Lancaster pipped by York in the Roses
Lancaster narrowly lost out to York University in the closely fought annual Roses Tournament between the two Universities. The final score was York 124, Lancaster 122. The Carter James trophy was awarded to York at the closing ceremony.
The running tally since the tournament began 44 years ago is 22 tournaments to York and 21 to Lancaster University, and one draw.
The final day of the tournament, Sunday, saw a croquet match between the Chancellor of Lancaster University Sir Christian Bonington and the Chancellor of York Greg Dyke, the respective Vice-Chancellors, Professor Paul Wellings and Professor Brian Cantor and the AU Presidents James Marenghi and Jo Carter. This match was won by Lancaster.
This year it was the turn of Lancaster University to host the event which is one of the biggest inter-varsity tournaments in the country.
For the first time the college principals and provosts competed. They played crown green bowls for a new cup – the Lancaster and York Roses College Challenge Cup – which was won by Lancaster this year. York’s suggested challenge for next year in York is laser clay pigeon shooting.
L-R Lancaster University AU President James Marenghi, York University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, Lancaster University Chancellor Sir Christian Bonington, York University Chancellor Greg Dyke, Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings and York University AU President Jo Carter
The Wars of the Roses in the fifteenth century were eventually won by the House of Lancaster, but victory in the Roses Tournament is less clear cut. Lancaster University’s Athletic Union President James Marenghi says the Red Rose team played well and despite the score was a great event.
He said: “ It’s a fantastic exhibition of sport and also a chance to socialise with the competitors from York. The event is all about taking part and supporting, so no matter which University hosts the competition the sidelines are full of crowds shouting and socials in the evening.”
The tournament was opened by Sir Christian with a rowing competition on the river Lune. Other events include cricket, a Frisbee contest, rugby union 7’s, tennis, badminton, equestrian, golf, squash, skiing, indoor hockey, swimming, darts and karate.
The main event was the rugby union on Saturday 3rd May where there was also hockey, judo, lacrosse, tennis, snooker, sailing, canoeing, trampolining, fencing, volleyball, waterpolo, badminton, indoor football, ballroom dancing, netball, and American football.
Over 1200 competitors competed in over 100 events covering 40 different sports, ranging from rugby union to archery, rowing and even ballroom dancing. Three new sports are being introduced for the first time – American football, powerlifting and judo.