Press release
As good as it nets – Varsity success for Dundee
Published on 24 March 2022
Dundee’s largest amateur sporting event ended with a resounding victory for the University of Dundee as they retained the Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy
More than 600 sporting students from the Universities of Dundee and Abertay took part in the inter-university event.
The tournament saw clubs contest the Varsity title for the first time since 2019 at Dundee’s Riverside pitches and Institute of Sport and Exercise, and other venues across the city.
Dundee’s victory of 15-5 was confirmed when the klaxon which brought an end to the Women’s Basketball final.
Abertay played well in the intense game, however their defence was no match for the Dundee team, who secured a 43-30 win.
Adam Brady, Sports Union President at the University of Dundee, said, “We are thrilled to have won this year’s Varsity against Abertay.
“Due to Covid, the tournament was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. This was the first time a lot of students, from both Dundee and Abertay, have experienced Varsity. It was great to be able to bring it back and see students enjoying the event.
“Thank you to everyone involved from both sides.”
Michael Devlin, Sports Development Officer at Abertay University, added, "Our sports teams played incredibly well yesterday, and we even managed a few victories. There were some closely fought and intense games but in the end Dundee managed to pip us at the post.
“We might not have lifted the trophy this time, but the return of Varsity after two years has certainly lifted everyone’s spirits. The atmosphere was buzzing, and it was great to see such a huge turnout of people cheering on both sides.”
After the final match, clubs gathered in the Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA) for the awards ceremony, which saw Dundee Principal Professor Iain Gillespie present the Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy.
“I was delighted to be a part of Varsity for the first time and hand the trophy over to our students,” said Professor Gillespie.
“It was fantastic to see the energy and enthusiasm of all students involved. Varsity is a great reminder of the importance of sport in our community and the bond our two universities have.”