One of Cornwall’s most historic sporting rivalries returned to home soil in February as Camborne School of Mines hosted the 124th annual Bottle Match.
Founded in 1902, the Bottle Match is the second-oldest varsity rugby match in the world. What began as a single fixture between Camborne School of Mines and the Royal School of Mines at Imperial College London has grown into a full weekend of sport, with teams competing across rugby, hockey, football, netball, tennis, squash and badminton.
This year’s headline rugby match took place at Penryn Rugby Club on 21st February, drawing a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters. Alumni travelled from as far as Australia to be part of the occasion, highlighting just how deeply this tradition is felt across generations. Although the Royal School of Mines secured a 14-3 win, the home support was unwavering, with the Cornwall student and local community turning out in force to back their teams throughout the weekend.
Alongside the action on the pitch, CSM Rugby made a significant impact off it.
In the weeks leading up to the match, every player making their Bottle Match debut took part in the team’s long-standing charity haircut tradition. From bold buzz cuts to creative designs, the haircuts are a visible and memorable sign of selection for the squad. They are also at the heart of a major student-led fundraising effort.
This year, the team raised £8,085 for Sport in Mind, a national charity that delivers free sport and physical activity sessions to support people experiencing mental health challenges. The Town Barbers in Falmouth generously donated their time to help bring the distinctive looks to life.
CSM Rugby Captain Charlie Brice said the tradition means far more than it might first appear. “To most, it might look like a laugh, but to the boys, it’s a badge of honour. It’s brilliant to be part of a tradition that stretches back over a century, and even more special knowing we’ve raised just over £8,000 for Sport in Mind.”
CSM Rugby Club is one of over 150 student-led sports clubs and societies managed by Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union. The Students’ Union works alongside these groups to support student wellbeing, foster community and create inclusive spaces where students can thrive.
Angela Novell, CEO of Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union, said: “This is a brilliant fundraising challenge for mental health, demonstrating the power of sport to change lives. We are incredibly proud to support our rugby team bringing together students from both universities in this historic fixture.”
The rivalry will return to London next year, but the Bottle Match once again showed the strength of Cornwall’s student community and the difference it can make when it comes together behind a shared cause.
Image by Jasmine Rossiter. Instagram: @jazminerossiter
