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York’s resounding Roses triumph

York rowers celebrate their win. Photo: Ian Martindale

The University secured a convincing victory at the 2011 Roses tournament, beating Lancaster University by over 70 points. The annual competition is Europe's largest inter-university tournament and takes its inspiration from the series of bloody civil wars that took place between the houses of York and Lancaster in the fifteenth century.

Roses is a unique experience, where the whole of the York community gets behind our student athletes

Sam Asfahani, York Sport President

More than 2,000 students participated in over 25 different sports, including rugby which was hosted at the York City Knights stadium on Friday night. Thousands of spectators, including a large audience of university alumni, gathered along the Ouse on Saturday afternoon to watch the universities compete in rowing. The University’s Boat Club President, Rosy Temple, competed in the Women’s IV and VIII, and commented, “It was really exciting to have such great support for the University, right in the centre of York”.

York students were determined to recover the Carter James Cup, named after the two men who created the first tournament in 1965 – Lord James of York and Sir Charles Carter, of Lancaster. This year’s victory means that York have won the tournament 24 times, compared to Lancaster’s tally of 22. The competition was a draw in 1974. 

The weekend is coordinated and run by a dedicated committee of students. Sam Asfahani, York Sport President, commented: “Roses is a unique experience, where the whole of the York community gets behind our student athletes. The weekend showcases the very best in university sport – Lancaster were great opponents and we are delighted with the victory”.