Match Report: women*s Blues vs Bristol

[Written by Lilla Berry, Hertford College]

Under the floodlights of Iffley Road, this Wednesday the Women’s Blues kicked off their 2025/26 BUCS campaign. The team battled against a formidable Bristol University side, falling 17-41 in what was a spirited and determined performance from Oxford after just one week of preseason training.

Bristol struck first with an early converted try that made their mark. This gifted the Blues with a hunger, and we responded in style. Stringing together a coast-to-coast team effort, strong carries from the forwards drew in defence before the ball was worked wide from fly-half Sophie Shams to number 11. Kat Vincent, who touched the ball down in the corner to level the momentum.

Bristol pushed forward as the half wore on, notching three more tries to take control of the score board, turning the ball over at the rucks and making breaks in our 22. The Blues fought for every inch however, with little possession but a lot of power in our defence. The forwards put in a shift, with lock Lucy McBride holding up Bristol over the line. The Blues went 21-5 into the break, knowing there was still plenty to play for.

Oxford came out firing during the second half, tightening their defence and forcing errors from the black shirts. Sustained pressure in the red zone paid off after a remarkable multiple-phase effort, with hooker Sophie Goodman finally tumbling through Bristol defenders to score. Flanker Mel Morley then coolly slotted the conversion to bring the Blues back into the game with 26-12.

Bristol’s experienced bench (including some England pathway players) proved decisive in the final quarter as they began to stretch the scoreline. A few breaks and strong hand-offs made by their 23 led them to a few more tries, but the Blues did not let heads drop and showed grit up until the final whistle. In the 78th minute Goodman struck again, this time finishing out wide after another impressive team effort that brought us to our third try.

The final scoreline, 41–17 to Bristol, reflected the visitors’ clinical edge, but Oxford can take huge pride from the intensity, resilience, and creativity they displayed throughout the match.

Player of the Match went to flanker Amelie Harris-Lovett, whose tireless energy, dominant carries, and uncompromising defence set the tone for the Blues.

With the season now underway, Oxford look ready to build momentum, sharpen their structures, and push forward with confidence.

Trylights available here: https://youtu.be/_k9mZx4UOKg?si=X9KclFxSS_CO15t6

Match photos by Steve Karpa avaliable here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_karpa/albums/72177720329413418/

Men*s Blues face Eastern Suburbs RUFC on Thursday. Come on down to Iffley Road for a 7:15pm KO! Tickets available here: https://www.ourfc.org/tickets