Tom's Varsity interview

What do you remember about last year's Varsity match?

The game is a bit of a blur to me now, but I remember it being close-fought and very hot! As water boy I had the enviable task of running on the pitch every five minutes. For a lot of the boys it was their last game for the university so it vital to have a good send-off. Oh yeah, and post-varsity Kaos is best night you’ll ever have at Uni. Fact.

How did the atmosphere differ from any other normal match?
It’s the atmosphere that makes the game. Prior to kick off, you could sense the tension in the squad, and in the stands we greatly outnumbered and out sung their support. Varsity has all the makings of an FA Cup tie; it’s a unique occasion and one of the only opportunities to get one over on the dirty v-necks. (Sorry, uni).

What was it like scoring the winning try?

Pretty surreal actually, I had only been on the pitch 5 minutes! Scotty Hancocks broke through about eight tackles; fed me the ball and I bundled over the line from 15 yards out. Everybody was too exhausted to run over and celebrate with me, so I went off on a solo victory run, complete with embarrassing 1950’s style heel-click. Better still, I didn’t have to buy a drink all night.

How will the team be preparing for this years match? Any special way or just like any other match?

Last year we trained four or five times in the build up to the game, including a visit to the Madejski Stadium to train in their indoor facilities. Every member of the side took the game very seriously, and I think the intense training schedule helped us to gel as a team and develop our game.

Have you played many games for the team this year, if not how come?

To be honest I haven’t played a great deal this year due to a combination of factors. I have lessons timetabled during training and match days, and more importantly, I’m not very good at rugby.

How will you be showing your support for the team this year?

I’ll be in the stands shouting as much abuse as possible at the V-necks. And supporting the mighty Solent of course.

What advice would you give any of the lads before the game?

I would encourage the boys to just go out and give it their best shot. We’re undoubtedly the underdogs, but we want it a lot more than they do. The feeling of beating them, and retaining the bragging rights for another year will be enough to spur us on.

Why should we go and show our support at this years Varsity match?

Even if you’re not a rugby fan, it’s still a fantastic day out. The sun is shining; there are horns, banners and a lot of beer. As many of us as possible should try and get down to the game, and cheer Solent on to another victory.

(RE:SUS, 2009 - By Carl Mallia)