Bangor University have won the 2022 Varsity trophy, the 6th consecutive victory for Bangor since 2014, with the event being cancelled for the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over 900 competitors and spectators travelled down to Aberystwyth for the Bangor vs Aberystwyth Varsity on Saturday 26 March. 37 matches were held in total with some having been played before hand. The day started with a score of 6-3 to Bangor and the final score of the main day was 26-11 to Bangor.
Kathryn Hughes, Undeb Bangor’s Student Opportunities Lead said: “It’s been great to be back at Aberystwyth competing in Varsity, the atmosphere here has been electric.
“It’s the first time for most of our students at Varsity and I’m so glad that they got to experience it, it really is one of those days that you remember for a very long time.
“I’m so proud of all our teams and the hard work they put in throughout the year to achieve such high standard of sportsmanship.”
The games were played at a variety of venues in Aberystwyth including the Sports Cage, and Sport Centre and Plascrug Leisure Centre for the in-door sports, the 3G pitch and Blaendolau Playing Fields for some of the field sports with the final event, the men’s football match being held at the Aberystwyth Town FC Stadium.
The Bangor Women’s Football had an incredible victory with a 5-2 score against Aberystwyth, but the men’s football weren’t as successful and after a tough game, lost 1-0. The loss didn’t dampen the spirt of the Bangor fans who supported the team until the bitter end.
The Varsity trophy was handed to AU President/VP for Sports elect and Bangor University Men’s Football Club Captain, Lewis Thompson with a roaring crowd cheering on and celebrating the successful day of sport for Bangor.
Lewis Thompson, the AU President elect, and Club Captain of Bangor University Men’s Football Club said “I’m over the moon for Bangor to have won Varsity again, especially as it’s the first one back for years.
“It’s the first Varsity for 1st, 2nd and 3rd years who have experienced not only a great day, but a Bangor collective victory that can be remembered for years to come. I’m excited for Bangor to be hosting next year and getting our hands on that trophy again already.
“Disappointed doesn’t justify the feeling of loss for men’s football, especially after all the effort and commitment the players have put in. We will continue to develop over the next year and come back stronger for next year’s Varsity on home ground.
A statement from Undeb Bangor ssaid: “Special thanks goes out to the AU executive committee, Sam Grant, Ollie Coles, Adam Calveley and Sophie Dodsworth who’s work throughout the year is greatly appreciated and been a real motivation for all the AU clubs. Thank you to Canolfan Brailsford for supporting and investing in our clubs. Thanks to Kathryn Hughes, the Student Opportunities Lead at Undeb Bangor who’s worked tirelessly to organise Varsity and support every aspect of the Athletic Union throughout the year. We would also like to thank the society, Seren newspaper, for a full day of coverage and keeping the scores.”
Photo: Lewis Thompson, AU President elect and Men’s Football Club Captain, holding the Varsity Trophy
Photo credit: Sam Eaden Insta:@eadophoto
