Varsity returns with a bang

Students competed in over 50 tightly contested events, including futsal, indoor rowing and tennis, across the city on 2 and 3 October.  

Although Leeds Beckett was narrowly defeated 30-29, the men’s rugby union side signed off the event in style with a dominant 51-5 win in front of more than 10,000 people at the Emerald Headingley Stadium.

Other highlights for Beckett included a blistering winning time for Callum Wilkinson in the men’s walking race, a 41-point margin of victory across combined women’s track and field events and a clean sweep of all tennis matches.

Despite tight scores in many of the sports, athletes from both universities competed in the ‘friendly rivalry’ spirit established in previous years, with the event serving as a further promotion of sport in the city.

The @leedsbeckett faithful are in the house!@LeedsVarsity18 rugby finale is almost upon us - kick off 7pm

Follow @LeedsVarsity18 or @LeedsBeckettRFC for LIVE updates pic.twitter.com/IIqMhiiPQH

— Carnegie Sport🐻 (@carnegiesport) October 3, 2018

Speaking after the event, Leeds Beckett’s Head of Sport & Active Lifestyles, Sally Nickson, said: “Varsity has yet again been a fantastic event to be involved with and we are proud to have been a part of the occasion.

“Although some may be disappointed with this year’s result we are incredibly proud of our 1,500 students who competed in all of our events and hopefully their performances will help inspire more students to participate in sport at Leeds Beckett University.”

Fancy getting involved in sports at Leeds Beckett? Find a full list of our sports clubs and how you can join here: http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/sport/sports/