The Copyright Cup

Books were replaced by boots as a team from Cambridge University Library travelled to Edinburgh last weekend for the inaugural Copyright Cup football tournament.

The National Library of Scotland had invited its counterparts in Ireland and Wales, and the Cambridge University Library representing England.

Cambridge drew Wales for the first match, effectively the semi-final. Despite some resilient work in goal by Robin James and a clean sheet at half time, the Welsh dominated and ran out 4 - 0 winners. There had been promising signs though with Cambridge's Tim Cruickshank and John Clarke both coming close to scoring.

The following day, after an evening's ceilidh celebrations, Cambridge faced Ireland, who had been defeated 3-1 by the hosts Scotland, playing for third and fourth places. This was altogether a more even-sided and thrilling affair with Cambridge taking the lead through a side-footed goal from Skipper Richard Young.

Ireland hit back twice to go into the half-time break in front, but second half goals byClarke, Charlie Cruickshank and then, keeping it in the family, Jez Cruickshank should have sealed victory, were it not for the two goals leaked at the other end. Nonetheless the Cambridge team celebrated the 4 - 4 draw as if it were a victory.

Wales beat Scotland convincingly by 4 goals to nil in the final to earn the right to host next year's tournament.

Speaking after the match Cambridge Captain Richard Young said: "It is an honour for the Cambridge University Library to be part of the first Copyright Cup, and this can only be good for relations between these great copyright libraries. I'm very proud of all my players who have trained hard for the last five months to be ready for the tournament and we can't wait for Wales next year."