Varsity 2015

VARSITY 2015

Photo: Wilson Law

EDITORIAL

INSIDE: The Pre-Amble: 3 Featuring Winter Varsity

Ed McCosh

This has been my first Varsity as Sports Editor of Forge Press...and to be honest, I could have asked for an easier one to cover. It has been unbearably tense at times, particularly at the close of day six as Hallam’s breath was felt on Sheffield necks for the first time. With our deadly rivals just half a point behind a miracle was needed. And, suddenly, we got it. Futsal and the

Netball 1s were both level when the crowds on both sides began to believe that magic was about to happen. The hush became a murmuring, which became cheering, which developed into a roar that galvanised both teams into taking the lead.

When they did, buoyed by the incredible support by the hardy souls who had stayed throughout the day, they

never looked back. It was an incredible sporting feat, at a perfect time, and it would be difficult to better the feeling of being there to witness and report on a true sporting phenomenon. No matter how many more Varsity editions I am responsible for, memories such as that enchanted evening will live with me forever.

Joe Bamford

It’s 2.13am, I’m falling asleep at my computer…but I’d honestly say it’s been worth it.

I thought that winning Varsity last year – and by a comprehensive margin – was good. But this year has been even better. As the final whistle blew in the Women’s Hockey 3s’ comfortable 5-0 win, pandemonium ensued and the outpouring of emotion and relief was almost

tangible. The team celebrated, spectators chanted, and Hallam fans applauded their team before heading for home. Varsity has been a hell of a week.

I’ll miss it when I leave Sheffield in a couple of months. Covering Varsity fixtures has been the highlight of my time here at Forge Press.

The buzz that you get from tweeting that the University of Sheffield

have won Varsity, and letting people on the touchline at fixtures know exactly what the score is…it sounds sad, but it’s also overwhelming to be able to let that many people know that we won Varsity.

And I will leave Sheffield with an unblemished record of winning Varsity in all three of my years at the university.

Tom Pyman

I’ve now had the privilege of being a Forge Press Sports Editor for nearly two years and have witnessed plenty of dramatic Varsity action, including a recordbreaking victory last year.

The memories of Monday afternoon at EIS, however, are ones that will stay with me for years to come.

Seeing the Netball 3s suffer an agonising defeat late on seemed to force some of the hundred-strong crowd

courtside into thinking Lady Luck had switched allegiance and that this wouldn’t be our year after all.

However the spirit and character showed by both the Netball 2s and 1s to come from behind and push on in the final quarter to secure two priceless Varsity points is exactly what this competition is all about.

The euphoria from the crowd and tears of joy from the players epitomised just how much the university has embraced

Varsity, and how much we wanted to retain our hard-earned crown.

While not reporting there myself, I gather that the scenes at the ultimately decisive Women’s Hockey 3s were similar and quite something to behold.

It’s been a real pleasure covering all these magnificent sports over the last week – here’s to more success in the future.

Day 1: 4-5 Including Rugby League Days 2, 3 and 4: Including Golf

6-7

Centrefold: 8-9 A full results compilation Days 5 & 6: Including Netball

10-11

Day 7: Including Hockey

12-13

Day 8: 14-15 Victory secured, and more

Editor Elsa Vulliamy DEPUTY EDITOR Tom Schneider Managing Editor Jon May Sport sport@forgetoday.com Joe Bamford Ed McCosh Tom Pyman DESIGN Chloe Coleman Joss Woodend REPORTERS Lawrie Campbell Seth Hemingway Rob Milne Lucy Okedon Anthony Phillips Matthew Smith Jack Taylor Sonia Twigg Peter Watson Simon Watters Sean White Jack Wignall Joss Woodend

PRE-AMBLE

#SUVARSITY

Would you believe...our prayers weren’t answered.

We love a good metaphor.

We were always sure to break the biggest news of the week, like this major development in the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee.

(It was double chocolate with chocolate shavings on, by the way)

Thanks for following @ForgePressSport! There’s more to come from us.

FORGE SPORT TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Photo: Lawrie Campbell Sheffield dominated Winter Varsity once again, opening up a 5-0 Varsity lead thanks to victories in various categories of skiing and snowboarding. For the full story from Lawrie Campbell go to www.forgetoday.com.

DAY 1

Landmark win for League 1s Rugby League 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Sean White

Photo: Saral Mulasatra

The University of Sheffield Men’s Rugby League 1s posted a stunning Varsity victory on day one defeating the supposed favourites, Sheffield Hallam, and making a mockery of the two-division gap between the sides.

Despite the divisional difference, and a Hallam side containing various players associated with Sheffield Eagles, Sheffield were on a high going into the match having won their BUCS league, which should have given Hallam an indication of the test they would be up against.

Indeed, the even nature of the contest was typified by a tight opening 15 minutes, in which both teams generally cancelled each other out.

However, as Sheffield’s confidence grew, so did their attacking play and they took the lead when Rob Graham crossed over to give them a 6-0 lead.

Five minutes later Hallam hit back with a try of their own, going over in the corner despite some committed defending, but with the conversion going wide, Sheffield led 6-4.

The Sheffield men continued to look very comfortable against their opponents, so it came as a surprise when, against the run of play, Hallam managed to breach the defensive line and cross over to establish a 10-6 lead go-

ing into half time.

The short interval appeared to do Sheffield wonders as just five minutes after the break, a sensational interception try from Evan Wynne restored parity levelling the scores at 10-10.

Instead of then sitting back, Sheffield continued to pile on the pressure, putting together some great rugby in both attack and defence, and it eventually paid off with a powerful, bustling run from Liam Grimmett which put Sheffield 16-10 ahead and in full control.

Richard Veazey then extended the lead further via a drop goal to establish a 17-10 advantage, before the inevitable late pressure from Hallam.

The last ten minutes of the game were played almost exclusively in Sheffield’s half, with a substantial period of pressure on the Sheffield try line completing three or four repeat sets, but to no avail as the Sheffield defence showed titanic spirit and determination to frustrate their opponents and emulate the victory the Men’s 2s had secured earlier in the day.

As the clock ticked down Hallam continued to come up against an impenetrable black and gold wall as Sheffield saw out the match to win 17-10, earning an all-important Varsity point.

Hallam hit the bullseye Men’s Cricket 1s and 2s face defeat Archery Sheffield Hallam

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Matthew Smith A sterling effort by Sheffield Archery captain Tom Holdich was not enough to stop Hallam securing a 1-2-3 finish with 21-13.

Holdich eventually came fourth, defeated by Czerniak 7-5 in the semi on the final end of their bout, before being well beaten by Hallam counterpart Bainbridge in the third-placed play-off.

He did however play a big part in Sheffield starting the competition well on top – as only the fifth ranked archer for Sheffield, he upset Hal-

lam’s number four Daniel Stafford in the first round, as Sheffield secured three of the first four second round qualifiers, Hallam quickly redressed the balance when their own number five took out Sheffield’s fourth best, Ed Stone.

Soon they struck the fatal blow, as Bainbridge, who impressively raised his game to lead to a maiden Varsity archery triumph, beat Justin Stinson of Sheffield in a tense encounter.

Holdich did cause one more upset, as he beat his own team’s number one ranking, Luke Fox, in round two. After tying their bout 5-5, progression was decided via a single arrow shootout. Fox was hunted down under the pressure, missing the target entirely.

The entire Sheffield team were off the mark however, as Hallam hit the bullseye.

Men’s Cricket 1s and 2s Sheffield Hallam

93/70 105/72

Peter Watson Sheffield’s Men’s Cricket teams lost both their games against their Hallam counterparts.

Having been put in to bat Hallam, Mens 1s were immediately tested by quick bowlers Henry Eldred and Harry Popplewell. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with left arm spinner Cameron Jacobsen picking up two with intelligent changes of pace and good flight, with the fielders giving good support.

The last over of the Hallam innings proved crucial as 27 runs were scored, finishing with 105-4.

Sheffield opening batsmen Orban

Holdgate and Eldred made an excellent start with some positive stroke play and good running between the wickets before Holdgate was given out LBW. The run rate was maintained as Suleman Saleem came to the wicket and Sheffield looked wellplaced as Eldred retired on 25 with the score on 50-1 at the half way point.

Unfortunately three quick wickets fell, with Charles Jones and Saleem both being caught off the wall and Popplewell run out. Eldred returned with the pressure on and the run rate having climbed, and with 27 needed off the last over, hopes seemed slim.

Eldred had other ideas with 2 brilliant straight sixes raising the prospects of a remarkable victory, but Hallam held their nerve with the last two balls, and Sheffield finished 12 runs short on 93-5.

The Men’s 2s game was less close.

Batting first, Sheffield openers Ross

Barrett and Gordon Pal made a solid start, with Hallam bowlers helping our total with a number of wides and no balls. After Pal was caught and bowled, Chris Dutton helped to take the total to 60 before Barrett was run out, having looked in good nick.

Yet, there was then a disastrous collapse with the remaining four wickets falling in the space of nine balls.

Dutton, Mithila Siriwardana, Sam Crompton and Chris Hooper all being dismissed with some injudicious shots stemming from the pressure of needing to increase the run rate. 70 all out was unlikely to be enough, and so it proved, with Hallam cantering to their target despite the best efforts of the bowlers. Chris Hooper took two wickets, and Crompton snaffled a brilliant catch, but Hallam won with several overs to spare ending on 72-2.

Sabres’ inability to move the chains meant that the Warriors went into halftime with a 14-6 lead.

The third quarter began with more poor play from the Sheffield offence that cost them dearly, as Josh Adams was once again able to pound his way into the endzone for his third touchdown run.

At that point the game began to get away from the Sabres, as the Warriors’ offence began to find huge gaps in the tiring Sabres defence, a further 17 yard touchdown run was added to

make the score 28-6 following a failed two-point conversion.

The Warriors, who began to smell blood, continued to pound the rock with a beautiful 94-yard touchdown run through a tiring Sheffield defence. Hallam were able to add another score late on a rare passing play that resulted in a 40 yard touchdown on a screen play that left the Sheffield Sabres well and truly beaten.

Toothless Sabres suffer heavy defeat American Football Sheffield Hallam

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Anthony Phillips Sheffield Hallam Warriors successfully retained their Steel Bowl trophy in the 2015 Varsity American Football match with an emphatic second

half beat down of Sheffield University Sabres.

The match did not start so well for the Sabres, when Hallam quarterback Josh Adams ran in a touchdown from 30 yards out.

The story of the day would be the struggling Sheffield offence and specifically the offensive line that failed to protect quarterback Hardy throughout the contest.

However, if the offence were spluttering, the defence were firing on all cylinders. A second successive fumble

recovery, this time from Sabres defender Sam Farr, left the Sabres 25 yards out from the Warriors endzone.

Sheffield were able to capitalise with Jacob Hardy throwing a perfectly lofted 12-yard pass that allowed the Sabres receiver to run into the endzone for the touchdown.

Soon, the Warriors offence, unbeaten all year, showed its power with another quarterback run that resulted in a 14-yard touchdown for Josh Adams, adding to his 30-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The

DAY 1

#SUVARSITY

Uni triumph, Hallam stuck in a ruck Women’s Rugby Sheffield Hallam

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Lucy Okedon

Photo: Saral Mulasatra

On a busy day which saw points going almost by the hour in Cricket, Football, American Football, and both Rugby Union and League, one of the final games of the day was Women’s Rugby union.

Following a series of injuries to many of the Sheffield team prior to the game, the tie was set up to be interesting, especially as it took place on a 4G pitch unused in previous Varsity Rugby matches. After a worrying start in which Hallam’s fullback scored the first try in the first few minutes, running around Sheffield’s defence, it proved to be a comprehensive victory for Sheffield.

A tactical change following this early break was to prove crucial as after the first try and conversion, Hallam were prevented from gaining any other points.

Sheffield’s first try came soon after, levelling the score and providing a platform from which it proved impossible for Hallam to come back from.

At the end of the first half the score stood at 21-7, although the game was actually closer than the score itself

would suggest. The game itself was a physical challenge with many hard tackles being felt by both sides and some good passages of play for both sides, including many stints where the ball was contained in the middle third of the field. Sheffield’s 3 tries of the first half scored had been successfully converted by Rebecca Ley, and Emily Topping scored her first of what was to turn into a hatrick by the end of the second half, although it was the second that was the most remarkable with a quick dash down the wing at the start of the second half, setting up Sheffield in the way they meant to continue.

The last play of the game itself saw a quick break and another try for Sheffield by Annabel Faulkner to bring the final score to 50-7 to Sheffield and add an important point to Sheffield’s challenge for a third Varsity title in a row.

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Women’s Cricket: Hallam gain the inside edge Women’s Cricket Sheffield Hallam

104-3 105-4

Joss Woodend Day One of Varsity saw a tense showdown at Women’s Cricket between Sheffield and Hallam, with Hallam taking the point.

Roshini Navaratnam and Millie Boddington opened the batting for Sheffield, leaving Hallam to field. Boddington quickly hit a six in the fourth over, seeing the room explode to loud cheers, bringing Sheffield to 38-0. After this Boddington retired at 25,

and Zara Aslam entered in her place to bat.

Within seconds Aslam hit a four, bring the score line to 74-0 but soon after Hallam ran Navaratnam out and Lee quickly followed to leave Sheffield at 93-2.

Sonia Twigg was then bowled but Sheffield still managed a strong 104-3, placing pressure on Hallam for the point.

After a short break Sheffield returned to field, leaving Hallam to try and bat their way to the points. Hallam swiftly moved their way to 20-0 off two overs, bringing the score to 20-1 off two overs.

After Hallam then smashed a straight six, Parker replaced Sheffield’s opening bowler Aslam soon after, and drew an edge to take Sheffield’s first wicket. In four overs, the score stood at 40-2, an impressive achievement for Sheffield. But during the next three overs, Hallam hit another six and managed to quickly bring the score up to 78-2 off seven.

With only three overs left, tension began to mount on the

Sports Park. Hallam quickly moved to 92-2 off eight but Boddington soon caught another Hallam player out, leaving Hallam three down with just a couple of overs to be played. Boddington’s fantastic match continued, as she ran a Hallam player out.

Yet her success did not come easy, with the decision up in the air over whether there was a no ball and if the wicket hshood stand. Sheffield supporters roared when the wicket was given by the umpire, leaving the score at 97-4 off 9 overs.

The last over was nothing less than tense, seeing Hallam move from 97-4 to 104-4, matching Sheffield’s first innings score. It wasn’t long before Hallam score the run needed to overhaul our total, ending the match and claiming the Varsity point. Hallam’s victory over Sheffield at Women’s Cricket was a close one, with the match being decided with only a couple of balls spare.

Rugby 3s trounced Honours even in Athletics Rugby Union 3s Sheffield Hallam

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Anthony Phillips Sheffield’s Men’s Rugby Union 3s lost to their Hallam counterparts by a convincing 40-19 margin.

Sam Blakely scored the first try within the opening 10 minutes and the conversion was added by Simon Coleman.

However, Hallam then raced into a 21-7 lead following a series of devastating attacks.

Sheffield were shell-shocked but managed to make an attempt to get back into the game as, just before half time, their efforts paid off as hard forward pressure in the scrum and the ruck allowed Coleman to sneak in for Sheffield’s second try, but he was unable to kick the two point conversion.

The second half began rather slowly

with both teams making simple errors and failing to capitalise on good positions in the opposition’s half.

Hallam did begin to take advantage though, and found themselves 33-12 up.

Hallam, knowing they had a comfortable lead, began to play expressively, and this resulted in Dillon George nipping in front of a Hallam pass and taking the interception 40 yards for the Sheffield try. The try was successfully converted bringing the score to 33-19 and leaving Sheffield with the faint prospect of a comeback entering the final 10 minutes of play.

Unfortunately this was not to be as excellent quick passing by Hallam led to Josh Leonard diving in the corner and rounding off a very impressive victory by Hallam with the final score standing at 40-19.

Athletics Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman The spoils were shared in the Athletics at Woodbourn Road, as the University of Sheffield were 81-78 victors in the men’s event, with Hallam winning the women’s point 83-76.

Sheffield went into the day’s events with the advantage, having comfortably won the 10k run back in March. Steven Bayton was the quickest male with a time of 33:13.6, while Sheffield’s Charlotte Ward was the fastest female, crossing the line after 38:29.4.

The first event of the day was the men’s high jump, in which Sheffield’s Sam Edwards finished 2nd, before Heather Carson and Rebecca Cope finished second and third respectively.

Sheffield’s first individual winner of the day was Joe Epps, who crossed the line first in the 400m hurdles, with Cope and Stef Pike coming third and fourth in the women’s event. Tom Horton and Connor Laverty took second and third in the javelin before comfortable wins for Paul Tobin and Emily Weeks in the 800m races.

As lunch approached, the scores were tight, with Hallam 47-42 up in the women’s events, and Sheffield edging the men’s with a score of 46-45. Hallam were victorious in the sprints, with Jack Markham and Kash Shahidan coming 3rd and 4th in the men’s 100m, and Carson and Pike second and third in the women’s race, while Tade Ademiyi was runner-up in the men’s 110m hurdles.

There were better fortunes in the women’s triple jump, with Sheffield’s first one-two of the day coming courtesy of Cope and Carson, while there was domination in the men’s 400m, with Sheffield athletes finishing in each of the top three positions – Liam McGivern crossing the line first.

Weeks and Ellie Robinson took second and fourth in the women’s 400m, before there was victory in the 3000m – Johnny Collier crossing the line first for the men, and 10k hero Ward first for the women, with Jenny Evans not far behind in second.

In the 200m, McGivern and Markham finished third and fourth, while Pike and Elicia Bones helped secure an excellent one-two for Sheffield in the women’s shot put.

A superb one-two-three followed shortly after in the men’s 1500m, thanks to Bertie Houghton, Tobin and Callum Chambers respectively, while Rachel Lungren coasted to victory in the women’s event.

The day ended with the relays, and a photo finish was needed to separate Sheffield athletes in a one-two in the 4x400m to cap off a thrilling afternoon of Athletics.

DAY 2 & 3

Sheffield Golf in full swing Golf Sheffield Hallam

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Charlie Totts The University of Sheffield Golf Varsity 2015 was poised to be a thrilling match with Sheffield having another successful year in a difficult league and Hallam having a well-known strong lineup.

The morning Fourballs began with a shotgun start and Sheffield got off strongly, winning three out of the four pairings in the morning leaving the score at 3-1.

Matt Plenty led the Sheffield force playing some impressive golf against Hallam’s top seed but unfortunately couldn’t complete a massive upset.

Monty Williamson and George Shaw had similar stories, playing solidly throughout but were eventually overcome by their opponents.

Charlie Totts took a stronghold of his match early on and

finished the match with a 4&3 victory, and Jack Weston and Hannah Holden both saw off their Hallam rivals 2&1.

With the score at 6-4, all Josh Dye and Will Swarbrick had to is not lose and Sheffield would have their hands on the cup.

In emphatic style the two anchormen finished their matches with comfortable victories, leaving the final score as 8-4 to Sheffield.

A great day for all involved.

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Photos: Chris Chadwick

Stalemate at iceSheffield Ice Hockey 2s Sheffield Hallam

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Photo: Duncan Karas

DAY 4

#SUVARSITY

Hallam KO’d in boxing bouts Boxing

Sheffield Hallam

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Simon Watters The University of Sheffield secured a crucial Varsity point in the boxing at Goodwin.

The eight fight card was split into four community fights before the interval and the four Varsity bouts afterwards. The community fights saw boxers from as far out as Manchester compete and was an excellent showcase of the calibre of the young boxers in the UK at the moment.

The first Varsity bout was between Sheffield’s Chris Taylor and Chuh Fat Ma of Hallam.

Taylor began confidently despite a strong defensive guard from Ma, who was able to pin Taylor to the ropes three times in the first round. In the second round Taylor let loose with a series of strong combinations and Ma was given a count midway through the second and again thirty seconds later. One more combination and the referee felt enough was enough, Taylor winning by TKO. The second bout saw Nathan Kaushik in the black and gold take on James Prescott in Hallam’s maroon and white. The first round was very even as

Kaushik struggled to open up Prescott’s defence. The second round was very similar, with Kaushik struggling to get on Prescott’s inside. In the final round Kaushik began to let loose, knowing he had to force the issue as he launched a big combination in the last thirty seconds, trying to find an opening. In the end, the judges gave the fight to Kaushik via unanimous decision, a controversial verdict as many felt Prescott had done enough to take it.

The third matchup exploded into action with a series of headshots to both Sheffield’s Robert Dixon and Hallam’s Charlie Perfitt. It was Perfitt

who was hitting the target with more effect and thirty seconds into the round, with Dixon on the ropes, Perfitt thew a swinging left hook followed by a piercing right jab which saw his opponent knocked out.

The crowd in the Octagon were stunned as Dixon lay prone for several minutes. Eventually he was helped to his feet before being taken for medical examination.

With the score now at 2-1, a win for Hallam would secure half a point towards the overall Varsity tally, while a Sheffield victory would see them take home a point. Hallam’s Brock Neal-Roberts was more experienced than Sheffield’s

Yaseen Noorani on the Varsity stage, having fought in two previous years.

However it was Noorani who was quickest out of the blocks, with Roberts struggling to land anything in the first other than during a quick flurry of punches late on. Noorani started the second round just as he had the first but Roberts weathered the storm well and was able to land a couple of headshots in a more even round. Roberts pushed hard in the third but Noorani replied with interest each time. Noorani was awarded the fight via unanimous decision which saw Sheffield take home the point.

Photo: Wilson Law

Oar-some Sheffield row to victory Rowing Sheffield Hallam

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Anthony Phillips The University of Sheffield mixed rowing team produced an outstanding performance to beat Hallam 8-1 in the nine races contested that earned Sheffield both of the Varsity points on offer.

The team was backed by a superb grouping of supporters who travelled in a packed coach to the remote Damflask

Reservoir and cheered loudly throughout.

With a glorious spring sun shining down onto the water, the first race of the day produced a shock result as Hallam claimed their only victory of the day in the Men’s Novice 4s. Hallam won by a clear five lengths, much to the shock of the Sheffield supporters stood around the bank. It was later discovered that one of the Sheffield rowers’ seats had come loose, slowing his stroke speed and ending the team’s chance of victory.

Sheffield soon equalised in the Women’s Novice 8s in a finish that mirrored the rest

of the day’s events. Tied with Hallam with 400m to go, Sheffield’s superior fitness, having recently gone on a training camp to the south of France, told, allowed Sheffield to easily move away from Hallam who faded poorly in the closing stretch to win by five lengths.

A victory was then added in the Men’s Senior Pairs by three lengths before Sheffield won the Senior Women’s Quads by three lengths.

The event favoured Hallam mostly due to the Sheffield crew having less experience in skulling but that did not make much difference to the race as Sheffield pulled away in the

final 250m to make the score 3-1.

The Novice Men’s 8s won comfortably as did the Men’s Senior 4s to make the score 5-1 before the closest race of the day in the Women’s Novice 4s. Sheffield had built a strong advantage of three lengths heading into the final 250m but a strong finish by Hallam, who were cheered on by their ever supportive crowd, meant that Sheffield escaped with a narrow one length victory to make the score 6-1.

In the final two blue ribbon events of the day, the Senior 8s, the Sheffield team were able to close out a comprehen-

sive Varsity victory. Riding on their new boat Anton Rich, won in a linklaters competition, Sheffield coasted to two very easy victories in both the Men’s and Women’s races. The lead in the Men’s race was so substantial that the Sheffield team could afford to ease up for the final 10 strokes and glide over the finish line basking in the knowledge that the score was now 17-11 and the two Varsity points on offer had been secured.

Archery Athletics (1 point each) Men’s Badminton 1s Men’s Badminton 2s Women’s Badminton Men’s Basketball 1s Men’s Basketball 2s Women’s Basketball 1s Women’s Basketball 2s BMX Boxing Men’s Canoe Polo Women’s Canoe Polo Climbing (2 points) Men’s Cricket 1s Men’s Cricket 2s Women’s Cricket Cross Country Cycling Downhill Cycling Equestrian Men’s Football 1s Men’s Football 2s Men’s Football 3s Women’s Football 1s Women’s Football 2s Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Futsal Golf Hill Climb Men’s Hockey 1s Men’s Hockey 2s Men’s Hockey 3s

SHEFFIELD

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#SUVARSITY

HALLAM

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Photo: Sam Taylor

Women’s Hockey 1s Women’s Hockey 2s Women’s Hockey 3s Ice Hockey 1s Ice Hockey 2s Korfball 1s Korfball 2s Men’s Lacrosse Women’s Lacrosse Netball 1s Netball 2s Netball 3s Road Time Trial Rowing (2 points) Rugby Union 2s Rugby Union 3s Women’s Rugby Union Rugby League Sailing Squash 1s Squash 2s Swimming (2 points) Table Tennis Men’s Tennis 1s Men’s Tennis 2s Women’s Tennis Trampolining Men’s Volleyball Women’s Volleyball Men’s Water Polo Women’s Water Polo Winter Varsity (5 points)

DAY 5 & 6

Netball 1s nail Hallam Netball 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman A win in the showpiece event on day five put the University of Sheffield well and truly in the driving seat in their quest to retain their Varsity crown.

Having witnessed both victory and defeat in the two matches prior, the Netball 1s took to the English Institute of Sport court knowing they couldn’t afford to slip up, with Sheffield Hallam merely half a point behind overall going into this fixture.

Sheffield began the match on the back foot as Hallam opened the scoring and went on to dominate large periods of the first quarter, which they ended 7-5 up.

The trend seemed to continue during the second, but a terrific last couple of minutes from Sheffield – and from Kaytee Beardsmore and Courtney Hill in attack in particular – saw them claw back the deficit to level the score at 13-13 at half time.

The battle in the middle of the court seemed to be key, and Sheffield’s Naomi Parton exhibited some nice passing, but Hallam matched their opponents all the way as the third quarter ended level again at 24-24.

With the stands now full to the brim with supporters from the two universities, the pressure on Sheffield seemed almost tangible.

Yet the Varsity holders seemed to thrive on it and found another gear.

Hill converted multiple times in quick succession as Sheffield raced into a seemingly unassailable 34-27 lead with five minutes remaining.

Some well finished moves from Hallam late on proved scant consolation as Sheffield held on for an invaluable win.

Narrow netball victory Netball 2s Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman A dramatic late win in the netball 2s secured the most priceless of Varsity points for the University of Sheffield on Monday.

After the disappointment of the 3s defeat just minutes earlier, the crowd at the English Institute of Sport were determined to act as the eighth woman and push the team over the line.

Sheffield responded to the significant support as they quickly moved into a 9-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks to the sharp shooting of Lucy McDermott and Becca Mason.

Hallam upped the tempo in the sec-

ond period, dominating possession and swarming their opponents in the centre of the court.

Sheffield were ahead at the halfway mark – but a slender 20-19 lead created a growing feeling of déjà vu.

Mason in particular continued to shoot with authority, but Hallam were very much on Sheffield’s tails, as they ended the third period 27-26 ahead.

Hallam cranked up the pressure in the final 15 minutes but were repeatedly denied by club captain Yasmin Vines who was colossal at the back.

A breathless final quarter ended with pandemonium in the stands and tears of joy, and perhaps relief, from the girls on the court.

Having suffered such agonising defeat earlier in the day, they knew the importance of this particular Varsity point.

Photo: Luke Rostron

Hallam heartbreak for netball 3s in EIS near-miss Netball 3s Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman

The University of Sheffield’s netball 3s suffered late heartbreak at the English Institute of Sport, as they were narrowly beaten by Sheffield Hallam.

Sheffield undoubtedly started the stronger, racing into a 2-0 lead with their first two shots, courtesy of Emer Hatem in goal attack, and ending the first period 8-6 up on their opponents.

Sheffield were winning the battle in the cen-

tre of the court, with Helen Morris impressing throughout as they went into half time 17-13 ahead.

Sheffield took it up another gear in the next period and were beginning to dominate, with Hatem and Becca Goddard looking ruthless in attack, giving the girls what looked a comfortable 22-17 lead going into the final quarter.

The lead was extended to 25-20 with 10 min-

utes to go, and Sheffield looked home and dry.

Yet a Hallam resurgence was in order, as they stormed back to win six consecutive points to take the lead against all odds. The remaining couple of minutes consisted of rapid, end-to-end netball, but the momentum Hallam gathered in the final quarter seemed to push them over the line as they ended the match 30-28 winners.

Bouncing to victory Stalemate in men’s badminton Trampolining Sheffield Hallam

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Anthony Phillips The University of Sheffield Trampolining team claimed a 21-15 victory over Sheffield Hallam.

A vocal crowd at Goodwin were treated to a tremendous display of acrobatics that earned those competing some revenge following the men’s team second place finish at BUCS 2015 behind champions Sheffield Hallam.

The event was calculated using the top three finishes in categories ranging from the lowest (novice) to the highest (uber).

In the novice category, Monika Reppo secured first place, while the Intermediate category was also won

by Sheffield’s Sara Howells.

There was definite tension in the air as Hallam claimed a first and second places in the advanced category.

Nonetheless the event was sealed with an elite first and third place finish from Ed Whatley-Smith and Megan Baker before David Mason, Ross Harding and Lianne Sellors completed a clean sweep in the uber category to gain the victory.

Men’s Badminton 2s Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman The Men’s Badminton 2s finished as a stalemate as the University of Sheffield drew 4-4 with their Hallam counterparts at the English Institute of Sport.

Ivan Tan suffered defeat in his opening singles match, but Yang Yi was victorious in his, winning 21-14, 21-7.

Despite the best efforts of Merwin

Moh and Jum Lo, and Johnny Chung and Luke Bennett, Hallam came out on top in both of the opening doubles matches, meaning Sheffield were 3-1 down at the halfway stage.

It was therefore an extremely impressive comeback from the men in black and gold in the second round of games to secure half a Varsity point.

Tan made amends by winning his singles match against Hallam’s Jake Varty 21-11, 21-16, while Chung and Bennett and Moh and Lo were also victorious in their second doubles matches.

Elsewhere, the Women’s Badminton team narrowly missed out on a point as they sank to a 5-3 defeat.

Saskia Mason was beaten 21-8 in her opening singles match before

Steph Benson and Abby Millis were edged out in their doubles game 2114, 21-7.

Ki Wan also lost her game in straight sets but there was success in the doubles matches.

The Men’s Badminton 1s also suffered defeat, going down 6-2 to an impressive Hallam team.

Notwithstanding the best efforts of Kelvin Yu and Shrion Chen, Sheffield were overpowered by their opposite numbers in the singles matches and despite something of a resurgence in the doubles games, the point had already been won by the men in red and white.

DAY 6

#SUVARSITY

Slater show sparks Sheffield success Futsal Sheffield Hallam

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Ed McCosh The University of Sheffield Men’s Futsal put in a performance that would prove to mean even more than the single Varsity point it earned with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Sheffield Hallam.

At the time of kick-off, tensions

were sky-high as Hallam had reduced Sheffield’s overall lead to merely half a point.

In the early stages favourites Sheffield’s apparent inability to notch the all-important opening goal did not aid frayed nerves, with a combination of determined defending and poor decision-making in front of the Hallam goal denying Ryan Willson, Chu Hei Leung and Adam Derradji.

Sheffield goalkeeper Richard Wilkinson made a smart save to deny Hallam on the first meaningful foray into the Sheffield half, while at the other end Nathan Lightowler’s strike was well saved before Jordan Slater

struck an impudent rabona effort into the side netting.

Leung was cautioned for a late challenge, and it seemed that the tension was getting to Sheffield, until Slater finally capitalised on an opportunity to round the goalkeeper and slot home.

Sheffield’s lead looked secure before Hallam landed a sucker-punch with a swivel and shot struck low into the corner providing an unlikely equaliser.

At this point, Sheffield could have easily wilted, but in a show of resolve that would prove vital to the Varsity push they forged on, with Arbaz Ka-

padi and Lightowler denied by the post and a desperate last-minute challenge respectively.

With just under ten minutes remaining, Slater struck again, catching the Hallam goalkeeper out with a powerful backheel that restored Sheffield’s lead.

Well on their way to repeating last year’s Varsity success, Sheffield continued to pile on the pressure. It was only a matter of time that the floodgates opened, and when they did it was emphatic. Sheffield blitzed their beleaguered opponents with three goals in 150 seconds; first Joshua Nwokobia powered home, before Slat-

er completed his hat-trick, slotting home after Leung selflessly squared for the unmarked striker. Nwokobia strode through the Hallam defence once more, this time crossing the ball for Kapadi to stoop and head home the fifth.

There was time for Willson, the fleet-footed engine of the Sheffield side, to cause the Hallam defence more problems, but the scoreline stayed 5-1 – a result which merely flattered Hallam.

Just when they were needed, Futsal stepped up to the mark and served up a pivotal victory at the end of a dramatic evening.

Photo: Luke Rostron

Hallam fight off Uni comeback Brave b’ball girls lose Men’s Basketball 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Rob Milne The University of Sheffield Men’s Basketball 1s ended the game with only three players left on the floor as they suffered defeat.

In the final minutes of this gripping encounter the majority of the Sheffield players had been ‘fouledout’, forced to sit on the side-line and watch their remaining three teammates compete against Sheffield Hallam.

Sheffield started the game very well, matching the ability of the Hallam scholarship players every step of the way. Hallam were shooting the ball poorly but it was clear from the

outset this game would be won near the basket.

Pierre Michelot scored the first points of the game with a lovely drive to the basket before Hallam answered with an athletic dunk at the other end.

Hallam’s mid-range shooting continued to falter into the second quarter but they were dominant when they decided to attack the rim. Sheffield dominated on rebounds with a superior height advantage, keeping the game close.

The first Sheffield dunk came from George Reddington, generating a brilliant response from the crowd.

He quickly doubled up his dunk tally, causing Hallam real troubles with his height.

The third quarter started with the score at 53-34 but Sheffield started well, quickly running the Hallam lead down to ten points.

As frustrations grew with the ref-

eree, Ben Thomas was sent-off. He re-emerged on the balcony at the EIS to a great ovation and jeering from the Hallam fans, before being told to leave the arena completely.

By the fourth quarter both Sheffield big-men had been fouled out and this damaged the comeback effort, which was too late for the black and gold to catch Hallam.

The biggest cheer of the game came when Sheffield’s three players left against Hallam’s six scored a basket, courtesy of Michelot.

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Women’s Basketball 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Rob Milne Hallam claimed the Varsity point in the women’s basketball, outclassing the University of Sheffield’s girls.

From the outset signs were not promising for the Sheffield team, as Hallam’s starting five was reminiscent of the senior Sheffield Hatters.

Hallam scored their first points within seconds and continued to roll from there, taking advantage of their superior speed and Sheffield’s poor handling to rush to a 26-point lead.

A combination of Hallam speed and poor handling from Sheffield saw the game become a no-contest by the end of the first quarter.

Katie Beardsmore scored the first points of the game for Sheffield, capitalising on an opportunity from the free-throw line.

Time after time Hallam caught Sheffield on the break and displayed their superior quality.

Sheffield captain Courtney Shaw tried her best to galvanise her team but the ball would not fall.

Going into the third quarter Hallam had built up an unassailable 60-point lead.

Hallam began to let up and slow the pace in the final two quarters and Sheffield’s finest moments came in the fourth, where they doubled their points tally. Shaw scored and her teammate converted it into a fourpoint play.

The victory was eventually by over 100 points, contributing a flat atmosphere throughout but Sheffield will hope to put up more points next year.

DAY 7

Clarke sparks Sheffield victory Women’s Hockey 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Joe Bamford The University of Sheffield Women’s 1s produced an outstanding display to blow away their Hallam counterparts at Abbeydale on Tuesday.

After an avalanche of defeats earlier in the day, the pressure

was all on the Women’s 1s to gain a consolation point - and they did not disappoint as goals from Bexx Wood, Rachel Clarke (2) and Maddie Wilkins completed a wonderful victory.

In the scorching Abbeydale sunshine it was Sheffield who forced the issue early on, winning several short corners and putting the Hallam backline under real pressure.

It wasn’t long before their dominance told. A short corner was played in and Wood drove the ball home to give Sheffield the lead.

The goal gave Sheffield fresh impetus; Wood, Clarke and Anna Stonham all forced good saves from the Hallam goalkeeper.

It was just before half time that Sheffield did double their lead and put breathing space between themselves and Hallam.

A fine move led to a shot at goal, and after the first strike was saved, the ball was worked wide towards Clarke, who slid home to give Sheffield a two-goal cushion.

Maddie Wilkins then got in on the act, skipping through several challenges before rolling the ball home and giving the Sheffield support yet more to cheer.

It looked as though the floodgates would open when Clarke strolled through a lacklustre Hallam defence to give Sheffield a comfortable lead - Sheffield continued to force numerous short corners, one of which was fired just wide by Wood.

However, the scoreline stayed at four, and Sheffield went home with a consolation Varsity Hockey point ahead of the final day of competition back at Goodwin Sports Centre.

Photo: Isaac Hiorns

Hallam edge Men’s 2s Men’s Hockey 1s beaten Men’s Hockey 2s Sheffield Hallam

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Joe Bamford The University of Sheffield Men’s 2s were narrowly beaten by their Hallam counterparts in a close-fought contest at Abbeydale on Tuesday.

Sheffield’s goal came from Sam Bromage in the second half after Hallam had taken what proved to be an insurmountable 2-0 lead just after the break.

Hallam opened the scoring after just ten minutes, the Hallam forward firing home a loose ball in the Sheffield D. Having lost this fixture 5-0 last year, it came as a sucker punch when Hallam doubled their lead; gutting, such was the Herculean effort that the Sheffield players had put into their performance thus far.

But Sheffield found a lifeline, the ball played around nicely before being laid off to Sam Bromage, who fired the ball into the bottom corner.

Sheffield continued to push for the equaliser, forcing three consecutive short corners at the end of the game, but they weren’t put away, and due to Sheffield’s inability to take their chances the Varsity point went to Hallam.

Women’s 2s in narrow loss Women’s Hockey 2s Sheffield Hallam

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Joe Bamford Much like the Men’s 2s, the University of Sheffield’s Women’s Hockey 2s were edged out by a clinical Hallam side at Abbeydale.

The defeat was Sheffield’s second of three on a day which could have turned out very differently, had the Women’s 2s capitalised on their dominance on an excruciatingly beautiful day at Abbeydale.

Emily Ramsden was the pick of the bunch for

Sheffield, although it was Hallam who took the lead five minutes before half time.

Sheffield went into the break with their tails up, however, following a promising first half in which they created a string of chances.

Neat stick skills from Ramsden - nutmegging a Hallam player, much to the amusement of the black and gold support - set a team-mate in on goal, but the chance went begging and Sheffield were made to pay for their profligacy.

Hallam doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half, a fine team move finished off expertly by the forward.

And although Sheffield showed signs of scoring late on, a comeback didn’t materialise, and the team in black and gold emerged without a Varsity point but with their heads held high after a sterling performance in the glorious South Yorkshire sunshine.

Men’s Hockey 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Joe Bamford The University of Sheffield Men’s 1s produced a heroic performance in their defeat to the Sheffield Hallam University Men’s 1s at Abbeydale.

The black and gold-clad fans lining the terrace at the side of the pitch watched in awe as their men - up against a team including international hockey players - first fell behind as a defensive error was punished inside five minutes.

The floodgates were about to open, and it began raining goals on a scorching day at Abbeydale when Sheffield equalised through Marcus Hooper.

The Sheffield faithful were delirious but their joy was short-lived; Hallam immediately regained the lead when a loose ball in the Sheffield D was put away cleanly.

At 2-1 and with barely 15 minutes played, Sheffield could easily have faded, yet it was not to be so, and they equalised within minutes.

Owen Davies nudged home a deflected Hooper strike from a short corner.

And then, with Hallam on the ropes, Sheffield took the lead.

A fine team move led to the ball falling for James Cozens to fire home and send the travelling fans into raptures.

With the score at 3-2 Sheffield looked com-

fortable. But once again their lead would not last long - a luscious drag-flick was fired past Sheffield keeper George Wright and into the top corner from another short corner.

A high percentage of short corners are scored at the highest level of hockey - something Sheffield were again cursing when another dragflick was sent past Wright to take the score to 4-3.

Hallam scored again just after the break, and then quickly scored a sixth when yet another short corner was converted.

Yet another drag-flick was sent past Wright to take Hallam to 7-3 - a scoreline which hugely flattered them.

However, Sheffield refused to lie down. They had been far from second best throughout the game and continued to threaten through Davies and Hooper, with the latter going particularly close once more.

Wright was forced made a string of fine saves, however, with Hallam’s superior stick skills proving pivotal, as well as the clinical nature of their short corner routines.

Sheffield weren’t done just yet though - Jack Culmer beat two players before laying the ball off to Jack Coulson, who made no mistake from ten yards out, slotting home to give Sheffield a consolation goal.

The goal at least gave the supporters on the sideline something to cheer, and the Sheffield support refused to back down, mirroring their heroes on the field.

Of course, the usual Varsity chants were exchanged between the two sets of fans, both of whom enjoyed their day in the sunshine.

A Sheffield comeback didn’t materialise, however; Hallam ran out 8-4 winners.

DAY 7

#SUVARSITY

Tennis serve up a treat The day started with the doubles and pitched Uni’s Club captain Alex Grocott and Yasen Tsanev up against Hallam’s Sam Littleford and James Spence.

Tsanev finished the first game with an ace and the duo both displayed some excellent return play but Hallam dug in to make a contest of it.

Thanks to some impressive overhead shots from Grocott and strong forehands from Tsunev, Sheffield took the first set 6-3 and it took only one break in the second set to take that 6-4.

Alongside this match, Jamie Armstrong and Alex Stoia were up against Alex Stetlevad and Sam Hanson in the other doubles match.

Armstrong also provided an ace to win the first game and it was plain

sailing from there as some aggressive play from Stoia and some delightful backhand play from Armstrong saw them win 6-1, 6-2.

In the singles, Stoia was up first and the match was evenly poised at 3-3 with Spence looking the more likely to take the initiative.

But from here, Stoia showed his class and won the next nine games to take the match 6-3, 6-0.

Armstrong however struggled to find his rhythm or touch in the first set and lost it 6-1 to Sam Hanson.

However, Armstrong showed great character and came from behind to win in three sets 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 with his one handed backhand a strong asset in his win.

Grocott returned to court for his singles match and was off it again quickly, beating Sam Littleford 6-0, 6-1.

Sheffield’s Tsarev was last up against Alex Stetlevad who put up firm battle to lead Tsanev early on in the first set.

But Tsanev’s serves were too hot for Stetlevad to handle and he clawed his way back to win the first set 7-5 and 6-1 in the second.

Men’s Tennis 2s

Women’s Tennis 1s

Sheffield Hallam

Sheffield Hallam

Men’s Tennis 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Jack Wignall

Game, set, match 6 0

3 3

Jack Wignall

Jack Taylor

From start to finish, there was only ever one winner. Without dropping a single set, the Men’s Tennis won all six of their matches over Hallam and romped to Varsity success.

Freddie McKinley won easily in under an hour to take the first step to the point, winning 6-2 6-2.

Joe Tingley followed suit, winning even more comprehensively with a 6-1 6-0 scoreline to put Uni in a commanding position. Jasper Morvadhi also won in straight sets, despite wasting three match points at 5-2 up in the second set and being forced to win in a tie break. Ed Bull was involved in the most entertaining of the singles matches, and a first set that had many twists and turns went to a tie break, which he won, and then Bull breezed through the second to win 7-6 6-2.

Bull was also involved in the doubles alongside Jon Hughes, and they won 6-2 6-4. Joe Tingey played again in the doubles with Matt King and the duo won 6-4 6-1 to seal a comprehensive victory.

A crucial tie break victory for Kathrine Smedley helped Sheffield come back from 3-1 down to earn a draw.

In the best of six competition it was honours even after the two doubles rubbers. With the scores level going into the singles Sheffield got off to the worst possible start, as Lydia Huxtable was beaten in straight sets

by Hallam’s elite performance athlete Anna Fitzpatrick.

Marie Brossier was then unfortunate to lose a tight three set battle against Amelia Coltman, leaving Hallam needing to win just one of their final two matches to seal victory.

The pressure was on, and both players produced a series of unforced errors. However, it had clearly made Smedley stronger, and she held her nerve to claim a 10-7 tie break victory and keep Sheffield in the hunt.

With Hallam leading 3-2, it was all down to Sam Wileman to secure a vital half point, and she did so with an emphatic display, blitzing past Hudson 6-4 6-1.

Photo: Katherine Hodgson

Hallam squished by Sheffield Squash Squash 1s Sheffield Hallam

4 3

Jack Wignall Sheffield started strongly by winning the first two matches to love thanks to Maria Bainbridge and Guy Tallentine. Simon Graham brought Sheffield another point in the next match, de-

spite being pushed all the way, with numerous games needing to be settled by extra points. The first point of Rahul Bansal’s game against Ed Walker was possibly the longest of the day and was a fitting beginning to a fantastic match.

Bansal and Walker were very evenly matched throughout the first game, which Bansal edged.

He then dominated the second game before losing the third. The fourth game continued in the same vein, with both players playing great squash down to the last point, where a fantastic shot from Bansal left Walker scrambling to confirm the Varsity point.

Squash 2s Sheffield Hallam

8 1

Jack Wignall Sheffield flew out of the traps, as Michael Hobbs and Greg Dighton won 3-0 against Nathan Siles and Pete Liversage respectively. Sarah Gill then won 3-1 in a close-run game against Hat-

tie Hammond, before further wins from James McClure (3-1) and Sam Birch-Machin (3-0) saw Uni take the spoils at an unattainable score of 5-0. Matilda Parslow, Kritin Gupta and George Matthews did not let up and continued to stuff their Hallam opponents.

Bull was also involved in the doubles alongside Jon Hughes, and with huge support from the Sheffield crowd, they won a straightforward match 6-2, 6-4. Joe Tingey played again in the doubles with Matt King and the duo won 6-4, 6-1 to seal a comprehensive victory at the Hallamshire Tennis Club.

FINAL DAY

Hockey women 3s bring home the Varsity trophy

Women’s Hockey 3s Sheffield Hallam

5 0

Joe Bamford The University of Sheffield women’s hockey 3s claimed an emphatic victory over Hallam at Goodwin on Wednesday – and with it, the Varsity trophy.

In truth, the result was never in doubt, when goals from Anna Maitland and Kate Desmond put Sheffield in control before half time.

Three further goals, including efforts from Eleni Barr and Emily Young, sealed the win, and the full-time whistle was greeted with a jubilant pitch invasion as the Hallam contingent headed home, defeated.

In all honesty, Sheffield started the game on top, with Desmond, Maitland and Young going close inside the first 20 minutes.

And it was midway through the first half when the home side finally led, as Maitland nudged home a loose ball to send the watching black and gold fans into raptures.

It wasn’t long before the lead was doubled. The ball was played through to Desmond down the lefthand side, and she cut into the D

Photo: Hugh Dickinson

before firing low past the Hallam keeper.

Sheffield could taste victory going into half time, and knew exactly what they had to do. With results elsewhere going against Sheffield, this game had become the biggest of Varsity 2015 – win, and Sheffield would win Varsity.

Losing was unthinkable, and would have given Hallam the momentum necessary to take the Varsity competition to the wire.

It’s testament to the Sheffield players that they refused to let the pressure get to them. Indeed, instead of wilting under the pressure – and the hot April sun – they went further ahead just after half time.

Barr notched this time, firing home to seemingly seal the point and the Varsity trophy, before Young’s superb run, turn and strike and another goal later on added gloss to the scoreline.

Sheffield had chances to make their victory even more comprehensive, but five goals would suffice in a game which offered precious little chance for Harriet Morgan to be tested in the Sheffield goal.

Cue the euphoric scenes at the final whistle, with spectators running onto the pitch in delirium – the University of Sheffield had won Varsity 2015.

Canoe men romp home Hallam make a splash Men’s canoe polo Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman Sheffield Hallam suffered an 11-1 pounding at the hands of the University of Sheffield’s men’s canoe polo side.

Dan Bailey was undoubtedly the hero of the day for Sheffield, registering an incredible double-hat-trick in a rampant display by the men in black and gold.

Ironically, Hallam started the game rather well, but Bailey capitalised on a mistake to open the scoring after two minutes, before adding a second moments later.

Hallam pulled a goal back instantly, but Sheffield responded in turn, with the imperious Bailey grabbing his third, fourth and fifth in quick succession.

Just before half time, Sheffield scored again, courtesy of Andrew McFadzean, this time.

The goals continued to flow in the second period, with Bailey completing his double-hat-trick before McFadzean added two more of his own.

There was still time for Sheffield to reach double figures, with Craig Jesson and Matt Titman also finding the net to complete the rout.

Canoe women rout Hallam

Women’s canoe polo Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman The University of Sheffield were comfortable 8-0 winners over Sheffield Hallam in the women’s canoe polo at Ponds Forge.

The first goal came after just 30 seconds, as Eleanor Asquith slammed home, before Alice

Roberts doubled Sheffield’s advantage.

Asquith grabbed her second and Sheffield’s third shortly after before Jennie Hughes added her name to the lengthy scoresheet.

On the stroke of half time Asquith completed her hat-trick.

Sheffield’s supremacy continued after the break as some flowing team moves produced more goals.

Hughes scored her second of the game and while Hallam players were capsizing left, right and centre – Asquith added two more to her growing tally and ensure Sheffield’s dominance was completely reflected in the scoreline.

Photo: Joe Satchell

Swimming Sheffield Hallam

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Tom Pyman Sheffield Hallam won both swimming points on the final morning of Varsity at Ponds Forge.

In the men’s events, Hallam registered a 5842 victory, while the women’s totals were closer, with Sheffield still in contention until the last race which Hallam edged to seal a 57-53 overall win.

The first race was the 4x50m individual medley, in which Sheffield finished second and fourth.

Victory followed in the women’s 100m butterfly, with Alice Morgan finishing first for the women’s, while in the men’s there was glory for Luke Howdle.

Second and fourth place finishes were on the cards in the 100m backstroke before Sheffield’s

Kim Butler comfortably won the 100m breaststroke.

The 100m freestyle saw Sheffield come second and third in the women’s and second and fourth in the men’s after a false start, while Heather Lawson was victorious in the women’s 100m individual medley. This left Sheffield within two points of their Hallam counterparts at the halfway stage.

Morgan then won her second race of the day, coming first in the women’s 50m butterfly, with Patrick Seed also winning for the men.

Hallam were looking stronger in the sprints, as third and fourth place finishes for Sheffield followed in the 50m backstroke before they registered second and third and third and fourth places in the 50m breaststroke.

Steph Hynes was victorious in the women’s 50m freestyle, however, with the men finishing third and fourth.

The final race was the 4x50m freestyle relay, in which the men finished third and fourth while the women were first and third – agonisingly close to the one-two which would have been enough to secure the Varsity point for themselves.

Photo: Miguel Hernandez Littlewood

FINAL DAY

#SUVARSITY

Record crowd witnesses curtain call Ice Hockey 1s Sheffield Hallam

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Rob Milne University of Sheffield Ice Hockey were unable to pull off one last victory losing 2-1 as Sheffield Varsity took over the Motorpoint arena for its showpiece event.

Hallam scored early in the first period. The puck came out after a scramble and James Woodcock was there to calmly fire in and put Hallam in the lead before the three minute mark.

Chants of ‘Uni’ rippled around the Motorpoint, the majority of which was covered in black and gold.

Hallam brought a good save from Sheffield net-minder Patrick Taylor, shortly after Hallam came close again. They were showing higher intensity in the early stages, quicker to the puck and camped around the Sheffield goal.

The men in Black and Gold were far too open defensively and were opened up time and time again early on, with Hallam unlucky not to be leading by three.

Finally, Sheffield mounted a significant offensive move and the Hallam keeper had a shot to contend with.

Sheffield went through one on one but the Hallam keeper blocked the tame effort.

Jerry Tang went close at the close of the first period and was unlucky not to level up the score. The half ended with Hallam leading by one.

Hallam started the second period quickly but missed a clear chance early on, blazing over the bar. They maintained the momentum they built during the first period, mounting attack after attack, peppering the Sheffield goal.

Sheffield were causing some trouble of their own at the other end, with a goalmouth scramble the best of their early efforts.

A heroic last ditch effort from Mi-

Photo: Chris Chadwick chael Alexander saw him sent to the penalty box but managed to stop Hallam doubling their lead.

It didn’t stop Hallam for long though as they again scored past Taylor, making it 0-2. Sheffield started to play harder defence, putting bodies on the line and preventing a third for Hallam.

The closest the crowd got to the

fight they desired came in the third period but both players were able to contain their emotions.

Sheffield came out strong in the third coming very close within seconds, the puck sliding agonizingly past the post.

Sheffield scored after Tom Pering went past his man and fed the puck back out to Ashton Bell who hit a

venomous shot into the top left hand corner past the Hallam keeper, galvanising the University of Sheffield supporters in the crowd.

The crowd erupted again when they thought the men in black and gold had completed their comeback but the officials quashed their hopes and disallowed the goal.

Sheffield continued to come close

with some huge chances as they piled on the pressure, they just could not find that little bit of luck, losing 2-1 in the game.

The loss in this the 10th annual Ice Hockey didn’t dampen Black and Gold spirits though after they secured overall 2015 varsity victory earlier in the day, for the third year in a row.

Frisbee hammer Hallam Frisbee are five star Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Sheffield Hallam

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Jack Taylor With the crowd on a high after clinching overall Varsity victory, Sheffield continued to rub salt into the Hallam wounds with a high octane display at Goodwin.

Sheffield got off to the best possible star scoring four points in the first 10 minutes with Josh Nettleton’s brace being added to by Matt Aspin and Captain Joe Crellin.

Hallam hit back to make it 4-1 but Sheffield once again edged ahead as Max Larkinson got his first of the afternoon to take the score to 5-1.

Sheffield were looking by far the stronger side, as they mixed up the tempo with Dan Summer fulfilling the playmaker role.

Hallam did manage to get another score, but a three goal blitz from Sheffield saw them claim an 8-2 lead at the halfway mark in the first to 15 contest. As first James Tippett scored, before Gav Pillinger and Will Jackson got involved in the rout.

Following the drinks break Summer scored the goal which his overall play deserved and Sheffield could have gone even further in front when Pillinger caught the Frisbee at the second time of asking, but his point was chalked off as he stepped out of play.

Matt Aspin and Joe Crellin then registered their second points of the day with some wonderful free flowing passing moves to make it 11-2.

With four more points required for victory, the boys in black and gold could have gone further in front when Sam Edwards appeared to have latched onto a field length throw, but he couldn’t hold on.

Hallam never gave up and at times made some nice moves, only to be let down by poor catching.

Hallam did manage to score another point against the run of play, but three points in a matter of minutes from four goal hero Max Larkinson, ended any hopes of a famous comeback and put Sheffield on the verge of victory at 14-3.

Despite a final consolation point for Hallam, it was down to Captain Crellin to have the final say with a wonderful catch in the end zone to spark wild celebrations.

Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Sheffield Hallam

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Ed McCosh The University of Sheffield recorded a comfortable 5-1 victory over Sheffield Hallam in the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee at Goodwin to take another significant step towards Varsity triumph.

Hallam recorded a 5-4 win in the 2014 edition of Varsity, but this time around Sheffield dominated and never seemed in danger of missing out on a point.

Captain Tessa Hunt led by example from the off, making an early interception that was endemic of Sheffield’s tenacity and determined work effort, particularly in quashing each Hallam attack.

Sheffield led within a minute, with Charis Lestrange providing for Hunt, who took her chance with aplomb. Minutes later Hunt found Jennifer Park, who made no mistake and doubled Sheffield’s advantage.

Hallam’s attacks were being thwarted at

every turn, and conversely Sheffield’s swift attacking play could not be contained by their opponents.

Kat Murray found Hunt, who notched up her second point and Sheffield’s third.

A fourth soon came when Harrie Mort provided for Hunt to add to the scoreboard yet again, and Hunt returned the favour moments later as Mort made it 5-0.

Hallam recorded a consolation, but their counterparts in black and gold were too strong to allow for any sort of comeback.

The game was played in the very best spirit between two sides who observed a level of respect many sports can only envy, but when it came to the Varsity point a ruthless Sheffield side showed their opponents no such courtesy.

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HIGHLIGHTS

#SUVARSITY

Photo: Chris Chadwick

Photo: Timothy Manning

Photo: Isaac Hiorns

Photo: Joseph Satchell

Photo: Katherine Hodgson

Photo: Timothy Manning