600 years old and fighting fit

The University of St Andrews RFC have come out top in the latest annual Scottish Varsity game. On Saturday (28 September 2013) St Andrews took home the trophy with a 24-15 victory over Edinburgh, in front of thousands of spectators at Richmond Athletic Ground, Richmond.

The unique fixture between Scotland’s oldest University and the University of Edinburgh dates back more than 150 years, and predates the annual Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity played at Twickenham.

It was an exciting match; kicked off with a penalty scored by Danny Clink, and followed by tries, a red card, and strong attacks from both teams.

Director of Sport and Exercise at the University of St Andrews, Stephen Stewart, said:

“These boys were a credit to their University, to Scottish rugby and to student sport. They worked incredibly hard for this result against really tough opposition and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

“The way they played is where we want student sport in St Andrews to be, and this result will give a real lift to all our sportsmen and women.”

Captain, Jeremy Gordon said:

“I knew we could do it. We have had a great few weeks at the start of the season and have been building towards this match and the huge occasion.”

Director of Rugby David Ross said:

“This event has been dominated by Edinburgh in previous years but this year is our time and the players and management staff must take a huge amount of pride in how we played. The game was extremely physical which showed the body on the line mentality that the players have. It also shows what a high standard of rugby both teams are playing.”

The St Andrews team included: 15: Danny Clink (man of the match), 14: Sean Murchie, 13: Jack Hannay, 12: Alex Kennedy, 11: Luke Turnbull, 10: Scott Docherty, 9: Jeff MacDonald, 8: Ludovic Meaby, 7: Ciaran Harries, 6: Bertie Ridley-Thomas, 5: George Hailstone, 4: Kris Leask, 3: Will Kesley, 2: Matt Dawson, 1: Jeremy Gordon (captain).

The University of St Andrews is currently celebrating its 600^th Anniversary with a £100 million fundraising campaign. One of the Campaign priorities is a £14 million Sports Centre Redevelopment.

Built in 1968, the Sports Centre in its current form struggles to meet the needs of an active student population that has quadrupled in size. The five-phase redevelopment will provide the rugby team, and wider community, with refurbished pitches and expanded gym facilities. More information.