Team Sunderland make history with first ‘Varsity’ away win

The annual student sporting contest between Sunderland and York universities was held in six different venues across York yesterday.

In a fixture that had previously eluded them, the collective efforts of Sunderland’s student sportspeople secured a 37-34 overall win.

The day started off with cricket, followed by Men’s 5th’s XI Football and American Football, before a tightly packed day-long schedule of fixtures, with all four remaining men’s football sides taking to the turf, alongside the women’s football team. 

Men’s and women’s rugby fixtures added to the intensity of the day outside, whilst netball, basketball and volleyball kept up the momentum indoors. Elsewhere, airsoft provided a different kind of competition.

The action was closed out later in the evening with the men’s and women’s futsal, ensuring a full day of sport that showcased the depth, intensity and unity across every Sunderland team.

The celebrations began later that evening, as teams, supporters and staff members gathered in the York St John Student Union bar for the much-anticipated trophy presentation. 

With anticipation building, the final scores were revealed, confirming Team Sunderland as ‘Varsity’ victors. Players and staff from across every team came together to celebrate a memorable end to a historic day for Team Sunderland. 

Chris Thornley, of Team Sunderland, said: “It’s a fantastic result to retain the David Fleming Cup this year. To win it in consecutive years, especially away from home, is an immense achievement. 

“Our teams have worked so hard all year across their respective leagues so to finish the season on such a high is nothing more than they deserve. 

“We’re already looking forward to hosting York St John next year.”

 

Scores on the doors: 

FOOTBALL

Men’s 1st XI: Sunderland 1-1 York St. John

Mens 2nd XI: Sunderland 2-0 York St. John

Mens 3rd XI: Sunderland 0-4 York St. John

Mens 4th XI: Sunderland 1-4 York St. John

Mens 5th XI: Sunderland 0-1 York St. John

Women’s 1st XI: Sunderland 2-1 York St. John

 

FUTSAL

Mens 1st’s: Walkover win for Sunderland

Women’s 1st’s: Sunderland 14-1 York St. John

 

RUGBY

Men’s 1st’s: Sunderland 31-10 York St. John

Womens 1st’s: Sunderland 31-27 York St. John

 

BADMINTON

Men’s 1st’s: Sunderland 5-1 York St. John

Men’s 2nd’s: Sunderland 5-1 York St. John

Women’s 1st’s: Sunderland 5-1 York St. John

 

AIRSOFT

Sunderland 5-2 York St. John

 

BASKETBALL

Men’s 1st’s: Sunderland 72-60 York St. John

 

NETBALL

Women’s 1st’s: Sunderland 0-3 York St. John

Women’s 2nd’s: Sunderland 27-40 York St. John

Women’s 3rd’s: Sunderland 17-35 York St. John

 

CRICKET 

Sunderland 29-130 York St. John

 

TENNIS

Sunderland 1-2 York St. John

 

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Sunderland 34-32 York St. John

 

Overall Score: Sunderland 37-34 York St John