Sports Report

Though the COVID-19 pandemic shortened this academic year, many Clare sports teams still thrived, with a few firmly dominating their respective leagues. Many students partook in the University gym subsidy scheme, and several were inducted to the King’s College School squash courts. A large number of Clare students represented the University this year, and many were involved in Varsity events.

Clare team sports found particular success this year; CCK, Clare’s rugby team, thrived against all adversity. Despite consistently showing fewer than fifteen players in their weekly fixture, the compound team broke through one boundary after another, consistently winning against all expectation with Baa-Baas joué style, before eventually progressing to the COVID-cancelled cup finals. There are high expectations for the squad’s success in the coming year. Clare College Football Club (CCFC) came fourth in division 3, with promotion still to play for had it not been for the cancellation of the remaining games. CCFC triumphantly reached the quarter-finals in cuppers, but narrowly lost 1-0 in adverse weather conditions to the eventual champions of the top division. There were many crushing victories including a 12-2 victory against Churchill, and a 6-1 victory against a Blues-filled Caius team. Clare’s mixed lacrosse were a destructive force this year, finishing at the top of their league. While they were expected to win and dominate in cuppers, the final matches were unfortunately cancelled.

Lent term culminated with Clare hosting the highly-anticipated Varsity Sports Day against St Hugh’s (our sister college in Oxford). CCFC and Clare’s mixed lacrosse team gained a victory over the strong St Hugh’s sides, with CCFC winning with their first clean sheet of the season. Clare’s mixed netball and women’s football teams, however, narrowly lost to St Hugh’s. There was huge excitement over the first Clare vs St Hugh’s pool match in the cellars, whereby St Hugh’s won by a whisker (3-2 in games). The day concluded with a memorable social and trip into town in the evening. We cannot wait to travel to Oxford next year and hope to be victorious in all sports against St Hugh’s.

Spotlight on

Lucy Hart, Powerlifter

I’m a final (6th) year vet student and have been heavily involved in powerlifting since my 2nd year. I am Cambridge University Powerlifting Club women’s captain and have competed in 3 Varsity matches, 11 national competitions and 7 international competitions so far.

How did you first get into powerlifting?

After intermitting for two years due to a chronic illness, my health started to improve and I really wanted to try and get stronger. I started Crossfit at a really good local gym and loved the strength training side. When I got back to Cambridge, I found the powerlifting club. At the time I was trying out lots of different sports, but after my first in-house powerlifting competition at the start of the second term, I was hooked.

What has been your personal highlight from the last year?

Coming 3rd in my weight class at the British Open Championships with a personal best result and being selected for the British Team.

What was the toughest challenge you faced?

Training through lockdown and with the new restrictions has been tough, but I think that is the same for a lot of people! I have been very fortunate to be able to continue training, but powerlifting is such a social sport and I definitely miss training with other people.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about powerlifting?

There is a huge community of female powerlifters. I’ve met so many amazing women through powerlifting.

What advice would you give for balancing your sporting life with your studies?

Try to plan ahead where possible and don’t forget to give yourself some down time away from both sport and university work.