The most popular sports are probably rowing, football and
rugby, and there are men’s and women’s teams for
both (usually!). There is also netball, hockey, cricket, squash,
tennis, badminton, croquet, bridge and bar sports (table football,
darts and pool). Intercollegiate competitions known as Cuppers
are held for all of these.
Rowing - Oxford's most famous and prestigious
sport, and the ultimate team challenge. Nuff said. And contrary
to popular belief, you don't have to be completely rah or
an Olympic champion to take part, anyone can have a go! Both
the Balliol men's and women's 1st VIIIs are respectively placed
in the two main competitions.
Football - There are three men’s teams
in football. The firsts won Cuppers last season but had sacrifice
their place in the top division as a result. The seconds and
thirds tend to share most of their players, though their achievements
are ranked alongside those of our seasoned professionals.
There is plenty of opportunity to get involved for both the
talented and the less serious players. Women’s football
only fields one team, combining talent with fun, but are set
to rival the lads next season.
Rugby - Balliol has always boasted a great
reputation as one of the stronger men’s first XVs in
the university. Up until recently, this claim has been misguided.
However, having won double promotion this year, the Balliol
Lions go roaring into the Second Division.
The Womens Rugby Team has taken off in recent years and
is extremely popular. Absolutely no previous rugby experience
in necessary and all standards are welcome. It’s a great
way to meet new people and get thoroughly muddy at the same
time.
Cricket - The first XI, to quote their captain,
are “fantastic”. They are also quite good at cricket
– winning the league for the third year in a row. There
is no better way to waste an afternoon in the summer term.
Along with cricket dinner, cricket drinks, cricket in general.
Netball - This is primarily a women’s
sport, although token males are welcome if over 6 foot. Balliol
is currently finding life hard in the second division after
promotion from the 3rd last year. Tickets for Netball Dinner
are like gold dust...if you’re male.
Basketball - Balliol have a basketball team
which regularly competes in cuppers – the inter-college
competition held in the Summer term. The team comprises of
all standards from blues to novices with a mixture of JCR
and MCR members.
Hockey - Balliol fields a men’s team, a mixed team, and
the women have a joint team with Christchurch. All acquit
themselves fairly well, and have a laugh. If you were brilliant
at school, or even if you weren’t, come and give it
a go. Hockey’s always a lot more fun when there’s
no officious games teacher around...
Tennis - Balliol enters a men’s and ladies’ team
into both the league and cup competition, which ensures somewhere
in the region of ten matches, all of which take place in the
summer term.
Table Tennis - Balliol is lucky to have a good quality table
tennis table and although there has not been a regular tradition
in college we'll have at least one team next year in the league
and Cuppers.
Squash - This is an extremely popular sport at Balliol, which
probably has something to do with our brilliant facilities
at the Master’s Sports Ground in Jowett Walk. Balliol
has two squash courts here which are frequently used both
for training by men’s and women’s teams, and by
social players.
Croquet - Balliol takes croquet “seriously” because
it has a serious croquet pitch, within seconds of the Buttery
and beneath the shade of some rather ancient and very lovely
trees. Pimms and lemonade and the thrill of an intense, fast-paced
competition…all you need is the rain to stop.
Lacross - A recent addition to the Balliol sporting repertoire, the
mixed lacross team has become a well-oiled athletic machine.
Commitment is unquestionable and, whilst many are unaware
of the finer points of the game, fun is had by all.
Bar Sports - These are very big at Balliol.
Each night, Balliol’s finest congregate in the Lindsay
Bar for intensive training in sports that are rapidly becoming
the most competitive in Oxford. Inter-college darts matches
often spark off disputes that are only resolved on the pool
table or table football pitch. League and Cuppers events are
organised for all three sports, so there is plenty of chance
for retribution.
Facilities
Balliol is very lucky to have such central sports facilities
– Jowett Walk is less than five minutes walk from college
and has a football pitch, two squash courts, cricket nets
and a cricket pitch. University Parks, where you can find
rugby, lacrosse and hockey pitches are just up the road, the
University Sports Complex on Iffley road is fifteen minutes
walk or a five minute cycle ride. We also have a gym (conveniently
next to the bar), used by sweaty rowers and anyone else who
can get past the smell. Just kidding…
Balliol takes croquet "seriously" because it has a serious croquet pitch, within seconds of the Buttery and beneath the shade of some rather ancient and very lovely trees. Pimms and lemonade and the thrill of an intense, last-paced competition...all you need is the rain to stop.
Balliol is the only college with a championship standard lawn on its sports field. There is also a smaller lawn in College.
