Stan Calvert

   

On Wednesday 6^th February, a sea of royal blue shirts will be seen flooding into Gateshead Stadium, as the most anticipated sporting clash year arrives: The Stan Calvert Memorial Cup against Northumbria University. On this one day, over 1,500 athletes from 55 teams will be competing in 22 different sports, all ferociously fighting to contribute towards the most contested victory in the sporting calendar.

Despite suffering a disappointing loss last year, Newcastle look set to give the Poly a run for their money, having battled their way to the coveted position of 9^th in the BUSA rankings for the 2006-7 season (a notable achievement against Northumbria’s less impressive 18^th place). Moreover, having increased the number of sports in the competition, there is every chance that our diverse range of talents will reap the rewards, with new sports this year including Mountain Biking, American Football, Cricket and Ice Hockey.

What makes the Stan Calvert competition so special is that every competing team can genuinely affect the outcome of the competition, regardless of their level or ability. A fourth team win could just as easily secure victory for their University as the showcase Rugby Union culmination. It is therefore vital that every member of ‘Team Newcastle’ takes their responsibility seriously and puts maximum effort into their performance. The responsibility of crowd is also of fundamental importance, and every supporter contributes to the atmosphere and sense of team spirit on the day.

The Athletic Union therefore urges every Newcastle student make their way down to Gateshead to support our teams, ensuring that the trophy comes back to its rightful home.  For the players, there’s no victory that tastes as sweet as beating the Poly, for the spectators, the passion of a local derby will undoubtedly produce some exhilarating games, surprise results and action that definitely cannot be missed.