After the success of the 2023/24 Varsity season, the expectations for its successor in the new academic year meant that both universities had to train harder, and play braver. As the 2024/25 season integrated into society, the men's Newcastle 1st team faced off against their polytechnic counterparts. On their home turf, Newcastle dominated in a crushing victory 57-31 in their first game against iconic Northumbrian rivals.
With the Varsity season integrating into student life across the entire year, fans of both teams crowded the sides of the court with an enrapturing energy. Waves of claps and cheers swept across the court as the game began, signifying the beginning of another round of an historic and iconic rivalry.
After a devastating one goal loss against Newcastle during the 2023/24 season, Northumbria mens 1st’s were hoping the new year would bring them a storming victory. However, hope was not enough to defeat their rivals early lead after losing their start to a strong intercept from Newcastle. In the first two minutes, player 12 secured Newcastle the first point of the game, officially making the score 1-0. As Newcastle found their footing across the first quarter they managed to stay ahead of the game and keep a three point lead as Northumbria secured themselves their first two shots at the hands of players 7 and 4. As the opening twelve minutes continued to deplete, a back and forth between the two teams began. With the score sitting at an early 1-2 to Northumbria, Newcastle returned with a further goal, returning to the lead. Northumbria had worked out what they needed to do to avoid another devastating Varsity loss, but could they pull it off? With the gap being closed to one point, Newcastle had barely secured their 5-4 lead. In an attempt to take the lead for themselves, Northumbria began to launch an efficient attack against Newcastle. With an unbelievable intercept from Northumbria, hope was not lost for the fans of the black and white. However, hope was not enough. With the first quarter’s end in sight, Newcastle continued to score, jumping from a respectable 5 points to a sudden 15 by the buzzer. Ultimately, Newcastle claimed the first quarter victorious with a final score of 15-7.
As the second quarter began, Northumbria knew they had to take it up a level in order to take the lead. While it was nowhere close to over, fans of the home team were growing increasingly hopeful that another Varsity victory would be theirs. Starting with a free throw for Newcastle, they started the twelve minutes with success. Though it wasn’t all success for them, swapping out players 15 for 13; trusting that this would distance themselves from their rivals. Excited spectators of the game exclaimed their supportive remarks across the court, the energy revitalising the players. Northumbria continued their attack against Newcastle with another intercept, securing another two points for the team. Northumbria were working hard to close the gap and inevitably take home a Varsity win. With a score of 18-9 after Newcastle starting off the line, the second quarter was coming down to its final minutes. Both teams wanted to come to half time with a significant lead, however, Newcastle lead until the end. Newcastle continued to score, each goal more impressive than the last carrying themselves to finish on the buzzer with 23 points. On the hunt, Northumbria took every opportunity to prove themselves the better University in Newcastle, finishing the second quarter with 11 points. After a challenging quarter, half time began with a final score of 23-11.
The third quarter saw Newcastle leading 30 points to 17. Newcastle's dominance resumed as they secured 8 unanswered points, their pace and clinical edge appeared to be too much for the visitors. Northumbria attempted to be more aggressive and direct towards the basket, earning 2 free throw points after driving through traffic. They also secured a 3 pointer to make it 41-22, but Newcastle further extended their lead by pouncing on Northumbria’s mistakes when in possession. Various misplaced passes by the visitors resulted in multiple easy lay-up opportunities for Newcastle, with Patrick. B and Matthews. M being at the forefront of the hosts’ success. It was clear that Newcastle had also developed diverse attacking patterns of play that were too fluid for Northumbria to contend against, as their movement consistently confused the defending opposition. The quarter finished 49-24 to Newcastle who were cruising to their first win of the Varsity season.
A relatively even final quarter saw both teams slow down in their tempo, as Northumbria seemed resigned to defeat and Newcastle appeared to be comfortable with their lead. Matthews, M. continued his excellent performance with a quick three pointer after using neat footwork to open up space for himself. Northumbria captain Riley, T. replied with a successful lay-up to try and rally his teammates to put up more of a fight. However, this was too little too late as Newcastle captain Angus S. performed a terrific spin move in the paint before converting his own lay-up, making it 57-31. This bit of flair had the crowd up on their feet as Newcastle continued to show who had more control in the game. But Northumbria would be the last to score, with a 3-pointer made by Forster, S., which meant that the game ended 57-31 in favour of Newcastle.
With a second Varsity loss for Northumbria, the determination to come back and win at the end of the season can only force an immense drive out of them. For Newcastle, the high of another win against such an iconic rival is likely to carry them through into the next game in the BUCS fixture.
