A THOUSAND students from Northumbria and Newcastle universities are gearing up to battle it out in the year's biggest sporting contest between the two institutions.

The rivals will compete in 16 sports ranging from fencing and tug-o-war to water polo and table tennis, as well as an "Ultimate Frisbee" match, as part of the Stan Calvert Sports Day on Wednesday, December 11.

Events will take place at sporting venues around the region, culminating in the women's and men's rugby union clashes at Gateshead Stadium.

Newcastle University's director of physical recreation and sport, Graham Rayner, said: "With so many outstanding athletes coming through the ranks of both squads, this event is fast becoming an annual showcase for Newcastle and Northumbria universities.

"I think Newcastle is in a very strong position to retain the trophy this year but, having said that, we expect the competition to be tougher than ever this year."

Ian Elvin, director of sport at Northumbria, said: "Both universities have put in creditable performances at recent events in a wide variety of sports.

"This year's event looks set to be a hard-fought contest and we will certainly be looking to take the trophy from Newcastle."

Tickets for the rugby matches are £5 and are available from Northumbria University's city and Coach Lane campus sports centre receptions, and Newcastle University's Athletic Union, based in the Students' Union