AU Edge: With AU President Nik Engineer
Every year, 1,200 students from the Universities of York and Lancaster come together to compete in the largest competition of its kind in the UK. The Roses competition, which has been running for over 40 years, engenders one of the most intense sporting rivalries in the country and is recognised as one the highlights of the year for both Universities.
Despite all this, stories are flying around about a lack of commitment from some clubs and individuals being at least in part responsible for York’s loss this year. Whilst it would be impossible to say that this certainly is not the case, I see no point on focussing on this assignment of blame. Roses was a success. The final score was uncomfortably close, the weather was wonderful for two days of competition, the passion shown by all was amazing, and with the exception of a few incidents that are being acted upon, was competed in good spirit.
Having been involved in four years of competitions, I can safely say that every occasion York and Lancaster clash has its own unique characteristics. One of the central issues this year was the honestly of individuals, teams, clubs and institutions. The long term future depends on everyone involved being honest and believing in something more important than who wins. Everyone must believe in the history and tradition of Roses. Everyone must realise that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and that they owe it to the thousands of students that have gone before them to conduct themselves in the highest manner possible.
The event none-the-less produced a number of highlights. The Men’s squash firsts won for the first time in 18 years, the men’s rugby firsts gave their best performance I’ve seen this year in the XV’s, and the outstand performance from the women’s tennis team to name a few.
Every year there is one moment where I’ve felt fate has got it wrong. This years was the Netball first’s game. To see a team, club and President that I care about so much and who care about what they do so much, lose was a cruel end to an outstanding year for an outstanding group of players. Well done to everyone.
