TeesWear Varsity – Team Sunderland regain the trophy on home turf
The TeesWear Varsity between Team Sunderland and Teesside Sport returned for the first time since 2019 as the hosts left victorious after a fantastic day of action.
Team Sunderland lifted the trophy for the first time since 2016 during the presentation at CitySpace following the conclusion of all the day’s fixtures.
From climbing to netball, plenty was on offer as there were competitive fixtures throughout the day as well as friendlies. Wins in the competitive fixtures were worth three points and when it was tallied up at close of play, Team Sunderland were announced as winners with a 21-12 final score.
Games began at 1pm across CitySpace, Ford Quarry Football Hub and the Beacon of Light as men’s badminton, men’s cricket (friendly), women’s football and men’s football seconds got the day underway.
Teesside put on a strong showing with both bat and ball in the friendly indoor cricket match as well as taking the spoils in the men’s badminton fixture, both taking place at the Beacon.
Over at Ford Hub, Team Sunderland got off the mark for the day as their men’s football seconds ran out 12-2 winners with some stunning goals. Teesside would leave the early kick-offs with points as they secured an 8-1 win in women’s football.
As the afternoon continued so did the action as at Doxford Print Works the climbing got underway with Team Sunderland registering a massive 420-343 victory as they began to stamp their authority on the competition.
Netball seconds got the action rolling at CitySpace and it was another three points on the board for Team Sunderland as they ran out 35-24 winners on home court. The firsts were up next and Teesside got their own back with a 53-40 result.
The final game at Ford Hub was men’s football firsts and Team Sunderland came away with a 3-1 win after two late goals separated the sides. Lewis Charlton left with two goals, the first of which having a strong shout for goal of the day.
CitySpace hosted the final three fixtures of the day. First of the three was a men’s futsal seconds friendly, but the competitive feel was still very much in the air as Teesside fought back from 2-0 down to equalise and later win the tie on penalties.
Points were back on offer next for men’s futsal firsts as the two sides met for the third time this season. Both league meetings ended in Teesside victories so Team Sunderland were eager to pick up the win.
An enthralling game with plenty of chances at both ends ultimately came down to who could find their finishing touch, and that was Team Sunderland. The Wearsiders won 10-3 with the final goal coming right on the buzzer to send the supporters in the bleachers into raptures.
Men’s basketball was the final game of the day and it was accompanied by a great atmosphere throughout CitySpace. Team Sunderland proved to be just too tough a match for Teesside and came away with an 85-53 win to bring a thrilling day of sport to a close as Team Sunderland were announced as the champions.
