The 2024 clash was just that for both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, a tense affair at times with long-standing rivalries and tensions boiling over the edge at times especially towards the end of the day as supporters and athletes from the morning fixtures began to spill over into the afternoon matchups in their thousands.
Leeds Beckett were eventually named champions of the day winning by 95 points to 89 over reigning champions University of Leeds, however not before controversy would go on to taint a well contested day between the two sides. After full time at Headingley stadium Beckett would, as predicted, scoop up the rugby union trophy in front of more than 10,000 supporters as they shut down the challengers by 27 points to 12. As the men in purple would run over to celebrate with their loyal section of the stand, the loudspeaker announced the updated scores for the day. The big reveal, the announcement that would draw a silent hush from the thousands of supporters in green, desperate to salvage something from a disappointing final event.
A draw.
The representative for the green machine emerged from a tunnel underneath the stands, proudly displaying the coveted varsity trophy hoisted high above her head to the roar of the recently gutted fans. They had the trophy to retain, the prized possession kept so securely in the cabinet, and now they could keep it one year longer.
But could they?
Later that evening things only looked good for the reigning title holders, awarded an extra 3 points it seemed that everything was decided, however only a day later as headaches began to slowly wear away, the official scoreboards were updated again, and they showed Leeds Beckett victorious by a stunning 6 point margin. A very awkward exchange in the morning I presume.
But whilst the two universities bickered about bragging rights, several student accomplishments were swept under the rug of controversy. From professional contracts for graduates and never before seen clean sweeps in multiple events, you could write a book about the successes of the athletes on display.
Top seeds Tom Cowdy and Elena Bompieri led the way in the tennis showdown for example, guiding the Beckett team to a comprehensive 24-0 victory on the day before incredibly only a couple of hours later the University of Leeds badminton team demolished Beckett by an identical score of 24-0 to even things out.
Athletes from the rugby union squad were also swept up from clubs such as the Newcastle Falcons, a professional club based in the Northeast of England. Leeds Beckett students, Club favorites and twins Callum and Connor Hancock who were also recently both selected for England students were poached by scouts after dedicating their past few years to the university. They go onto follow in the footsteps of Apisai Bavadra who signed a contract with Great Britain sevens after his time at the university a year ago.
But, hidden behind these extreme success stories, are the stories of other exceptional talents who don’t necessarily get the recognition they deserve. Sam Cox, a young and exciting talent recently signed a semi professional contract with local side Wharfedale. Listen to what he had to say about how this opportunity came around.
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