Sport

Hallam steal Varsity after dramatic Uni fightback

By Matt Duncan
Published: 22/04/2010

Photo: Helen Munro

A stirring University of Sheffield comeback fell just short as Sheffield Hallam held on to claim victory in this year’s Varsity.

Uni went into Finals Day trailing by five points but victories in badminton and ultimate frisbee, as well as an unexpected draw in rugby league, meant that the final result depended on the outcome of the men’s football first team match at Hillsborough.

Hallam won that game 2-0 to take both the final point and the Varsity trophy.

Speaking after the presentation Uni Sports Officer Kate Rickard said: “It’s a lot of mixed feelings at the moment. I’m obviously gutted that we’ve lost the crown overall but I’m so, so pleased with the way the competition has gone.

“From start to finish the university students have been absolutely unreal. It’s been absolutely fantastic and I couldn’t ask for any more from them.”

Going into the final day of action Uni needed something of a miracle to win for the first time since 2003, and it very nearly happened.

Uni won seven of the ten available points through the day but that final moment of achievement proved elusive for yet another year.

This was the first year that the final match was played at the home of Sheffield Wednesday and it proved to be a great success with thousands of students turning up to cheer on their side.

In a year that also saw Winter Varsity move to Sheffield Arena, congratulations must go to both Sports Officers’ for organising a showpiece final event that clearly captured the hearts of the students at both institutions.

The atmosphere was lively from the start but as rumours began to spread regarding the exact state of the tournament score-line then there was soon a tangible sense of tension in the air.

Rickard was keen to praise those who went down to show their support: “I’m ecstatic with the support to be honest.

“Now we’ve finished and it’s all empty, looking around at the empty seats it’s a bit like ‘oh my god we packed this’, and with such a short turnaround it’s a big hand to all the clubs for coming down. I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who came down not just today but for the whole competition.”

Rickard’s counterpart at Hallam, Samantha Gill, was ecstatic at the result: “It’s amazing; it has been such a good day. I’m so tired now though.”

Rickard was obviously upset at the outcome but she was determined to see the positives that have come out of the tournament.

“I am disappointed we won’t be dancing with the trophy in Roar tonight, but I’ll be dancing with a lot of passionate black and gold students. We’ll overcome them one day I’m sure.

“It’s just been an incredible day and it’s shown everyone just how incredible the University of Sheffield is. They are winners at life.”

Rate this article