VarsityFest kicks off with Hockey

Medics Hockey took on College sides at Harlington to start off the competition

Wednesday 2 March saw VarsityFest kick off with the Imperial Medicals taking on Imperial College for the Hockey title at Harlington Sports Ground. After some great goals and near misses from both sides, Imperial College emerged victorious overall, winning four out of the five matches. 

The first match of the day saw the Men's 3rd teams compete. Both sides were evenly matched with attempts on goal thwarted by some impressive saves, however it was Imperial College who broke through the Medics defences to secure a 1-0 vistory. A score that was repeated a few hours later when the Men's 2nd teams faced each other. 

The Women's 2nds match saw the College side dominating from the start. The Medics stood very little chance against such fierce opponents who won with a resounding 8-0 result. In contrast, the Women's 1st teams match was a nail-bitingly close affair with a final score of 4 goals a piece forcing the match to go to penalty flicks. After some valiant saves by both goalkeepers, the Medics eventually won 4-3 on penalties. 

The final match of the day was between the Men's 1st teams. Another very close match, it looked like this game would also go to penalties as the teams were still on a 2-2 tie in the final minutes. But a late goal from the Imperial team put them into the lead and with no time for the Medics to respond, Imperial triumphed 3-2 on the final whistle. 

The winners' presentations will take place on the main VarsityFest day on Saturday 19 March at Heston, when more sports take to the field.

This year, Varsity will have a sports festival feel with live entertainment, inflatable fun activities, chill out zones, face painting and a food and drinks court to join the wide varity of sports matches to watch and enjoy, with Men's Football 1st teams headlining. Buy tickets here.