TabGuide: College Sport

Hild Bede

Hild Bede Rugby | Being one of the largest, most middle class colleges, it is perhaps no surprise that Hild Bede college rugby tends to be one of the better teams each year, with almost 60 members; it would be a surprise if they aren’t challenging for honours this year. However, this shouldn’t  put off casual players as there is a second string side playing in the second division, who even turned down promotion last year. One second year member told me that socials are ‘pretty loose’.

Durham City AFC Supporters Society | This relatively young society doesn’t actually play sport; instead of the long walk to MC every weekend, members make an even greater effort to get down to the Arnott Stadium, where Durham City AFC play. My one experience of Loveshack on a Friday has left me personally sceptical of harmonious town-gown relations, but it seems to be a case of so far so good for this brave footie fans.

Grey

Pool | I have it on good authority that the billiards set up is ‘just Grey-t’ at Grey (awful I know). With the club incrementally growing over the last few years; there is now even an E team. Those at the apex of the club take the sport very seriously, with competitive singles and doubles games  taking place alongside the more relaxed ‘speed pool’. Whatever your level of skill, it’s easy  to get involved.

Chads

Women’s rugby | Despite being smaller than all their rivals, Chads always produce a healthy supply of players for the women’s rugby team – it’s the most popular female sport in the college. This support is matched by success, and the side went unbeaten right up until the last match of the season. This year promises even greater triumphs on the back of a 54-0 victory in their first match. The club tends to have 2 socials a term generally, with a variety of interesting themes (including one mixed social – get excited boys), and training is a casual run around once per week.

John Snow

From last year I can confirm that John Snow have a pretty decent rugby team. Unfortunately, due to the geographical distance very little else is known about sports societies at the college. To be honest, any sort of recreational activity which can distract you from the fact you’re stuck in Stockton, however briefly, is recommended. You can find The Tab coverage of their Floodlit Cup Final rugby victory above.

Stephenson

See above.

Collingwood 

Netball | Already fielding 5 teams in the college netball leagues, demand has become so strong for places this year in the netball team that an intra-college league has been set up. Despite its size, the netball team hasn’t been the dominant force you might expect. The A’s struggled in the league, although they won the cup. Pasta bonding before matches helps integrate freshers, while socials are invariably well attended.

Football | Last year CCAFC was the largest non-university sports club in the whole country. Invariably the strongest college at football, the A team won the league last year while the B’s lost in the cup final. However, all levels of ability are catered for; last year’s intake led to the establishment of the J team. Being such a large society, socials tend to take over whole venues and, although initially daunting, are a great way to meet new people. Comes strongly recommended.

Van Mildert

Rugby | One of the stronger teams on the circuit, Mildert will be itching to end their dry spell this year. Despite winning team of the year 2 seasons ago, they agonisingly capitulated and finished as runners up in the league. Last year they dropped out of the cup semi-finals to an unfancied Castle team and only managed a mid-table finish. This year promises to be different, however, with Captain Chris Klintworth and one-to-watch Will Donnelly both fit and impressing in pre-season. As with Hild & Bede, Mildert have enough players to field two teams, ensuring things don’t get too serious, and indeed there are regular socials, with ‘freshers got talent’ an apparent highlight.

Van Mildert RFC Captain Chris Klintworth hopes to lead his team to long awaited glory this season

Hatfield 

Hockey Club (HCHC) | Puts out four teams,  (two mens and two womens) and currently has over 60 members. They are unique in being the only hockey club to enter 4 teams in the league this season. Seemingly the dominant force in college hockey, this strength in depth has lent them great success in the past few years, as the Men’s As won both the league and cup, and the Women’s As reached the final of the cup. Such a decorated trophy cabinet shouldn’t put off more casual players, as the B teams for both men and women cater for a variety of skill levels. Being both a large and mixed club, there is a strong social element to the club, with socials fortnightly as well as more significant special events such as the ‘Fines Night’.

Josephine Butler

Cheerleading |  The ‘Butler Tigers’, as they are known, are one of Jo Butler’s original clubs; with over 40 members, they are also one of its most popular. I can’t confess to really understanding how one would win a cheerleading competition, but the club gets involved with every available contest. The college came to a standstill last year in the wake of last year’s inter-college competition, where the team were disqualified for an illegal move – I’d go into greater detail but I’m not quite sure what this means. The team train twice a week, and are off to York in the next few weeks to cheer on their rugby and football teams.

The Butler Tigers love putting on a show and boy do they know how..

St Marys

With 3 teams, Marys’ netball may not be the largest club but despite this they have been very successful in the last few seasons, with the A’s winning the premier division last year against more fancied teams. The B team are also strong, giving a statement of intent with their recent 26-1 victory over their Hild & Bede counterparts. Socials are a key part of the club, and are often held in tandem with the college rugby team.

St John’s

‘Seek peace and pursue it’ – and thus God’s espousal of pacifism condemned St John’s rugby to years of wooden spoon finishes. However, the performances of the college Ultimate Frisbee team in the last few years are remarkable. Both their A and B teams finished strongly in the Premier division last year, and the A team even defeated the university side. I’ve been told socials are as mental as Judas after his betrayal.

Castle

Adventure Training | With the stated aim of giving ‘everyone in our college a chance to take part in adventures and challenges that would not normally be possible or that they would never think of trying’. Not for the light-hearted, this year the club will put together a college squad for 4 events – Tough Guy, The Thames Run, The 3 Peaks Challenge, and the daunting Original Mountain Marathon. With over 120 members last year, this was arguably the largest society in Castle.