The fresher “leaves a loser but returns a mighty hero and legend of the club”. And that was no different for Paddy Benson, this year’s winner-loser of the famous Exeter Fives competition.
The university’s freshmen start the mass game the evening before the trip, which ultimately sees the last man standing catch a day return train from Exeter to Edinburgh on the early rattler out the following morning.
As is customary, the fresher met up with several clubs along the way during brief moments at stations en route to Edinburgh.
Leeds Beckett members gave Benson a home hockey kit, plus sliders, Durham made a cut out ‘3 points’ card and Sheffield players handed over a goody bag crammed full of items for the average traveller.
Newcastle University even handed over a “fresher as a present” to accompany him along the way.
Once he arrived in Edinburgh, Benson was given a haggis which he enjoyed while on a fairground ride in the city centre.
He was then sent home a ‘hero’, while Benson conducted several interviews with fellow passengers on his return.
“Before returning home I wanted to take the time to thank all the unis,” he said. “Special mentions go to Newcaslte, Durham, Leeds, Sheffield Hallam and Birmingham.
“The biggest thank you has to go to @eumhc for welcoming me and showing me a great time. This has been a day I’ll never forget.”
Watch: How the Exeter Fives fresher was revealed in 2013
