This weekend sees the pinnacle of the Centaurs and Development Squad’s calendar being reached as they take on Cambridge in the Varsity match. Hopes are high ahead of the weekend’s fixture as the Centaurs enter it on the back of three comprehensive victories and the Development Squad go into it with a wealth of talent.
But, the season has not been an easy one. The Centaurs struggled in the early part of the season, dropping points to neighbours Brookes and other strong opposition such as Coventry. This led to the team entering into the final two matches of the BUCS League needing to pick up valuable points to avoid relegation. The team responded emphatically and with the addition of several new faces such as O’Brien and Earle and the adoption of a 4-3-3 formation. It also dispelled any relegation fears by picking up three points from each match.
As a result, a strong squad containing both teams faced recently St Mary’s University. They were one of the strongest sides faced and are currently in the semi-final of the BUCS knockout. However, the team put out comfortably won 3-1, with Affron scoring a brace.
The squads to face Cambridge at the weekend were announced on Sunday night and this week sees an intensive training schedule. Confidence levels are high and if current form is retained then two victories should be recorded. However, both teams are aware of the unique nature any Varsity match has and how the form book can easily be thrown out the window. Despite this, Cambridge can be certain that Saturday should prove to be their toughest challenge of the season, especially as the Centaurs enter the game under the astute leadership of Steve Carolin, a veteran who has played in two previous fixtures and is out to avenge two previous defeats.
