| The annual Steele Bodger Match, a central fixture of Cambridge’s corporate events calendar and the Men’s Blues’ preparations for the Varsity match alike, was held on Wednesday 26th of November.
The Blues were victorious 31-22, a result which provided a truly fitting occasion for Tim Andrew’s (Jesus) 50th Cap for CURUFC. Tim said that
“It was an absolute honour to have brought up 50 caps for the Blues, and I am very proud to be going up on the board amongst some great players and just below one of my best mates Dave Holdroyd. I wouldn’t have dreamed of playing this many games when I first arrived; I can’t wait to rip in with the boys after Christmas and hopefully win another Varsity Match on February 28th.”
Men’s Secretary and Blues Fly-Half Nate Bottomley (Trinity College) gave the following report on the match:
“The 77th annual Steele-Bodger match proved to be an outstanding final event at a packed Grange Road, resulting in a hard-fought 31-22 victory for Cambridge over a strong invitational XV.
The contest was gripping and physical, with Bodgers playing some very extravagant rugby and boasting a strong pack. Despite a clashy and nervous first ten minutes, the Blues forward pack established dominance, leading to an early try, and a brace on the day, for hooker Will Kennedy off the back of a maul. The attacking execution was sharp, and in the 35th minute a well-executed set-play try finished by centre Charlie Cross meant Cambridge headed into the sheds with a half-time lead of 21-15, thanks to the kicking of Captain George Bland.
The second half was a test of composure. Cambridge continued to apply scoreboard pressure, slotting a crucial penalty around the 60th minute, followed in quick succession by Jody Bardell scoring from a clever cross-field kick. This was enough to hold out the Steele-Bodgers and secure a 31-22 victory for Cambridge.
While this match provides valuable confidence and momentum, the squad now moves into the Christmas break, which will be a period of intensive, focused hard work to continue building for the Varsity Match at StoneX Stadium on the 28th of February.”
Of course, none of the day’s spectacular offerings – on or off the pitch – could have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. CURUFC is enormously grateful to have Canaccord Wealth on board as headline match sponsor, Savills as sponsors of the Steele Bodger XV, and to both Dardan Security and Greene King for sponsoring the Marquee lunch and the days’ alcohol provision respectively.
We would also like to confirm that the CURUFC player injured in the final five minutes has been treated in hospital and is recovering well.
At CURUFC we strive to improve the guest experience of the Steele Bodger match years on year. If you have any feedback for us on how you think we can do better, please email Fabia at admin@curufc.com. |
