I’m writing this feeling more than a little worse for wear, for me today is a struggle, as I’m sure it is for many of you too! But, of all the hangovers I’ve ever had, this one is most definitely worth it.
The Welsh Varsity 2013 was an absolutely incredible 18 hours and regardless of any results, I’m full to the brim with pride for Cardiff University, our sports teams and their supporters. Team Cardiff, you are amazing.
There was a great atmosphere at Sophia Gardens with Cardiff and Swansea students alike really getting into the spirit of the day. There was face-paint, banners and even the odd smoke flare! Of course the competition was fierce and occasionally passion took over, but for the most part it was all good-natured banter. Cardiff’s chat obviously being far superior to Swansea’s; “Your Dad works for my Dad!”
I tried to rush around to as many of the games as I could but even then it was impossible to see everything! It was a day jam packed with sport using all the venues at the Welsh Institute of Sport and some of the park playing fields.
Overall, Cardiff SMASHED Swansea in the Shield competition, winning 23 of the 30 sports. Lifting the shield above my head in the Millennium Stadium and seeing the Cardiff fans go wild was probably one of the greatest moments of my life!
The culmination of the day was the rugby at the stadium. A quick shout-out to say well done to TCUPS, Cardiff’s student choir who sung at the start of the game for the first time, I think you did a great job!
Cardiff went out hard and finished the first half 10-5 up. I’ll hold my hands up, I was one of the people who thought we had it at that point, if we continued with the same form I just couldn’t see us losing. Unfortunately Swansea pulled it back and we failed to utilise some of the chances we had in the second half.
Swansea took home the Varsity Cup winning 21 – 13. We didn’t get the result we wanted and I’ll admit that I shed a tear or two - partly because I know how much it meant to the boys - but it was a great game to watch and Cardiff can hold their heads high.
I couldn’t possibly write this without mentioning the streaker who was – to my horror (secret joy) – a Cardiff fan. Making it onto the pitch at the Millennium is no mean feat, but decking it whilst trying to remove his boxers meant that security had a chance to catch up with him and escort him from the pitch.
I just want to say a quick thanks to all the people who worked tirelessly to make The Welsh Varsity happen. It was a pretty stressful process but all the hard work and time paid off.
Thanks to the sportsmen and women who supplied me with drinks last night too - cheapest night out I’ve had in a long time - although I’m suffering because of it now!
I love Cardiff and I love all our sports teams, yesterday made me so proud to be your Athletic Union President. I’m just so glad I’m still here next year to experience it all over again!
The results are listed below.
Cardiff Wins
Mens Badminton 8 -1
Tae Kwon Do 25 -3
Netball 34 -27
Ladies Fencing 135 – 65
Ladies Basketball 80 -29
Mens Basketball 57 – 50
Mens Squash 4 – 1
Ladies Squash
Mens Volleyball 3 – 0
Mens Football 3 -2
Ladies Hockey 4 – 0
Mens Hockey 9 – 2
Ladies Rugby 20 – 5
IMG Football 2 – 0
Mens Lacrosse 6 - 2
Ladies Lacrosse 13 – 8
Ultimate Frisbee 15 – 6
Ladies Tennis 4 – 2
Mens Tennis 6 – 0
Sailing 6 – 3
Rowing 4 – 0
Cricket 54 runs
Golf 10 - 2
Swansea Wins
Mens Rugby 21 - 13
Mens Fencing 128 -111
Ladies Badminton 5-3
Ladies Volleyball 3 – 0
Freshers Rugby 19 – 10
Ladies Football 3 – 2
American Football 36 - 14
Cari Davies - AU President