Oxford retained the prestigious La Martina Varsity Trophy, defeating old rivals Cambridge 15-1. On handicap Oxford were the stronger team - this match is traditionally played open - and the dark blues did not disappoint. What gave Oxford the advantage on this day was that they played well as a team - always supporting and ensuring that someone was in the right place to receive a ball.
Oxford's Tamara Gibbons was named La Martina Most Valuable Player while team-mate Charlie Hitchman, who had scored the majority of Oxford's goals, received the Best Playing Pony prize. This incredibly,went to a Dutch Warmblood that had originally been bred for eventing, the 19-year-old gelding Canario.
Cambridge had a huge mountain to climb but should be congratulated for their positive attitude in this game which they maintained for all four chukkas. There was a small reward of a penalty - successfully converted by Charlie Hamilton - in the final moments of the match but this was very much Oxford's game.

Oxford also won the Old Blues game, narrowly defeating Cambridge 4½-4. However the Cambridge Ladies restored honour in the second Ladies Varsity. They convincingly won their match over the Oxford Ladies 8-3.
The other prominent match on this day is the annual schools test between Eton and Harrow. The latter school retained this trophy 12-4½, thanks to some impressive play from Harrow's captain, the 2-goaler Hugo Taylor,.

With La Martina supporting this event for the fourth year, there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day. Live music from DJ James Park and Mosimann's in charge of the BBQ, celebrations and commiserations continued well into the evening.