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The second blog for The Yorker from the University of York Riding Club
480 years later the war of the roses would re-emerge at the suggestion of Lord James of Rusholme, vice chancellor of the University of York. He proposed a boat race between the newly formed universities of Lancaster and York, restarting the age old rivalry between the two cities. The idea was so popular with the students of the universities that it was expanded into a three day tournament including many different sports, where the overall winner was presented with the Carter-James trophy.
46 years after its inception, Roses is now the highlight of the sporting year at the University of York with matches in 34 different sports over four days ranging from rugby and hockey to pool and canoe polo.
Despite losing last year York still lead Lancaster in terms of number of victories by 23 to 22, with one draw. It would take a brave man to bet against York as Lancaster haven’t won away from home since 1985.
Although most of the fixtures are played between Friday and Sunday, the action starts on Thursday with the riding fixtures and the men’s cricket 2nds match.
Friday’s action starts with the men’s cricket 1sts game at 11am on 22 acres, the American football match will take place at the same place at 1pm.
The highlight of the weekend will undoubtedly be the men’s rugby 1sts match, which will be played under floodlights at York City Knights' Huntingdon stadium on Friday at 8pm. The event will also host the opening ceremony for the tournament with a performance by York’s cheerleaders the York Hornets.
Saturday is the busiest day of the tournament with over 60 fixtures taking place, highlights include the return of rowing after its absence last year. Head down to Lendal Bridge from 1pm to catch the best view of the action as the teams race towards the finish line at the boat house. On campus the women’s 1sts hockey and men’s 1sts hockey matches take place at 3:30pm and 5pm on the JLD where the atmosphere will be electric.
Sunday sees the traditional croquet game between the chancellors and vice chancellors, Heslington hall at 12pm. The netball 1sts game takes place in the tent at 1:30pm, where York will use home advantage in an attempt to overcome Lancaster who are two leagues above York in BUCS competition. At 3pm the last fixture of the tournament ensures that the weekend will end with a bang, the men’s football 1sts game takes place on 22 acres. If the tournament ends up as close as in 2008, where York managed an away win by only two points, then it would certainly be one not to miss.
The action will all end in central hall at 6pm where the losing vice chancellor will present the Carter-James trophy to the winning university, followed by the official after party in Vodka Revolution from 10pm.
The Yorker will be live blogging roses throughout the entire weekend, so watch this space for updates.
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