Varsity 2018: Ones to Watch – Part 1
By Ollie Mentessi & Sonny Snelling
With Varsity just over a week away, Unified brings you this years ‘Ones to Watch’ , in collaboration with CCCU’s sports teams. Who has stood out this season and who will shine during Varsity?
Visit Unified’s Varsity page for build up articles and LIVE coverage all week from February 8 – 14
Men’s Football
There was a good intake of freshers who all work hard for one another, but Max Brunetti-Leach stands out. He is the leading goal scorer so far this season with 7 goals.
As for the second team their ones to watch are Isaac Kofi Boateng and George Yianni who both look dangerous up top.
Women’s Football
Number 20, Danni Wheeler has switched on this season and her fire and passion to play for C4 is very much present.
Captain Chloe Woolaway said: “She has been incredibly dedicated and it’s great to see her challenge herself and improve week in week out and we look forward to see what she can do.”
Men’s Cricket
Varsity is promising for Men’s cricket following convincing wins. Players to watch include Johnny Amos who is a brilliant bowler and can score runs with the bat. Todd Jordan has also been key coming in this year as a fresher.
Women’s Cricket
Grace Cruse is a fresher/scholar and is a fantastic bowler. She also proves to be an all rounder ,striking a great partnership with Grace Beard making them a formidable pair.
Netball
Goal defence Olivia Miles has slotted into the team brilliantly and after getting player of the game twice this season already.
Captain Abbie Webster said: “Already our fresher is certainly one to keep an eye on.”
Women’s Tennis
Fresher Katy Welch who has been very consistent and passionate about the sport.
Captain Rafaella Koloni said: “Women’s tennis has been very lucky to have some very committed and enthusiastic players such as Katy.”
Men’s Tennis
Standout performances this year have been from James Linghorn and Tom Branch. Both have consistently won matches with only one singles match lost each this season.
Men’s Hockey
Josh Skillern has been injured in recent weeks due to his shoulder. Josh plays at Holcombe hockey club playing in various first team matches and has also represented the south of England. However he will be back for Varsity which will be a huge addition.
Women’s Hockey
Emily Brough has stepped in to command the back line as well as Emily Beeney and Maddy Young who have been taking control of the midfield line.
Women’s Lacrosse
Now in her final year, Brooke Martinez is our one to watch this year. Brooke has been a very committed and valuable player since her first year. Studying and playing lacrosse in Texas last year has only enhanced Brooke’s impressive standard of play and she has come back better and stronger than ever. Brooke plays in defence and in many ways leads not only the deep group, but also supports the entire team with her amazing eye for the game. Brooke is always at the right place at the right time which allows her to make appearances in attack as well. Having already scored a couple of goals this season, Brooke will be an important asset in assisting the team to take their first Varsity win ever.
Men’s Lacrosse
Jake Gilbert has returned from summer a new player, terrorising defences with his athleticism and skill.
Women’s Rugby
Some very talented freshers are coming through the works. Kirsty Oldershaw, Niamh Cooper and Becky Palmer.
Captain Aegean Leech said: “I’m a very proud captain and I would like to thank our head coach Alex Evans, coach Charlie and a shout out to our old fav Keri Jones (never forgotten).
“I’m feeling confident heading into varsity, we have a strong squad and some very talented players.
“I think it will be our attitude towards training and commitment which will determine the win.”
Men’s Rugby
Key Freshers include Leeroy Chaipa, Toby Raleigh Strutt, Keiran Elliot and Harry Smith. They will be crucial in Varsity, like they have been all season in helping the team to a strong league position.
American Football
Number 82, Conor Dobbs is the one to watch after scoring his first two ever touchdowns for Chargers, both against Kent earlier this season. He wants to repeat his performance in his last ever Varsity.
Men’s Basketball
Players to watch are seniors Tomi Oye-Bamgbose, while Sam Bignell makes a return from a year out after ACL Reconstruction.
Women’s Basketball
Zita Mendes (basketball scholar) is an amazing basketball player with great ball handling skills and making an average 20 points per game.
Captain Eftychia Panayiotou said:” With her on our team, we are stronger than ever.”
Snow-sports
From never skiing in her life to competing in her first Varsity this year. Natasha Griffiths has improved so much over the past year and is definitely one to watch this year.
The myth, the legend, Tom Brown. Our all star race skier has emerged and is ready to snatch the trophy from UKC at his debut for C4 Snowsports.
Trampolining
The stand out fresher is Faye Zimmer, who after facing some challenges with her routine at the beginning, came through to get bronze in her first competition.
Badminton
James Dethier is Badminton’s player to watch at Varsity.
