Staff writer Grace Holloway gives a quick preview of what to expect at this year’s Macadam Cup.
If Varsity hasn’t worn you out, the Macadam Cup returns for another year of intense matches between King’s College London (KCL) and Guys’, King’s and St. Thomas’ School of Medicine (GKT) teams. This year the Cup will be played across 14 fixtures on Wednesday 23 April.
Last year saw GKT sail to another victory, winning 8 out of 13 fixtures. KCL have only been victorious five times since the Cup was first played in 2004.
The Cup is named in honour of Sir Ivison Macadam, a King’s Alumnus and founder of the National Union of Students. Another intention of the Cup was to ensure in the future it would be harder to merge GKT and KCL sports teams.
The event is highly anticipated for teams across all campuses, with GKT Women’s Hockey summing it up perfectly: “Macadam is always a day we look forward to. It is a time when two teams within the King’s community can play and show the quality of sport at King’s.”
Roar spoke to some of the teams taking part:
Men’s Hockey
KCL Men’s told us, “This has been a fantastic season for our 1s; winning the league and having a great cup run. I can think of no better way to finish off than with a win at Macadam.”
Despite a tough Varsity, where they faced a painful 8-0 defeat to UCL, the KCL Men’s Hockey captain is “looking to bounce back with a statement win over GKT to end the season in the best way possible. We’re working hard and gearing up to give it our all one last time this season.”
GKT Men’s team have their long-term reputation on the line: “The boys can’t wait for the game on Wednesday, as we look to extend our unbeaten run in Macadam to 12 years.”
Reflecting on the upcoming match they told us: “It’s a fixture we always look forward to, and there’s a real buzz around the squad heading into it. After a tough BUCS season, our hard-fought Varsity win against RUMS was a massive boost… something we’ll be carrying into Wednesday’s game.”
Women’s Hockey
GKT Women’s Hockey team are in high spirits: “Winning the league this year and securing promotion has definitely provided us with confidence going into the match, however we know we need to put in the same hard work for 70 minutes that we put in for the whole season. We hope to play off our Varsity win high and play our part in the GKT community to retain the Cup for another year.”
The team hinted at an intense but exciting match – “With KCL in our league this year, we have had many close, albeit tough battles with them.”
KCL’s captain Sofia highlighted the impact of new talent and shared confidence ahead of the game: “We have had some absolutely remarkable freshers join our team this year which has really helped us dominate this season. Macadam will be a tough match but I am truly impressed with the talent and dedication all of the girls have shown and am confident we will come out with the result we deserve.”
Men’s Football
GKT Men’s Football spoke on their achievements in the run up: “We’ve won the BUCS title and Varsity this year. As we’re in the league above KCL football, we look forward to showing why we’re favourites!”
The KCL team have not been so fortunate in recent matches. Their captain reflected more optimistically on this: “Victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Despite our unfortunate Varsity loss, I don’t think I can be more confident and happy with the team and its performance.”
The boost in confidence is strong: “Most of our players have played Macadam last year which is key – unlike Varsity, the players are fully motivated to get their revenge from last year’s match. I generally don’t think GKT stand a chance against our deadly attackers.”
Women’s Football
GKT Women’s Football team are fired up for their final game of the season, telling us they are “Beyond excited play together one last time this year and to end the season on a high at Macadam. After a HUGE Varsity win with stands packed with supporters, the bar has been set high and we’re ready to rise to the occasion.”
Women’s Rugby
KCL Women’s Rugby President Libby Whitaker told us: ‘‘It’s the final KCL game ever for a lot of our girls, and after a great Varsity we’ll be turning up ready to have some fun and play some good, clean rugby.” KCL expect to be going into Macadam as clear favourites, having not lost to GKT in almost three years.
Speaking on the competitors Vice Captain Ulyssia Bayley mentioned: “GKT tend to give us a bit of hassle off the pitch, so its always nice knowing we can turn up and Macadam and show them how we like to play.”
Captain of the opposition Sacha Field told us: “We’re really looking forward to Macadam. There’s always a lot of hype in the run up to the match so our recent training sessions have had a lot of great energy.”
Field spoke on the opportunity of Macadam: “It’s a fantastic way to end the 15s season and we can’t wait to face KCL on Wednesday.” The two teams have played each other just once so far this season, with the scoreline heavily favouring KCL, but GKT will be going in with some wind in their sails after securing promotion in their BUCS league.
How To Follow
Most events are being held at Honor Oak Park Sports Ground, Brockley Rise, SE23 1NW. Fencing is being held at Downside Fisher Youth Club, Coxson Place, Druid St, London SE1 2EZ.
Tennis is taking place at Kennington Park Tennis Courts, Kennington Park Rd, London SE11 4BE, and Squash at South Bank Squash Club, 124-130 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 2LD.
Tickets are free for students and £2 for non-student spectators, and are available through the KCLSU website. Macadam afterparties are being hosted by the KCLSU Vault and Guy’s Bar.
Schedule of Events:
Honor Oak Park:
- Astro 2: Cricket Men’s (1-6pm)
- Grass 1: Football Women’s (2-4:30pm)
- Grass 2: Rugby Women’s (2:30-4:30pm)
- Netball Court: Netball (3:30-5:30pm)
- Astro 1: Hockey Men’s (3:30-5:30pm)
- Grass 1: Football Men’s (5-7:30pm)
- Grass 2: Rugby Men’s (5-7:30pm)
- Astro 1: Dance Performances (5:30-6pm)
- Astro 1: Hockey Women’s (6-8pm)
- Astro 2: Lacrosse Mixed (6:30-8pm)
Off Site:
- Tennis: 10am till 2pm
- Fencing: 1pm till 5pm
- Squash: 3:30pm till 5:30pm
