2013 Varsity Cup Preview

Sunday 17th March 2013 is the date. The University of Portsmouth is the venue. We are all set for the first clash on foreign turf. Can Southampton make it 5 […]


Sunday 17th March 2013 is the date. The University of Portsmouth is the venue. We are all set for the first clash on foreign turf. Can Southampton make it 5 in a row, and once again obliterate that lot from down the M27?

Sunday 17th of March will see the return of the Varsity Cup, an annual competition between the Universities of Southampton and Portsmouth, a titanic clash between the great and the distinctly average.  Therefore, here at the Tab, we thought we’d give you a little preview of what to expect from this year’s tournament.

Portsmouth have a track record of having their arses handed to them on a plate, with the previous two victories being with margins of 39 points (105 – 66, 2012) and 37 points (91-54, 2011). If the results are scientifically extrapolated using a calculator, we predict a victory margin of 41 points! The most disappointing thing about Varsity last year was the weather, with Wide Lane resembling the Somme, as one onlooker described it.

The mind games between competitors and media alike have already begun, as one Southampton competitor in SUSUtv’s preview video (see below) was quoted as saying:

I’d rather go to the gym. It would be more challenging.

We will be liveblogging the whole event with our classic brand of cynicism, witticisms and of course, the most up to date results around. Apart from the Tab and SUSU media, you can join in with the action on Twitter with the original hashtags #varsity2013 and #teamsoton and the in no way inflammatory hashtags #lovewinning and #turnpompeyintopompeii.

If you are a relative newcomer to the AU and want to find out more, the following details should help you understand a little more…

Where will it be held?

Most fixtures will be played at HMS Temeraire, just across the road from the Portsmouth University Students Union, however some events, such as swimming and squash, will be held at other venues close-by.

What kind of sports will be played?

Loads. So far Badminton, Football, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Rugby, Softball, Squash, Swimming and Tennis have all been confirmed – more fixtures are likely to be announced soon.

How will I know what’s going on?

The Soton Tab will be assembling their best team of writers to live blog from 9am all the way through till 8:30pm. Portsmouth University Students Union will also be giving some coverage apparently.

Where can I buy tickets?

SUSU still have some tickets left so get over there quick and you might still be able to bag some!

What will the weather be like?

By all accounts it will be rain with some sunshine.

Who’s going to win?

Southampton of course, we’ve won the last four after all!

Anything else I should know?

The bar is open from the moment the Tab turn up and order 5 rounds of jagerbombs to liven things up. There is also an official after party kindly hosted by Portsmouth Students Union, complete with silent and roller discos.