On attending Varsity I was particularly excited to watch the basketball, and the women’s team were a stand out for the whole event for me. The team went away with an incredible 38-30 win and it was palpable to watch. The teams both began with similar scores meaning a tight match and for the duration of the game it was anyone’s to win. At one point the Cardiff team were falling behind but in the last quarter the team turned it around securing 38 points in total. The support for the team only grew as the game went on with people piling in as it got more intense, ending in a massive celebration for another Cardiff win.
Having never been to Welsh Varsity before I was somewhat naive to the incredible standard of sportspeople that play. I was truly impressed with the team’s ability to thrive under pressure. Representing their university and shooting in front of spectators both supporting and opposing. The team on the court were very calm and those on the bench were supportive and ready to step in at any time. The sportsmanship and respect from both the Cardiff and Swansea teams was really great to see. With helping each other up after a fall on the court to congratulating one another at the end it was a great display of how sport should be played: respectful competitiveness.
The sportsmanship and respect from both the Cardiff and Swansea teams was really great to see.
After the game, I watched as the team celebrated with tearful huddles, congratulations and group photos. After these initial celebrations I went over to congratulate the team myself and spoke to a few of the players. I first spoke to Sathvi Suren (9) who with tearful relief expressed her elation at the win. I then spoke to Anna Ryan (16) who was competing in her third Varsity and was “emotional, excited and sad for leavers of the team”. There was a genuine sadness from all of the team to have to say goodbye to anyone. I asked both Ryan and Suren if they were going to Yolo to celebrate and it was an astounding yes from both of them who after the pressure of the match can relax and commemorate their experience together as a team. Finally I briefly spoke to Margaux Manni (8) who is a remarkable player and a top shooter. Manni said it was her first time at Varsity and no doubt she will continue with the team. What I got from these players was not only the hard work that went into achieving the win but the true sportsmanship and friendship amongst the players. This friendship really translated onto the court and no doubt led to their win. Their communication and support for one another was the evident cause of every single point on their score sheet.
The women’s basketball game was not only incredibly entertaining to watch, it was a reminder of the talent and sportsmanship alive at both Cardiff and Swansea Universities. Though, of course, we did have a slight edge this time. Up the diff and well done to the Women’s basketball team!