Varsity 2016/17: The President’s View – Laurie Illingworth
Another year down, another demolition of Sunderland University. Last Wednesday, hundreds of students from York St John University traveled in their masses to Sunderland University to compete in the infamous ‘Clash of the Minsters’ Varsity event. A group of 350+ tired eyed students turned up to Fountains Learning Centre at 6:00am on the 5th October for the start of what was to be a long but spectacular day of sporting events.
YSJSU CEO Chris (left) and SU President Laurie (right) celebrate with the Varsity trophy.
The day comprised of 30 fixtures between the students of YSJ and the students of Sunderland. The day started off with a bang in the City Space Sports Hall where the men’s futsal team showed passion, flair and confidence to stride past their opponents with ease – the first team won 22-2 and the seconds won 10-2.) The women’s team quickly followed that up with what would turn out to be one of the matches of the day – a fantastic 3-3 draw with Laura Porritt scoring a worldie from the half way line! I flew off my seat for that one!
This set the tone for the day nicely. Wins from 4 out of 5 of our men’s football teams (including our American i2i team) and our ladies football team followed instantly. Both women’s and men’s rugby union dominated their opposition with both teams scoring 55. Both of our hockey teams gave Sunderland a good pasting as well (women 15-0 and men 4-1).
It started to look tight again on the leader board with our volleyball teams both suffering close defeats. Both teams played exceptionally well and are optimistic for the rest of the BUCS season, but varsity can be cruel. Snow Sports also found this out the hard way, narrowly missing out on victory on the slopes (2-1).
However, back to the courts and badminton showed everyone how it’s done. YSJ Men’s 1st 8-0 Sunderland Men’s 1st. YSJ Men’s 2nd 8-0 Sunderland Men’s 2nd. YSJ Women’s 1st 8-0 Sunderland Women’s 1st. Boom. Total domination on court.
Meanwhile, our netball teams were also showing Sunderland up elsewhere. With the thirds, seconds and firsts all claiming big victories, victory was becoming a closer and closer guarantee. However, losses in Rowing, Ultimate Frisbee and Tennis suddenly halted those hopeful thoughts. It was close and everyone knew it.
YSJ Women’s Basketball finish 57-54 to seal their win
News came in that our very own Men’s Cricket team absolutely destroyed Sunderland and hopes were lifted again. Further victories from our lovely dancers and women’s basketball ensured the victory with men’s basketball unfortunately suffering a 43-108 loss to some absolutely giant human beings.
The victory was confirmed and YSJ went crazy. The results were announced at 11pm in dramatic fashion (by me) and we all had a party. It was a fantastic way to end a brilliant day of sport. I feel so privileged to have witnessed effort, determination and passion from our students and our behaviour and sporting ability on the day was second to none. I am so proud to be a part of this fantastic university and I’m sure everyone who participated throughout the day would agree. For another year, the trophy remains at York St John and I couldn’t be happier.
Laurie Illingworth – President of York St John Students’ Union
Full results
Badminton
Men’s 1st | Win | YSJ 8 – SUN 0
Men’s 2nd | Win | YSJ 8 – SUN 0
Women’s 1st | Win | YSJ 8 – SUN 0
Basketball
Men’s 1st | Loss | YSJ 43 – SUN 108
Women’s 1st | Win | YSJ 57 – SUN 54
Cricket
Men’s 1st | Win | YSJ 173/3 – SUN 38ao
Dance
Mixed 1st | Win | YSJ 164 – SUN 139
Football
Men’s 1st | Win | YSJ 4 – SUN 0
Men’s 2nd | Win | YSJ 6 – SUN 1
Men’s 3rd | Win | YSJ 10 – SUN 1
Men’s 4th | Loss | YSJ 5 – SUN 7
Men’s 5th | Win | YSJ 6 – SUN 1
Women’s 1st | Win | YSJ 4 – SUN 1
Futsal
Men’s 1st | Win | YSJ 22 – SUN 2
Men’s 2nd | Win | YSJ 10 – SUN 2
Women’s 1st | Draw | YSJ 3 – SUN 3
Hockey
Men’s 1st | Win | YSJ 4 – SUN 1
Women’s 1st | Draw | YSJ 15 – SUN 0
Netball
Women’s 1st | Win | YSJ 73 – SUN 25
Women’s 2nd | Win | YSJ 61 – SUN 26
Women’s 3rd | Win | YSJ 45 – SUN 5
Rowing
Mixed 1st | Loss | YSJ 1 – SUN 5
Rugby Union
Men’s 1st | Win | YSJ 55 – SUN 17
Women’s 1st | Win | YSJ 55 – SUN 7
Snowsports
Mixed 1st | Loss | YSJ 1 – SUN 2
Swimming
Mixed 1st | Draw | YSJ 14 – SUN 14
Tennis
Men’s 1st | Loss | YSJ 1 – SUN 5
Ultimate Frisbee
Men’s 1st | Loss | YSJ 11 – SUN 15
Volleyball
Men’s 1st | Loss | YSJ 0 – SUN 3
Women’s 1st | Loss | YSJ 0 – SUN 3
