THE University of York is celebrating victory in the annual War of the Roses after more than 1,000 sportsmen and sportswomen from the city took on Lancaster University.

The universities from both cities battled it out in scores of sporting and community events at venues ranging from the River Ouse in the city centre to Archbishop Holgate School, Yearsley Pool, Huntington Stadium and the university itself from early on Thursday.

And the citizens of York turned out to join undergraduates and university staff watching and cheering on the local team to a runaway victory.

The Lancastrians were conquered by 11.10am on the fourth and final day of the annual contest for the Carter James Cup, which pits the red rose against the white rose. Sam Asfahani, York Sports President for the University of York, thanked all who had taken part or had cheered the York team on.

“As a university, we are part of the community and obviously we need to give back to the city of York as much as we get from the city.

Overall, people seem to have enjoyed themselves, things have gone well, and most importantly, York has won.”

When the annual event was first staged, it was mainly a rowing event, and Rosy Temple, president of the York boat club, was delighted to see the novice women’s four, the novice men’s eight, the senior men’s four and the senior women’s eight, all delivering York wins.

“It was really exciting and there was a great deal of support, right in the centre of York, for the university,” she said.

The events included horse riding, cricket, rugby, dance, lacrosse, rounders, water polo, rowing, volleyball, darts, swimming, debating, climbing, snow sports, fencing, pool, badminton, archery, netball, hockey, judo, cycling, basketball and croquet.

The final score was 176.5 points to 104.5.