It was lucky seven for Northumbria University in 2014 as our students claimed victory in the annual Stan Calvert Memorial Cup for the first time since 2007.
The intense sporting competition between Northumbria and Newcastle University has become one of Britain’s biggest inter-city varsity events.
Hundreds of students take part in scores of fixtures across 24 sports – watched by thousands of spectators at various Tyneside venues.
The pressure was on Northumbria 12 months ago as Newcastle went into Stan Calvert Cup competition on the back of six straight overall victories.
However, our dedicated teams and talented individuals pooled their resources to turn the tables on their rivals and claim a memorable victory.
“As a University we are ranked in the top 10 nationally for sport but a Stan Calvert victory was the missing piece of the jigsaw,” explained Colin Stromsoy, Northumbria University’s Head of Sport.
“Everyone knew we had been waiting far too long for a win and there was a collective will to succeed last year.
“Whether it was the students cheering on from the sidelines or their class mates making a decisive move on the pitch, the Team Northumbria family pulled together with one goal in mind.
“I think everyone involved will remember 2014 as the year we restored some much-needed local pride to our national sporting success. However, as holders we face a different kind of pressure!”
This year’s Stan Calvert Cup fixtures start in the final week of February and culminate in a day of top class action on Sunday March 1.
The curtain will come down on the 2015 event with Northumbria’s Netball firsts taking on their Newcastle counterparts at Sport Central.
“Concluding the Stan Calvert Cup with netball is new for this year and we’re hoping it will prove to be a popular finale in a venue designed to host the biggest sporting fixtures,” added Stromsoy.
The competition was named in recognition of the efforts of a man who committed his life to the promotion of collegiate and community sport in the North East region.
Stan Calvert contributed 33 years of outstanding service to sport, not only to Newcastle University but also to the region as a whole.
* The 2015 Stan Calvert Cup takes place between February 24 and March 1. For a full list of confirmed fixtures please visit www.stancalvert.co.uk
