Robbie Dale reports on a sporting contest that sparks old rivalries.

SO WE'RE approaching another holiday. Everything goes so fast these days, you manage to buy the right book for your course and before you know it you've only got two lectures to go anyway.

Remember those days as a child when the holidays actually became boring after a while?

I can't imagine that the lure of two-hours of particle physics sitting behind someone with bad dandruff has that effect on too many students at this stage. And on top of that it's March already.

In fact at the University of York, we've even made it to an anniversary - 40 years, to be precise - and while most celebrations have passed, one important one still remains.

The ongoing battle between the white rose of York and red rose of Lancaster has had historical significance in the past, but nothing so much (OK - I'm embellishing here, but bear with me) as the annual Roses sporting contest between the two universities that carry the same name.

This weekend sees a dinner celebrating the continuing success of these clashes over the years, in the neutral venue of Leeds Armouries. You can be sure that while bitter rivalry may hold on the pitch, a joyous occasion is intended to be had by all.

Other than that, student land is quiet at the moment with exams and the like being prepared for. If you do fancy a dip into the wider world of entertainment however, some fairly big names are playing in York over the next week.

The Barbican is holding concerts by Katie Melua, Mercury Prize nominee Kate Rusby and the legend that is Van Morrison. All fairly laid back and inoffensive stuff, but worth checking out.

If you fancy something a bit less MOR, The Other Side comedy club has Jim Tavar performing on Sunday. He's been on telly, he's good and he's worked with the pun-master himself Tim Vine. What more endorsement do you need? Mine? Oh OK then, get yourself along, it'll be grand.

Updated: 15:49 Thursday, March 04, 2004