Christ Church staff strive to keep the Sports Day cup

It was Trinity’s turn to host the Sports Day this year, but Christ Church’s participation was greater than ever, with 21 members of staff journeying up to Cambridge. Upon arrival, we were treated to drinks and pastries, whilst familiarising ourselves with those with whom we were soon to do battle! We were then taken to the Trinity Dining Hall and treated to a superb lunch with dessert. Once we were all fully fed a few of us then had a tour of the library and kitchen, whilst a couple of others somehow managed to get stranded in a room, unaware that the afternoon games had already started! After a few frantic phone calls, those stranded were located and delivered to the sports grounds.

The games began with 12 people competing in the bowls and the others playing rounders. The weather was extremely hot this particular day, but despite this, those running around the rounders pitch managed to score plenty of runs. Their skill then when fielding was second to none, catching their rival players out on many occasions. Meanwhile, over on the bowling field, four teams of three were competing against very skilled Cambridge players. For some of the Christ Church players, this would be the first time they had ever played bowls, so all credit to them for taking part. 

Halfway through the matches we paused for an afternoon break, and we were this time treated to a variety of sandwiches, cakes and, of course, Trinity’s infamous cheese breadsticks (these are to die for, and if you’ve ever tasted one you’ll know why!). Prosecco, wine, beer, tea, coffee and soft drinks were all laid on. After dining again, we all rolled and staggered back towards our respective games and continued our fight to do Christ Church proud! 

The sun continued to beat down, but this didn’t stop anybody from playing their best shots in either game. After another hour of competition, it was all over. We headed back to the pavilion for more refreshments, and the winner was announced… Christ Church had won for the second year running! To say we were ecstatic was an understatement! Overall, the Cambridge side has won the cup more times than Christ Church, so hopefully we are now back on track, ready to continue our winning streak into next year and beyond!

After the games, we headed to our rooms to freshen up before dinner in Trinity’s Great Hall. A delicious three-course dinner was served, with a wonderful selection of wines, plus port for the speeches, and Christ Church was presented with the Winner’s Cup. 

It was finally time to depart, so we headed back to the coach carrying a Winner’s Cup ready to have ‘Christ Church’ engraved on it once more. We arrived back in Oxford at around 11pm, tired but happy to have enjoyed such a great day away with our Cambridge friends.