Tonight sees Northumbria’s swimmers take on Newcastle with 4 precious points up for grabs in the Stan Calvert standings. With Northumbria behind Newcastle currently, Andrew Sixsmith knows just how important tonight is, not only for the Swimming Club, but for Northumbria University as a whole.

"Swimming has finally become a major sport at Northumbria. The BUCSr esults have proved that three times over, long and short course as well as the Teams Regional Qualifiers where Northumbria have been promoted to Division 2 in their first attempt since their formation.”

Today’s Captain’s Corner is brought to you by Esther Sands of the Mountain Biking Club here at Northumbria University. Today’s epic Stan Calvert encounter is one of the key dates on the MTB calendar, with the city’s bragging rights up for grabs. “This year’s meet is too close to call” according to Sands, competing herself for the first time.

“With the Cross Country up first, we are hopeful to be going into the Downhill with a win already in the bag, full of confidence and determined to make it a clean sweep. However, we are being careful not to get to carried away, because we know it is going to be a very tough day all around.”

“The team has performed really, really well this season, and I am proud of all the guys and girls, regardless of today’s result.”

Stay tuned for results and reactions from all of the Stan Calvert fixtures this week.

Tomorrow’s Club under the spotlight is Swimming, where hopes are high of Stan Calvert success!

Today in Captain’s Corner sees two sports under the spotlight, with Cross Country and Athletics giving us an update on their preparations so far. “As a club, the quality of athletes is improving rapidly, and we are now looking really competitive going into Stan Calvert this year” said Club Captain Andrew Coffer.

“It has been a tough season so far, not helped by the winter weather, but we have managed to have a solid season so far in both the Cross Country and in Athletics.”

“However, we are aware that Newcastle are going to be really tough this year, and the guys and girls have been putting in the hard work on the track and off to make sure they are fully prepared for what promises to be an epic battle.”

With just 5 days until the action begins, t-shirts and programmes are selling fast, so make sure you get down to City Sports Centre or Coach Lane reception today to get yours!

Next up in Captain’s Corner is Mountain Biking’s Esther Sands, don’t miss out!

With only 6 days to go until the Stan Calvert Memorial Cup, excitement is building amongst Northumbria’ student athletes, and Men’s Basketball co-captain Chris Pearce is no different. “I always look forward to the Stan Calvert fixture between us and Newcastle, as it gives us a break from our BUCS and National League schedule. We play around 50 games each season, and in many ways this is the most enjoyable one to play.

“The atmosphere around Gateshead Stadium is great, and the rivalry we have is always something to look forward to. We can let loose a little more from our usual set plays and offenses, whether it be alley-oops for Oli Blake or mad handles from Josh Merkington.”

“Last year saw an intense showdown between Joe Kamanga and basically the whole Newcastle team, and it is this rivalry that makes it a fun game to play. Do I fancy our chances? Yes, it would be great to end my time at Northumbria with a hat-trick of wins in the Stan Calvert Cup, it’s just fingers crossed now as we wait to see whether the game can go ahead as scheduled, fixtures permitting!”

Tomorrow’s Captain’s Corner comes from Athletics captain Andrew Coffer, ahead of what promises to be an epic encounter at Gateshead Stadium. Stay tuned!