We were all looking forward to the possibility of our annual Varsity fixtures against Roehampton going ahead as usual, but with COVID-19 restrictions in place, it was looking uncertain. Fortunately, in accordance with Government guidelines and the guidelines from the relative sporting bodies, we were able to play several friendly fixtures.
Varsity this year was a different affair, with fixtures at both University’s and no spectators allowed. As your Vice President Student Involvement, Tom, pointed out in the lead up to the big day, "It’s been 448 days since the last Bucks team took the field, despite there not being spectators, we're still playing for the win."
The day started with Football 2’s playing at home in a high scoring game, with 5 players scoring at least 1 goal and final match score of 7 – 4. Football 4’s unfortunately didn’t get the chance to play, meaning a walk over to us.
Buckinghamshire New University 2 – Roehampton 0.
At 2:00pm we saw Football 1’s and 3’s, Netball 2’s and Mixed Hockey kick off their games and as the scores came in, it was looking good. Football 1’s scored a further 6 and secured their win with the result being 6 -2. Football 3’s kept up the high scoring games and won 4 – 0. Netball 2’s who haven’t won against Roehampton in Varsity since 2013 won their game 23 -19. Mixed hockey kept it close till half time trailing 2-1, but then Roehampton’s experienced squad stepped up in the second half, with the final result for hockey being 7-1 to Roehampton.
Buckinghamshire New University 5 – Roehampton 1.
Women's Basketball were next to play and with our indoor sports teams only having had one training session before their game and with a depleted squad, it was a brilliant result for Bucks when the team won their game 65 -43, with1 substitute. Netball 1’s played a brilliant game with the match see-sawing between both teams, Roehampton managed to pull ahead in the last 10 minutes giving them their second win of the day by 9, with a final Netball match score of 22 – 31 to Roehampton.
The last 2 games were Rugby and Men's Basketball and Men's Basketball felt they had a point to prove after Roehampton knocked them out of the cup last academic year. Both matches were enjoyable to watch and both teams applied the pressure in the second half of their game. Rugby won 55 -31 and Men's Basketball won 83 – 45.
Final result Buckinghamshire New University 8 – Roehampton 2.
A big thank you to Neal Reynolds and all the Sports Therapy students who provided their support and help on the day. Last, but definitely not least, thanks to all those committee members who kept their clubs going through an incredibly difficult year - we're so proud of all of your hard work.
And a big well done to all our teams who played!
