Over five hundred years ago, the houses of York and Lancaster fought a series of gruesome dynastic battles for the throne of England in the War of the Roses.
Fifty years ago, Vice-Chancellor of York, Lord James of Rusholme, broke the peace and resumed the feud by creating our annual sporting event ‘Roses’.
And in a few days time, our university will once again meet our old enemies to contest the highly coveted bragging rights of sporting prowess. Whilst the contest may have seen bloodier years than our current university competition, the rivalry, excitement, and tradition has certainly remained.
Since its conception in 1965, Roses has grown into the highlight of both university’s sporting year and now boasts over 45 competing sports. The diversity of the sports on offer includes the traditional likes of rugby and rowing, and now hosts exhibition matches from octopush to polo.
The overall score currently stands at 23-21 in favour of York after a whitewash at last year’s tournament. However, the score has not always been so favourable for York.
In the mid-1970s, whilst our athletes were perhaps too busy with punk and anarchy, Lancaster dominated the points tally and York was subjected to an embarrassing six years without a win. But fear not, despite Lancaster’s impressive past record our sporting elite have since pulled themselves together and won an inspiring seven out of the last ten meetings. Retaining the title in 2010 will mean extending our lead and holding onto the trophy for the fourth year running.
So can the University of York retain the title and improve on the overall lead? Over the coming weekend, York’s top athletes will descend on an unsuspecting Lancaster intent on humiliating their rivals yet again in order to achieve our longest ever winning streak. The weekend looks set to be an action packed event, so don the white Rose emblem, get chanting, and get ready for the mighty Roses.