Although this is my third year playing in both Roses and Varsity, I still have trouble explaining the difference between them to my parents. And who can blame them? At first glance they do appear quite similar. Both are inter-university sports events, a weekend of sport either home or away, plenty of preparation and excitement. So what makes Roses so unique?
Firstly, there is the much flaunted claim that Roses is the biggest inter-University sports tournament in Europe. Roses is a record-breaking weekend for its sheer size and levels of participation. Founded in 1965 after a suggested boat race between the two Universities, the event has continued to grow every year, and 2013 sees over 35 sports competing over the three days.
Secondly, the history behind Roses rightly deserves a mention. Derived from the fifteenth-century War of the Roses between the houses of York and Lancaster, Roses represents an integral part of Northern England’s heritage. 700 years of history is surely much more interesting and unique than your average Varsity, with its American name and lack of local significance.
The fact that the tournament is so hotly contested also heightens its prestige. Over the course of 49 years, York has won the tournament 24 times, with Lancaster slightly behind at 23, whilst there has been one draw. Roses is definitely not just a one-off friendly. It’s a fierce rivalry that brings out the best in both sides.
The rivalry between the two Universities is long-standing, with plenty of history between them, and this generates some fantastic performances and some unforgettable moments as well as a unique atmosphere.
Moreover, although Varsity does technically take place over a whole weekend, most teams play on the same day. In contrast, Roses begins on Friday night with the opening ceremony and rugby, and lasts for the full three days. With much of the visiting team staying in town over the three days, no doubt getting up to all sorts of mischief during the night, it almost has a ‘festival’ feel to it.
The length of the weekend adds to this sports festival style atmosphere, for which the spectators play a huge part. And it’s not just about the bigger clubs. The size of Roses means that you are equally likely to see a darts match as you are a hockey match, or a water polo game before catching the end of the ultimate frisbee, it’s a real showcase for the lesser- known sports.
People drift from venue to venue waiting for the excitement of a tie-breaker, the underdog to break through, or the outstanding performance of a winning team.
Finally, for many of us it is the last event at which we can represent York in the sports we love. Roses is what clubs have been aiming towards for weeks, and there is a strong sense of ‘going out on a high’ and playing your best for the last time before the team is broken up.
For adrenaline, nostalgia, preparation and nerves, at Roses you just can’t beat it. Nothing else is comparable.