Guest Blog written by Edie Kelly, a Christ Church journalism student who plays on the Hockey team. This was taken with permission from her own blog ediekellysite.wordpress.com

With only a few days left until our battle against Kent, I decided to contact all the teams’ captains to let them choose a few stand out players in their teams. This way, if you hope to go along and support some of the teams, you’ll know at least one person to look out for. My first varsity, last year, was incredible and I really would advise you, if you’ve not been before, to get down there and support your Christ Church friends. It is such an incredible atmosphere and it is definitely one not to be missed.

Saturday 13th February

9am – Women’s Badminton @ CCCU Sports Centre – Zoe Smith
Zoe Smith has been nominated by her captain as the one to watch this year. A new badminton player, Zoe had never played competitive badminton before her time at Christ Church but has been rapidly improving and has been selected for the years BUCS fixtures and varsity.

9am – Men’s Badminton @ CCCU Sports Centre – Milan Kicin
Third year, International Relations and French student Milan Kicin is an all-round badminton player. Both Milan’s skills and knowledge of the game make him the outstanding player in the team. He is excellent in not only his own game but ensuring that others understand the game and the vital plays needed to win this year.

11:30am – Women’s Volleyball @ CCCU Sports Centre – Maria Cardova  
Maria has been playing volleyball for over 10 years now and she is helpful both on and off court. Being one of the most valuable members in the team, Maria is always in the right place at the right time during games and knows exactly what she needs to be doing. She has been described by her captain as “a force to be reckoned with!”

2pm – Men’s Volleyball @ CCCU Sports Centre – Andrey Abadzhiev
President of the Christ Church men’s volleyball team is Andrey, a very experience volleyball player. For the past two years, Andrey has been a finalist in a nationwide volleyball tournament involving more than 160 teams. As well as this, he was chosen for the MVP of Kent Premier Volleyball League 2014-2015. Last year he was in a key player in helping the team win their first ever varsity game and he hopes to make it happen again.

5pm – Women’s Basketball @ CCCU Sports Centre – Niamh Mooney
Niamh started playing basketball at a young age and 17 years later she’s here to help Christ Church win their fixture. Niamh played for a club called UL and with this squad she attended the European championships finishing in third place. Nicknamed the Irish Luck, her president believes she will be the one to break the UKC defence.

Sunday 14th February

10am – Netball 4’s @ CCCU Sports Centre – Teckisha Seikegba
Although she may be small, she is one of the most valued players on the 4th team. With an incredible jump, first year student, Teckisha, is an amazing defender. Definitely one not to be underestimated and she will be vital in helping the 4th team win.

2pm – Netball 2’s @ CCCU Sports Centre – Eliza Mosely & Millie Wright
Eliza is the only fresher in the second team and has bonded amazingly with the team. A player who is always looking for ways to improve, the attacking player has really improved in the past few weeks and she will be determined to play her best for this game. In the defence, Millie Wright is a strong player who has a great interception skill. Every game she never fails to give less than 100% and is always someone you can rely on.

4pm – Netball 1’s @ CCCU Sports Centre – The Freshers! 
First team captain, Lizzy Dawson, had a hard time choosing just a single player to watch out for. The team started off the year with a promotion into division 2B, the first time in a few years of being in the same league as Kent 1st and even beating Kent for the first time in over twelve years! So far this season, Katie Lankshear (Centre), Abbie Webster (Wing Defence), Lucinda Rose (Goal Keeper), and Sophie Geddes (Goal Shooter) have taken on a great amount of responsibility and the dynamics of the game so brilliantly. With this being only their first year their captain imagines them getting even stronger with the years to come.

Monday 15th February

11:30am – Men’s Football 3’s @ UKC New 3GX – Lee Bird
Left back, Lee Bird, is a very exciting player who can produce goals out of anything. A very committed player, Lee is a very attacking defender who’s skills shine on the pitch. Lee is also thinking about running for captain next year.

1pm – Women’s Hockey 2’s @ Polo Farm – Hayley Orner
Hayley is a very dedicated member of the hockey team and has played throughout her time at Christ Church. Her infectious personality shines both on and off pitch. A solid defender, her captain describes her as silent but deadly. Last year there was no getting past Hayley as she helped the 2’s get their first ever varsity win and she hopes to do the same this year.

2pm – Women’s Tennis @ UKC Tennis Centre – Noémi Vadászy
Noemi is a very dedicated Tennis player who trains at least four times in a week. She is a sports scholar, captain and ambassador of Tennis. Alongside being at University, Noemi has won a few individual tournaments and is aiming to do more this academic year.

2pm – Men’s Football 2’s @ UKC New 3GX – Max Lawrence
Max was nominated by his captain after having a very solid start to the season in his position of right back. Max has moulded very well into the second team, not only as a player but he is also rather useful as a taxi driver. It is a rareity that Max makes a mistake on the pitch or in his car and is extremely dedicated to the team, a real C4 boy.

3pm – Men’s Hockey 2’s @ Polo Farm – Scott Montgomery
Scott has many years experience under his belt as a coach and player. He is able to command and structure the teams defence whilst playing the central defensive role. Watch out for Scott’s distribution from the back, controlling of the play and calm defensive technique whilst keeping Kent’s attack at bay. Scott is always the first to help out the other players on and off the pitch and he will be a key player for Christ Church to bring home the win.

3pm – Men’s Football 4’s @ UKC 3GX – Jack Salmon
Jack has been a vital part of the 4th team from his years as a fresher until present. Starting out of position as a centre back, he proved his worth as a defender for two years but built a solid relationship with the rest of the boys. Now a third year, Jack is back to his predominant position of right back and has proven why he should be chosen on every occasion. Blessed with blistering pace, he has been described as “Mr Consistent” by his captain. He also brings good spirit to the team and the rumour is, if he doesn’t score on varsity day, his team mates have a surprise for him.

5pm – Women’s Football @ UKC 3GX – Nicole Pepper 
First year, Nicole, plays in the number 5 shirt in centre midfield. Nicole currently plays for Watford Ladies and has represented England at u19s level. Since joining the team in September, Nicole has settled perfectly into the side. She is a great team player and her style of play is so effortless and generous. They hope with Nicole joining and the calibre of the team as a whole they will win varsity yet again.

5pm – Women’s Hockey @ Polo Farm – Laura Buttimer
Last year, these girls couldn’t have been more unlucky to lose their varsity fixture after very controversial decisions, however they’re back stronger with a bunch of new talented players. One of those players is Laura, she stands out playing in any position. This season she has contributed considerably towards the central defence and midfield positions. Laura has incredible vision and knowledge for the game and her ability to throw huge aerials gets them straight into the attack from defence. Off the pitch she helps just as much, with an infectious personality, Laura never fails to pick the girls back up when they’re down. Also make sure to look out for centre forward, Sophie Brigg who will be running all over the pitch.

5:30pm – Men’s Lacrosse @ UKC 3G – Giorgio Michael
Giorgio is a key player for Christ Church and although he is only in his second year he has proven himself vital in many games racking up an impressive number of goals and assists. His goal tally is matched by his non-stop work rate and is definitely worth looking out for this year at varsity. His movement on and off the ball is fantastic and he will be consistently causing problems for the Kent defence this year.

6pm – Men’s Tennis @ UKC Tennis Centre – Luke Williams 
Luke has played Tennis since the age of 11 and has been competing in top class tournaments all over the country. President of the club, Luke, has played a vital role in the Tennis team throughout the whole season by winning all of his singles matches bar one. He has a 100% doubles record throughout his time at Christ Church. Luke will use his experience and knowledge to help his team win varsity this year and has been involved in setting up extra fitness and training sessions to help the team develop and ensure success against UKC.

7pm – Men’s Hockey 1’s @ Polo Farm – Sam George
Sam started playing hockey at a very young age and has since worked his way through the various levels of hockey in England. Sam participated at county, regional and then played at the Futures Cup before he finally played for England u17s two years ago. This year he has been a key member in the squad, his stick skills and pace on the ball make him impossible to defend against. Kent are going to have a very difficult time dealing with Sam at Varsity this year.

7:30pm – Men’s Football 1’s @ UKC New 3GX – Junior Kamanzi
Junior is a key member of the football first team and is hoping his skills will be able to bring home the win for Christ Church. Described as a box to box player, Junior has unbelievable composure on the ball and is a work horse throughout the whole game.

8pm – Women’s Lacrosse @ UKC 3G – Katie McParland
Goalie, Katie, first picked up a lacrosse stick this year. After successfully developing her skills on field in defence, she was asked to try goalie and hasn’t gone back since. The four weeks she has been in goal, she has shown exceptional talent and her quick reactions are not to be underestimated. Her captain believes that she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Tuesday 16th February

11:30am – Equestrian @ Trenley – Sofia Medarova
Sofia has only joined Equestrian this year, she will be on the show jumping team after showing a great amount of improvement. So much improvement that on the day they want her to move up a class to higher jumps. She has remained focused and reliable throughout the year and could be a true one to beat. Lauren Shaw will also be riding in her first competition in the trot dressage test after showing amazing progress and improvement.

12pm – Men’s Rugby 4’s @ UKC New 3GX – Dan Higgins 
Last year the 4’s lost seven players and were in need of some good, fresh meat. The first half of the season saw the team sit second in the league with one loss which was an amazing achievement and Dan Higgins stability in defence and consistency in the line out was instrumental in the squad’s success. Not only has he started every game for the 4ths but has also been called up to the 2’s twice. At Varsity, expect to see his work rate take in all around the park, supporting players in the ruck and creating the teams stable platform at the line out. Not only will he be one to watch this year but also in the following years as he continues to grow into university rugby.

1pm – American Football @ UKC Grass – Reid Coleman
Reid Coleman has been involved in high level football since the age of 12. Playing competitively through school, he earned himself a CIS scholarship to play for 1 Canadian university Of Saskatchewan Huskies. Due to injuries Reid saw his football time cut short, but has now made a comeback. Although he has played Wide reciever for the majority of his life, he has taken the quarterback role at the Chargers.. Which has seen him become the Chargers top scorer, running the ball and throwing. Watch Reid in the #10 shirt at varsity.

4pm – Men’s Rugby 2’s @ UKC New 3GX – Will Phelps
First year student, Will, plays on the left wing. Although new to the squad, he has had a huge impact on the second team. He was first noticed in the trials procedure with a tenacity that was electrifying. He hits heavier than any man on the pitch, making tackles using every ounce of his ten stone body. Throughout the year he has been a staple name on the team sheet and week in week out he performs like a champion. Pay close attention to him and his tackles. Captain Thom Bricknell said, “He’s a marvel to watch.”

7pm – Trampolining @ UKC Sports Centre – Kayleigh Avis
Kayleigh joined the Trampolining team this year as a fresher. She has shown vast improvement in a sport that is completely new to her and is a key member of the team. Not only does she train hard, she supports the others in training and motivates her fellow team mates. Her presence and high energy pushes others to progress and improve, which is exactly what we were looking for when we were bringing the new team together in September. With us only having one major competition per year, it puts a lot of pressure on our freshers. The captains said, “We have high hopes for our team, and believe Kayleigh (and others) have shown potential to bring home the varsity win and medals this year!”

Wednesday 17th February

11am – Women’s Cricket @ St Lawrence Indoor Centre – Zara Thorn
At last year’s outdoor varsity, Zara was an extremely vital member in the team. After a good start by Kent, Zara took three of Kent’s best wickets. Throughout the season she has improved tremendously being a key all-rounder in the BUCS competitions and in training.

12:30pm – Men’s 2’s @ St Lawrence Indoor Centre – Simon Abrahams
Simon is a very consistent opening batsman and wicket keeper who has consistently scored runs over the past three indoor seasons. Part of the 1st team to win the league a few weeks ago, ‘Simmo’ averages almost 30 this indoor season. Having the experience of winning last year, the 2s will be looking for him to lead from the front again this year.

1:45pm – Men’s 1’s @ St Lawrence Indoor Centre – Mike Rose
Mike has had a superb indoor season so far with both bat and ball. A crucial member of the first ever Christ Church team to win the Kent indoor league, Mike leads the averages all round. Averaging an incredible 86 with the bat and taking 10 wickets. Mike will be extremely vital in helping his team win yet another varsity.

Wednesday 24th February –

5pm – Women’s Rugby 1s @ Canterbury Rugby Club – Aegean Leech  
Although Aegean is a fresher, she is one of the most experienced players on the pitch. With county, club and regional experience, Aegean has a turn of pace and ability to read the game that leaves many players in her wake. If you want to see agility, skill and flair with the ball in hand, watch out for full back Aegean. If you want to see some big hits and physical impact look out for the number 8 of the team, Megan Rolph. 

7pm – Men’s Rugby 1s @ Canterbury Rugby Club – Ed Ellson
First year student, Ed Ellson impressed in the trials and made his way onto the first team. He has been a very key player this year and has produced some really solid performances with a notable man of the match performance against Imperial Medics. His sheer size alone will make him of to fear in defence and attack come varsity.

Swimming – Mike Baynes
Mike has been a key member of the Christ Church swimming team for his three years at University. Each year he has competed in BUCS and has always beaten his personal best times. Mike played a big role in last year’s team as captain where he boosted morale whilst winning his main event by a good margin. Each year Mike has given 100% when competing and training. This will be his third varsity and with his current form, you can expect to see a great performance in the Men’s 50m Backstroke.