News

Students secure friendly victories over the Navy

(3 December 2004)

Two student squads - men's soccer and women's netball - took on visiting teams of sailors from HMS Bulwark, County Durham's adopted Royal Navy vessel, and captured the honours in both fixtures.

The netball match was organised by the DUNC Captain Laura Willaimson (Hatfield) who said: "It epitomised the definition of a 'friendly' fixture. The game was played in an enthusiastic, light-hearted spirit following an early admission from the Navy side that many of its participants had never actually played netball before! Durham adopted a 'versatility' approach to proceedings, playing every player out of position, and rolled out 37-1 winners after three quarter time. During the last quarter the teams were mixed up to insert a more competitive aspect into the game."

The footballers were a Van Mildert team led by Adrian Stipetic, who repoprts: "The Navy side were quite physical and got stuck in. It was a tight start, but we got two important goals just before half time, and went on to beat them 3-1 in the end. A good, tough game, but we were definitely the better side."

Both friendlies were arranged with the help of Durham County Council who organised a programme of activites for the shiip's company while they are docked in the Tyne. T