beauty of the two large, circular, stained-glass windows, the so called 'Bishop’s eye' (left) and the 'Dean’s eye' opposing each other in the transept’s arms. Our guide pointed us towards a plethora of small details of little dragons, gargoyles, saints and floral elements, as well as remnants of medieval paint on the screen separating the angel choir from the main nave. Spotting the iconic Lincoln imp in the angel choir (which turned out to be more of a challenge than we had expected), as well as its brother on the outside of the cathedral, was a highlight for many of us. Our guide even arranged specifically for Richard Fleming’s chapel to be opened for us, which marked an unexpected but very memorable addition to our programme. After the tour, we raided the gift shop for Lincoln imp memorabilia and took the obligatory group photo in front of the exchequer’s gate. We separated into smaller groups for lunch and spent the rest of the day exploring the castle, the beautiful high bridge, and the many other listed architectural gems which Lincoln’s medieval old town has to offer; including some local pubs. The Lincoln MCR social team and I are very happy to have had the opportunity to organise such a memorable trip. I was personally keen to further explore our College’s historical ties to Lincoln cathedral and, after having found out how difficult it is to travel from Oxford to Lincoln without a car, I had promised the MCR to organise a coach trip to Lincoln in my election hust for the position of social representative last year. The realisation of these plans was only possible thanks to the generosity of the Old Members’ Annual Fund Working Group. I am very grateful to have been part of such a worthwhile trip and I hope that I was both able to give back something to the members of the College as well as inspire potential comparable projects in the future. n
MCR FOOTBALL CUPPERS On Saturday 28th February, the Lincoln MCR football team took on Balliol in the final of Cuppers, the intercollegiate knock-out cup competition. The team had enjoyed a difficult route to the final, including a tricky tie with Mansfield Road in an ill-tempered semi-final. A thunderous volley from Henry Martin Demasco (2014) that day sparked an astonishing comeback, and after a 4-2 victory we were on our way to Iffley Road for the final. The weather on the day of the game was dire, and set the tone for a very turgid first half in which neither side was able to gain the upper hand. Still, roared on by a clutch of loyal supporters, Lincoln grew into the game, and the quality of central midfielders Thomas Hughes (2012) and eventual man-of-the-match Arnold Kaluba (2014) began to shine through. After some inspirational words at half time, Lincoln emerged rejuvenated for the second half, and it was not long before the team wrestled control of the game. A
quickly taken free kick from Seamus Kent (2013) found its way to centre forward Nathan Riddell (2010), who slotted past the Balliol keeper with consummate ease. Lincoln began to look comfortable, but against the run of play, Balliol broke away and snatched an unlikely equaliser. A nervous few minutes followed, but the Lincoln rear-guard held firm, superbly marshalled by defenders Alberto Cazzaniga (2012) and Alec Gower (2011). Soon we were in the ascendancy once again, and as the pressure mounted, a cross from the left wing was met by Riddell, who expertly guided the ball into the net to send the Lincoln fans into raptures. The game finished 2-1, and Lincoln lifted the trophy for the very first time. Not the most entertaining spectacle, perhaps, but testament to the enduring powers of team spirit, togetherness, and – above all – friendship. n Joshua Thomas (2008) LCMCRAFC Captain 2014–15
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