IMPACT’S FAVOURITE SPORTING MOMENTS OF THE YEAR

As yet another dramatic year of sport comes to a close at UoN, we asked our writers to nominate their favourite Nottingham sporting moment, as well as an event that gripped them from wider sporting realms. From Varsity to the Cricket World Cup, from David Ross to Doha, here’s our selection.

RHYS THOMAS

Favourite UoN moment: Varsity Futsal epitomised everything the series is about. UoN’s revival from 5-1 down to win on penalties and silence the rowdy Trent fans was incredible, and to be in the stands cheering on some of my mates ensured a fantastic day.

Favourite global moment:

In the absence of any Liverpool success, it has to be the World Cup final. Easily the best game I’ve ever seen as a neutral, with endless drama and an ever-changing script. Messi deservedly had his ultimate crowning moment, and it meant I made all the money back I’d lost betting on Kane ‘shots on target’ throughout the tournament.

ROSIE LOYD

Favourite UoN moment: Varsity Ice Hockey – a great atmosphere, half-time entertainment, and quality action from both teams ensured a Varsity classic in which the Green and Gold prevailed at the death.

Favourite global moment: Djokovic once again equalling Nadal’s record at the Australian Open.

VINAY PATEL

Favourite UoN moment: After relentless NTU pressure, UoN’s last minute Varsity Ice Hockey victory was all the more sweeter. The drastically quick turnaround almost matched the speed at which the Trent fans emptied the Motorpoint Arena. Favourite global moment:

You just had to be there. World Cup giant-killers Japan were leading Spain 2-1. In a sudden twist of fate, Costa Rica went ahead against Germany, meaning that both former champions were set to be knocked out of the group stage. However, the euphoria lasted just three minutes, as Germany went on to win, sending themselves and Spain through.

BEN BROADBENT

Favourite UoN moment:

Making my IMS debut. It’s the best decision I’ve made at uni this year. I’ve had a great time and made friends in a new social group.

Favourite global moment: chance to report on Varsity Ice Hockey with Impact, I knew I couldn’t miss out! Despite Trent being on top for most of the game, watching UoN score the last-minute winner was incredible!

The World Cup final – the best final I’ve ever watched. What made it somehow more special was the woman next to me on my coach judging me for being so into it. It was also nice to see Messi shut any remaining doubters up once and for all.

Favourite global moment:

I managed to get a ticket to see my adopted American Football team, the New York Giants, play the Green Bay Packers in London. The atmosphere was amazing and although the underdogs, the Giants won a close contest 27-22.

Favourite UoN moment: The annual Media Cup at Clifton Campus saw URN, Impact, NNT and media zone alumni compete for the most coveted trophy in the student media world. The old boys team took the trophy, but it was a brilliant showing from all sides.

Favourite global moment:

T20 Cricket World Cup. After a tough loss in the semi-finals a year earlier, England overcame a strong Pakistan side to cement themselves in the history books as the first team to hold the ODI and T20 World Cups simultaneously.

AYMAN AHMER

Favourite UoN moment:

The Varsity Futsal triumph was phenomenal. To come back from the dead and win on penalties demonstrated true grit and desire.

Favourite global moment:

ALEX ISMAIL

Favourite UoN moment:

Entering my final year, my Varsity experience had been minimal. When I got the

Messi winning the World Cup. In my eyes, there was never a GOAT debate. But for those quibbling over who is the greatest, Messi lifting the iconic golden trophy undisputedly settled the score.