Posted: 27/05/2025
The spirit of competition and camaraderie was on full display at the Eco-Power Stadium on Wednesday 21st May, as students from Doncaster College and North Lindsey College came together to form DN Colleges Group (DNCG) for the eagerly awaited annual varsity matches.
The action-packed day featured two exciting fixtures — a high-tempo women’s match in the morning and a closely contested men’s game spanning into the afternoon. Despite valiant efforts from both DNCG teams, CDSC retained their varsity titles in both matches, showcasing their strength and consistency on the pitch.
Women’s match: Goals, grit, and a halfway-line stunner
The women’s match got off to a lightning-fast start, with CDSC quickly asserting dominance and surging to a 2-0 lead. Sharp communication and quick passing through the midfield saw them break down the DN Colleges defence with clinical precision. As the scoreline stretched to 5-0, DN Colleges responded with the standout moment of the match — an extraordinary strike from the halfway line that caught the CDSC goalkeeper off guard, igniting renewed energy in the DNCG team.
Despite the stunning goal, CDSC’s halftime regroup and team talk clearly paid dividends. They returned to the pitch with renewed focus, netting two more goals early in the second half. DNCG continued to push forward, creating several long-range chances, and were rewarded with a well-taken goal from their captain. However, a final, last-minute goal from CDSC sealed the victory and capped off a commanding home team performance.
Final Score: Club Doncaster Sports College 9 – 2 DN Colleges.
Men’s match: Tactical battle ends in penalty drama
The men’s fixture proved to be a tactical showdown from start to finish. Both teams created opportunities, but resolute defending and strong goalkeeping kept the scoreline level. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with neither side able to break the deadlock in open play.
A tense penalty shootout followed, with CDSC holding their nerve to edge out DNCG 3-1, sealing the win and the bragging rights for another year in what felt like a true cup final.
Final Score: Club Doncaster Sports College 1 – 1 DN Colleges (CDSC win 3-1 on penalties).
A day to remember
Reflecting on the day, Rebecca Parfitt, Curriculum Lead for Animal Management, Sport and Uniformed Services, praised both teams and the atmosphere of the event:
“It was an excellent day, with once again Club Doncaster welcoming staff and students to the Eco-Power Stadium. All players gave their all and relished in such a great opportunity and experience. The men’s game was like a true cup final, with the added excitement of penalties, which we were really unfortunate to lose on. This is an experience that will be remembered for a long time.”
The Varsity Match continues to be a highlight of the academic year, fostering teamwork, college pride, and unforgettable sporting moments for everyone involved. Bring on 2026.
