The following highlights from various sports clubs and teams were compiled from recent reports. If any captains or team members have a result that you'd like to feature in the next round-up, please contact comms@caths.cam.ac.uk.
Football
St Catharine’s is celebrating an historic moment for the men’s football club: both the first and second teams have qualified for their respective finals in the 2024 Cuppers knockout competition. Consulting the archives, it seems that St Catharine’s last made the Cuppers final in 2009 (a victory!) – although it is unclear if the College has ever qualified for both finals in the same year before now (alumni are welcome to get in touch to confirm).
The combined might of the first and second men's football teams
The first team met Downing I in their semi-final on 17 February. Despite our opponents being 11 places higher in the intercollegiate league, St Catharine’s won convincingly 2-1. They will now meet St John’s I in the Cuppers final next term. Captain Daniel Sanchez (a third-year Engineering undergraduate) said:
"Despite being the clear underdogs in every round, the team has managed to get to the Cuppers final for the first time in 15 years, and has earned the admiration of fans from all colleges in the process."
Poor conditions meant we had to wait until 25 February for the second team to qualify for the Shield final (also due to be played next term). Their semi-final against Girton II resulted in 2-0 victory. Their opposition in the final will be either Pembroke II or Sidney Sussex II, who have yet to play their semi-final. Captain Kris Bhargarva (a third-year Land Economy undergraduate) said:
"After losing at the semi-final stage for the past two years, the 2s were determined this season to go one further. The magical cup run (the highlight of which was a 5-0 win over Churchill in the quarter final) has been a testament to the quality and commitment within the squad, as they look to achieve the status of the best 2s team in the University."
Meanwhile, the St Catharine’s women (playing with Gonville & Caius and Hughes Hall) are hoping to replicate the men’s success at their Plate semi-final on 9 March against a team representing four different colleges (Sidney, Magdalene, Selwyn and Robinson).
The men's new strip arrived just in time for their victories, with a detail reading 'For the wheel since 1473'
Rowing
St Catharine’s College Boat Club (SCCBC) entered six crews in the Pembroke Regatta to test out their speed in the build up to Lent Bumps, with mixed results:
The women’s first boat won their W1 division in impressive fashion by beating Selwyn W1, Sidney Sussex W1, Clare W1 in the semi-final and then Caius W1 in the final.
The men’s first boat was drawn against Caius M1. After a strong start and moving up several seats, they sadly weren’t able to hold this advantage and lost by a quarter of a length.
The women’s second boat put in a good fight against a strong Caius W2, but unfortunately lost.
Poor weather conditions led to three crews (M2, M3 and W3) having their divisions cancelled.
The Lent Bumps started in Week 6 but will conclude in Week 7, and a full report will follow soon. SCCBC has been announcing crews and their results online as the week progresses. (SCCBC Instagram)
After a run of bad luck, St Catharine’s ladies won 15-2 against Trinity, with all 15 goals scored by Eva Kynaston (a first-year Geography undergraduate). (The Kittbag)
