Lancaster University win Roses battle vs York in huge annual tournament of sport

Lancaster University has defeated rivals York to win an annual inter-university tournament of sport.

Lancaster beat University of York in the Roses varsity tournament which took place across a range of sports in Lancaster over the past week.

The win means Lancaster takes a 29-28 lead in the all-time record against York.

"Congratulations to Lancaster University Students' Union and all of its teams - it's an amazing achievement!" said a post on the university Facebook page.

"Thanks to University of York for providing fantastic competition, to all the student media for keeping us updated, and all the organisers, competitors, spectators, staff and officials for making the event possible. It's been an unforgettable weekend."

Lancaster won by 217.5 points to 126.5 in a tournament which included more than 40 sports and around 140 fixtures - across disciplines such as netball, badminton, karting, running, rugby union, martial arts, cricket, hockey, archery, lacrosse, tennis, cycling, swimming, water polo, climbing, dance and even debating, eSports and ultimate frisbee!

The origins of the Roses event were on May 15 1965, when the then Vice-Chancellor of York, Lord James of Rusholme, suggested a boat race between Lancaster University and York University.

The students at both universities expanded on the proposed race. Instead, they held a three-day, Olympic-style tournament with various sports: rowing, table tennis, relay race, mixed field hockey, and tug of war.

The winner of each competition received two points, and the losing vice-chancellor presented a trophy to the winning university.

As the years went on, the event’s popularity continued to snowball, increasing in size with each tournament.