54-51 victory. That being said, KCL Netball’s performance was still one for the history books, as they produced a resilient and valiant showing that is definitely worth celebrating!
Basketball
Behind a strong performance by Goretti Hurtado, the Women’s basketball team had an exciting and close match against UCL. However, the Reds could not get the job done as they eventually lost the game by a margin of 15 points.
The Men’s team also saw a similarly tight game, starting the first half strong. Captain Muhammed Gacis led the charge, with his talented scoring and commanding leadership. Yet, a loss of concentration allowed UCL to claw their way back into the game in the third quarter with a big 10 point run. This gap eventually proved insurmountable as UCL took the game 81-75. Regardless, it was a great showing by both teams!
Equestrian
The KCL Equestrian Club looked to defend their title heading into this year’s matchup. Unfortunately, the UCL Horse Riding Club outmatched King’s to take first, second, fourth and fifth place individually, and the Varsity fixture as a team.
Karting
For just its second year the Karting fixture was back on the Varsity schedule. Whilst improving on their performance from last year, and despite a valiant effort, KCL are yet to take down UCL at a Karting Varsity fixture. UCL took home a comfortable win with a final score of 325-200.
Duathlon
KCL Triathlon was the third club making their Varsity debut this year, and whilst the Men’s team gave up first and second place to UCL, the Women’s team brought home the debut win.
Medics Rugby
The game featured a lot of early game midfield battles. RUMS took the lead in the first half, but GKT closed the gap well with a score of 21-19 near halftime. RUMS held greater possession during the second half, and despite GKT shifting the momentum, RUMS took the fixture with a final score of 29-21. In a post-game interview, GHRFC President, Luca Marsella, noted the tough conditions of the day made the game more challenging, but was proud of the show his team put on.
Snooker & Pool
The honour of the fourth and final Varsity debut belonged to the KCL Snooker and Pool club. Over its two year existence the club has seen continued success at tournaments, including at BUCS Championships, Warwickshire Open and more. Following a tough battle against UCL the success continued for the club as they took the debut victory 17-13.
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