THE University of York enjoyed a record-breaking victory at the 51st annual Roses Festival.

Overcoming their Lancaster counterparts 225.5-139.5 saw the White Rose students reclaim the Carter James Trophy at the end of Europe’s biggest inter-university varsity competition.

A total of 50 sports were played across three days on the Heslington-based campus after the tournament was officially opened, following an evening’s boxing in the university’s Central Hall, by outgoing chancellor and FA chairman Greg Dyke and special guest England manager Roy Hodgson.

York were particularly dominant in the rowing on the River Ouse, from which they gained 24 points.

Both their men’s and women’s rugby union teams shone too, with the men’s firsts winning 31-12 in a handsomely-attended closing fixture.

The badminton club were also victorious in their men’s, women’s and mixed matches and the overall win was secured just after 1pm on the final day when York triumphed in the men’s 10k cross-country event.

This year’s Roses was the first time disability sport has been included in the festival, with a sitting volleyball game taking place, while rugby league, futsal, kendo, ultimate frisbee and handball were also added to the programme of events.

The competition, borne of the rivalry from the Wars of the Roses, was established in 1962 when York’s vice-chancellor proposed a boat race between the two universities.

Since then, York have won on 26 occasions and Lancaster on 24, but the Red Rose have now failed to claim an away victory since 1985.

Celebrating York sport president Cass Brown said: “I’m bursting with pride over York’s win and beating Lancaster so well on home turf is an amazing feeling for me as president.

“This year, the event has received more attention than ever before with over 6,000 people - students and local community - attending the opening ceremony, along with Roy Hodgson’s visit and the most incredible promotional trailer.

“I’m sad that it’s over as it was such a phenomenal weekend and one that everyone involved in should be proud of.”

On his guest appearance, Hodgson added: “I knew it was a very important event in the university life at York so it was a great honour to come and open the festival.”