LEEDS Varsity is once again upon us, with players from across 25 sports hoping that they can prove their worth on Wednesday.
The competition has come on an awful long way since its inception in 2005, when the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett competed against each other in just ten sports. Since then, the event has come on leaps and bounds, and continues to update itself, having added sports as diverse as American football, Thai boxing and handball in the last two years. This year’s programme sees korfball scored for the first time, while the hockey 4s will be added to the fold.
Despite the Gryphons’ success in a number of sports over the years, we have never managed to get one over on our inter-city rivals, with Beckett winning 9 of the 10 contests (the other ended in a draw). Last year’s edition was a close-run affair, with Beckett prevailing 31-25 in the end.
The showstopping Rugby Union finale takes place at the end of a breathless day’s action, and for the first time ever, the match will be played in front of four full stands, as opposed to the usual three. Last year, Uni ran their more illustrious sporting opponents close, before eventually falling to a 46-30 defeat. Tickets for this year match will cost £10, and it is important that those who want tickets but haven’t got them yet do so as soon as possible, as availability is now limited.
This year, both Uni and Beckett will host the event, with much of the action taking place at their Headingley campus. All the other sporting fixtures are free of charge, and students are strongly encouraged to go along and support their fellow students, something Piers Cottee-Jones, the LUU Activities Officer, reiterated.
‘‘Varsity is so much more than a big rugby match where we show off our witty chanting talent, it’s a full day of matches and events that brings the University community together. So I urge you to get down to the Edge, up to Weetwood and to the Leeds Beckett pitches and support your friends and rally behind your Uni.
KEY FIXTURES
Badminton 1s (W), 1pm, CRI, Headingley Campus
Football 1s (M), 3pm, Top Pitch, Headingley Campus
Golf 1s, 10am, Horsforth Golf Club
Hockey 2s (W), 10.30am, STP Hockey, Headingley Campus
Rugby League 1s (M), 3pm, HC Pitch, Headingley Campus
Lacrosse 1s (W), 1pm, 3G Pitch, Headingley Campus
Volleyball 1s (M), 3.30pm, Green Hall, Headingley Campus
Alex Bowmer
Featured image: www.independent.co.uk