Bottle Match
Annual multi-sport varsity rivalry between RSM and CSM
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The Bottle Match is a historic annual varsity match held every February between the Royal School of Mines (RSM) of Imperial College London and the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) of the University of Exeter. Traditionally played on the third weekend of the month, the rivalry dates back to 16 December 1902, when the first recorded match between the two mining schools took place.[1]
Wardell Armstrong Trophy (Overall)
The Bottle Trophy, showing the CSM crest | |
Royal School of Mines (RSM)
Camborne School of Mines (CSM)
| |
| Sport | Rugby Union (Primary), Multi-sport |
|---|---|
| Location | London and Penryn |
| First meeting | 16 December 1902 |
| Trophy | The Bottle (Rugby) Wardell Armstrong Trophy (Overall) |
| Statistics | |
| Total meetings | 108 (recorded) |
All-time series | RSM leads (45 recorded wins) |
It is widely considered the second-oldest rugby varsity match in the world, following only The Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge universities.[2] Furthermore, it is cited as the 14th oldest continuous rugby competition globally. While the centrepiece of the rivalry is the men's rugby union match, the event has expanded into a multi-sport weekend encompassing football, hockey, squash, golf, netball, and lacrosse.
History
Origins and Early Years
The competition originated as a rugby union match to determine dominance between the UK's two premier mining schools. Originally known as The Miners Cup, the rivalry reflects a long-standing sporting divide between the London-based Royal School of Mines (RSM) and the Cornish Camborne School of Mines (CSM).[3] The first recorded game was a 15-a-side rugby match on 16 December 1902 in London that resulted in an "honourable draw."[4] The match was suspended for seven years during World War I, with play eventually resuming in 1921 for what was dubbed the "Rugby Revival."[5]
The Bottle and "Mascot Warfare"
The event earned its modern name in 1926 following a famous incident where a group of RSM students "acquired" a three-foot-tall tin advertising bottle from the top of a Bass-Charrington brewery lorry in London. The students decorated the tin bottle with the crests of both mining schools and designated it the official trophy.[6]
This spirit of "mascot warfare" became a hallmark of the rivalry for decades. In 1966, the RSM abducted the CSM’s beloved mascot, a teddy bear named Colonel George (named after a former Principal of the school), who was famously never returned.[5] In a notable retaliatory incident, CSM students "borrowed" the RSM's symbolic Davy Lamp, returning it to the London students filled with concrete and epoxy resin to ensure it could never be lit again.[6] In 2008, the rivalry gained national attention following a BBC report on traditional match-day chants; while controversial to outside observers, the exchange was defended by alumni as a long-standing element of the schools' shared heritage.[3]
Institutional Shifts and Scheduling
Following a second seven-year suspension during World War II (1939–1945), the logistics of the match shifted to accommodate changing academic calendars. Prior to the war, matches were traditionally held in December on the Friday before Christmas. In the post-war era, the fixture moved to the third Saturday in March, before shifting again in the 1980s to its current slot on the third Saturday in February.[5]
Venues have also evolved alongside institutional restructuring. Historically, London-hosted games were played at Richmond Park. While the Cornish leg of the rotation was long held in Camborne, the incorporation of the Camborne School of Mines into the University of Exeter and its subsequent relocation to the Penryn Campus resulted in the games moving to Penryn Rugby Club.[7] Since 2020, the weekend has expanded into a multi-sport varsity event, where the Wardell Armstrong Trophy is awarded to the school with the most cumulative points across all sports, including football, hockey, and netball, though the "Bottle" remains the exclusive prize for the rugby union match.[7]
Traditions and Trophies
The Bottle Match is defined by several long-standing traditions that reflect the unique identity and "mining grit" of the two schools. The rivalry is historically known for its high level of physical play and a boisterous atmosphere that draws alumni from across the globe, particularly from major mining hubs in Australia and South Africa.
A prominent modern tradition held by the Camborne School of Mines involves "Freshman Haircuts." In the week leading up to the fixture, rugby freshmen undergo outlandish and intentionally poorly executed haircuts, such as reverse-mohawks, monk-style fringes, and "Friar Tuck" shaves. While part of the initiation into the rivalry, the tradition has evolved into a significant fundraising drive for the mental health charity Sport in Mind.[8]
Culturally, the trophy itself is protected by a standard of "Mascotry Protection." Unlike many other university mascots in the United Kingdom, which are often subject to "liberation" or theft by rival colleges, the Bottle is traditionally considered off-limits. Its significance to the mining community is such that it is treated as a sacred object within the RSM and CSM unions, and any interference with the trophy by outside parties is strictly discouraged.
Coinciding with the Bottle Match week, CSM hosts its annual 'Barrel Match' for rugby and football. This tradition faces alumni against current students, with a wooden barrel awarded to the winner of the rugby match.[9]
Trophies
| Name | Sport/Event | Description | History / Donor |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bottle | Rugby Union (Men) | The primary trophy; a 3-ft tin advertising bottle traditionally housed in the Union Bar of the holding institution. Features the crests of both CSM and RSM. | Acquired from a Bass lorry in 1926. |
| Sharpley Cup | Field Hockey (Men) | A silver cup awarded to the winner of the men's hockey match. | Presented by J.E. Sharpley (RSM) in the 1950s. |
| Golders Cup | Field Hockey (Women) | A silver cup awarded to the winner of the women's hockey match. | Presented by Golder Associates in the 1990s. |
| Commemorative Tankards | Rugby Union (Men) | Individual tankards presented to each member of the winning rugby side. | Supported by the Mining Journal; tradition dates to the 1950s.[6] |
Rugby Results (Full Record)
Winners are highlighted: RSM (Black/Gold) or CSM (Blue/White).
| Match | Year | Winner | Score | Venue | RSM Wins | CSM Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1902 | Draw | — | Richmond Park, London | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1903–1907: Results missing (Matches 2–6) | |||||||
| 7 | 1908 | Draw | 11–11[10] | Richmond Park, London | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| — | 1909 | Match Cancelled (CSM failed to field)[11] | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
| 1910: Results missing (Matches 8–9) | |||||||
| 10 | 1911 | RSM | 3–0[12] | Richmond Park, London | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 1912–1913: Results missing (Matches 11–12) | |||||||
| Not played due to World War I | |||||||
| 13 | 1921 | RSM | 13–5[10] | Richmond Park, London | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 1922–1924: Results missing (Matches 14–16) | |||||||
| 17 | 1925 | RSM | 11–3[13] | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 18 | 1926 | Draw | 8–8[14] | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 19 | 1927 | CSM | 13–3[15] | Camborne, Cornwall | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| 20 | 1928 | RSM | 11–0[16] | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 1929: Result missing (Match 21) | |||||||
| 22 | 1930 | RSM | 17–0[17] | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 23 | 1931 | Match Cancelled (RSM failed to field)[18] | 5 | 1 | 3 | ||
| 24 | 1932 | RSM | 20–8 | Camborne, Cornwall | 6 | 1 | 3 |
| 1933–1935: Results missing (Matches 25–27) | |||||||
| 28 | 1936 | Draw | 6–6[19] | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 6 | 1 | 4 |
| 1937: Result missing (Match 29) | |||||||
| 30 | 1938 | RSM | 20–8 | Camborne, Cornwall | 7 | 1 | 4 |
| Not played due to World War II | |||||||
| 31 | 1946 | CSM | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| 32 | 1947 | RSM | 8–5 | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 8 | 2 | 4 |
| 33 | 1948 | RSM | 10–8[20] | Camborne, Cornwall | 9 | 2 | 4 |
| 34 | 1949 | CSM | 15–0[21] | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 9 | 3 | 4 |
| 35 | 1950 | CSM | 18–3[22] | Camborne, Cornwall | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| 36 | 1951 | CSM | — | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| 37 | 1952 | CSM | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 9 | 6 | 4 |
| 38 | 1953 | CSM | — | Richmond Athletic Ground, London | 9 | 7 | 4 |
| 39 | 1954 | CSM | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 9 | 8 | 4 |
| 40 | 1955 | RSM | 3–0 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 10 | 8 | 4 |
| 41 | 1956 | RSM | 12–3[23] | Camborne, Cornwall | 11 | 8 | 4 |
| 42 | 1957 | Draw | 6–6[24] | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 11 | 8 | 5 |
| 43 | 1958 | RSM[25] | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| 44 | 1959 | CSM[25] | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 12 | 9 | 5 |
| 45 | 1960 | CSM[25] | 6–3 | Camborne, Cornwall | 12 | 10 | 5 |
| 46 | 1961 | CSM[25] | 8–0 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 12 | 11 | 5 |
| 47 | 1962 | CSM[25] | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 12 | 12 | 5 |
| 48 | 1963 | RSM[25] | 11–0 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 13 | 12 | 5 |
| 49 | 1964 | RSM[26] | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 14 | 12 | 5 |
| 50 | 1965 | RSM[26] | 9–6 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 15 | 12 | 5 |
| 51 | 1966 | CSM[27] | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 15 | 13 | 5 |
| 52 | 1967 | RSM[28] | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 16 | 13 | 5 |
| 53 | 1968 | RSM[28] | 6–3 | Camborne, Cornwall | 17 | 13 | 5 |
| 1969–1971: Results missing (Matches 54–59) | |||||||
| 57 | 1972 | CSM | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 17 | 14 | 5 |
| 1973–1976: Results missing (Matches 54–59) | |||||||
| 60 | 1977 | RSM | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 18 | 14 | 5 |
| — | 1978 | Match Abandoned (Snow) | Camborne, Cornwall | 18 | 14 | 5 | |
| 61 | 1979 | RSM[29] | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 19 | 14 | 5 |
| 62 | 1980 | RSM | 24–0[27] | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 20 | 14 | 5 |
| 63 | 1981 | RSM | 9–4[30] | Camborne, Cornwall | 20 | 14 | 5 |
| 64 | 1982 | RSM | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 21 | 14 | 5 |
| 1983–1984: Results missing (Matches 65–66) | |||||||
| 67 | 1985 | RSM | 9-7[31] | County Ground Stadium, Exeter* | 22 | 14 | 5 |
| 68 | 1986 | CSM | 14-19[32] | Camborne, Cornwall | 22 | 15 | 5 |
| 69 | 1987 | CSM | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 22 | 16 | 5 |
| 70 | 1988 | CSM | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 22 | 17 | 5 |
| 71 | 1989 | RSM | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 23 | 17 | 5 |
| 70 | 1990 | CSM | 6-4[33] | Camborne, Cornwall, London | 22 | 18 | 5 |
| 73 | 1991 | RSM[34] | 4–3 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 24 | 18 | 5 |
| 74 | 1992 | CSM[34] | — | Camborne, Cornwall | 24 | 20 | 5 |
| 75 | 1993 | CSM[34] | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 24 | 20 | 5 |
| 76 | 1994 | CSM | 10-3[35] | Camborne, Cornwall | 24 | 21 | 5 |
| 77 | 1995 | CSM | 8–3[36] | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 24 | 22 | 5 |
| 78 | 1996 | CSM | 23–0[37] | Camborne, Cornwall | 24 | 23 | 5 |
| 79 | 1997 | RSM[38] | 16–5 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 25 | 21 | 5 |
| 80 | 1998 | RSM | 26–0[27] | Camborne, Cornwall | 26 | 23 | 5 |
| 81 | 1999 | RSM[39] | 30–10 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 27 | 23 | 5 |
| 82 | 2000 | RSM | 22–10 | Camborne, Cornwall | 28 | 23 | 5 |
| 83 | 2001 | RSM | — | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 29 | 23 | 5 |
| 84 | 2002 | RSM | 29–17 | Camborne, Cornwall | 30 | 23 | 5 |
| 85 | 2003 | RSM | 12–5 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 31 | 23 | 5 |
| 86 | 2004 | RSM | 22–10 | Camborne, Cornwall | 32 | 23 | 5 |
| 87 | 2005 | RSM | 17–15 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 33 | 23 | 5 |
| 88 | 2006 | RSM | 29–11 | Penryn, Cornwall | 34 | 23 | 5 |
| 89 | 2007 | CSM | 5–3 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 34 | 24 | 5 |
| 90 | 2008 | RSM | 13–10 | Penryn, Cornwall | 35 | 24 | 5 |
| 91 | 2009 | RSM | 14–10 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 36 | 24 | 5 |
| 92 | 2010 | CSM | 13–0 | Penryn, Cornwall | 36 | 25 | 5 |
| 93 | 2011 | RSM | 25–20 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 37 | 25 | 5 |
| 94 | 2012 | RSM | 22–0[27] | Penryn, Cornwall | 38 | 25 | 5 |
| 95 | 2013 | RSM | 24–8 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 39 | 25 | 5 |
| 96 | 2014 | Draw | 6–6 | Penryn, Cornwall | 39 | 25 | 6 |
| 97 | 2015 | RSM | 19–7 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 40 | 25 | 6 |
| 98 | 2016 | CSM | 14–5 | Penryn, Cornwall | 40 | 26 | 6 |
| 99 | 2017 | RSM | 36–19 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 41 | 26 | 6 |
| 100 | 2018 | CSM | 35–5 | Penryn, Cornwall | 41 | 27 | 6 |
| 101 | 2019 | RSM | 15–5 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 42 | 27 | 6 |
| 102 | 2020 | CSM | 10–7 | Penryn, Cornwall | 42 | 28 | 6 |
| 103 | 2021 | CSM | 57–7[40] | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 42 | 29 | 6 |
| 104 | 2022 | CSM | 17–10 | Penryn, Cornwall | 42 | 30 | 6 |
| 105 | 2023 | Draw | 17–17 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 42 | 30 | 7 |
| 106 | 2024 | RSM | 12–3 | Penryn, Cornwall | 43 | 30 | 7 |
| 107 | 2025 | RSM | 56–7 | Harlington Sports Ground, London | 44 | 30 | 7 |
| 108 | 2026 | RSM | 14–3 | Penryn, Cornwall | 45 | 30 | 7 |
The original 1985 match at Harlington Sports Ground was cancelled due to a frozen ground, with match being rescheduled at the County Ground Stadium in Exeter later in the year.*[41]
Rugby Results Tally Summary
| Total Completed Matches | RSM Victories | CSM Victories | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 | 45 | 30 | 7 |
Note on Record Accuracy: This tally reflects the 108 matches played since the inaugural game in 1902, excluding the seven-year suspensions during both World War I (1914–1920) and World War II (1939–1945). While the total match count is chronologically accurate, 26 results remain missing or unverified from the early 20th century and the mid-1950s through the late 1970s.
Multi-Sport Weekend (Non-Rugby Results)
The following table tracks the winners for each subsidiary sport. The overall winner is awarded the Wardell Armstrong Trophy (introduced in 2020) based on the total points across all events.
| Year | Venue | Football | Hockey (M) | Hockey (W) | Netball | Squash | Lacrosse | Badminton | Tennis | Rugby (W) | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Cornwall | 5–2 CSM | – CSM | – CSM | — | – CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2003 | London | 1–0 RSM | 2–3 CSM | Draw | — | 3–2 RSM | — | — | — | — | RSM |
| 2004 | Cornwall | Draw | 6–2 CSM | 8–0 CSM | — | 4–1 CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2005 | London | 5–2 RSM | 1–3 CSM | 1–4 CSM | — | 3–2 RSM | — | — | — | — | RSM |
| 2006 | Cornwall | – CSM | 2–1 CSM | 3–0 CSM | — | 5–0 CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2007 | London | 1–6 CSM | 1–5 CSM | 1–5 CSM | 5–0 RSM | 1–5 CSM | — | — | — | 5–15 CSM | CSM |
| 2008 | Cornwall | 6–0 CSM | 3–4 RSM | 3–2 CSM | – CSM | 5–0 CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2009 | London | 0–4 CSM | 0–5 CSM | 0–5 CSM | – CSM | 0–5 CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2010 | Cornwall | 7–0 CSM | 5–1 CSM | 3–0 CSM | Draw | 4–1 CSM | 15–4 RSM | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2011 | London | 2–3 CSM | 1–4 CSM | 5–3 RSM | 34–15 RSM | 3–2 RSM | — | — | — | — | RSM |
| 2012 | Cornwall | Draw | 3–1 CSM | 2–1 CSM | 39–27 CSM | 0–5 RSM | 2–2 CSM | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2013 | London | 0–4 CSM | 0–1 CSM | Draw | 27–25 RSM | 5–0 RSM | 3–1 RSM | — | — | — | RSM |
| 2014 | Cornwall | CSM | RSM | RSM | CSM | RSM | — | — | — | — | RSM |
| 2015 | London | CSM | RSM | CSM | CSM | RSM | — | 6–12 CSM | — | — | RSM |
| 2016 | Cornwall | 3–0 CSM | Draw | 12–0 CSM | — | 5–0 CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2017 | London | Draw | 3–1 RSM | 0–6 CSM | 11–50 CSM | 0–4 CSM | 10–3 RSM | 9–0 RSM | 0–4 CSM | 10–3 RSM | RSM |
| 2018 | Cornwall | CSM | Draw | CSM | CSM | CSM | — | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2019 | London | 1–0 RSM | 1–4 CSM | 2–7 CSM | 2–88 CSM | 2–3 CSM | 12–6 RSM | 2–8 CSM | 1–7 CSM | — | CSM |
| 2020 | Cornwall | CSM | RSM | CSM | CSM | CSM | CSM | — | CSM | — | CSM |
| 2022 | Cornwall | CSM | RSM | CSM | CSM | CSM | — | CSM | CSM | — | CSM |
| 2023 | London | CSM | CSM | RSM | CSM | — | CSM | — | — | — | CSM |
| 2024 | Cornwall | CSM | RSM | CSM | CSM | — | CSM | CSM | CSM | CSM | CSM |
| 2025 | London | CSM | RSM | CSM | CSM | RSM | RSM | RSM | CSM | Draw | RSM |
Note: In 2025, RSM won the Wardell Armstrong Trophy for the first time since its inauguration in 2020, winning 5 of the 9 scoring events (Men's Rugby, Men's Hockey, Squash, Lacrosse, and Badminton).
Notable Rugby participants
Many of those who have played in the Bottle Match have gone on to win international honours; a number of others played in the match after earning international caps. These include:
Camborne School of Mines
F. S. Jackson, a forward educated at CSM who played for Cornwall and was considered the "star forward" of the 1908 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia.[42]- Philip John Collins, earned 3 caps for the England national team in 1952 and is recognized as one of the oldest living England internationals.[43]
- Robert Day Kennedy, captain of the CSM XV who earned 3 caps for the England national team in 1949, scoring a try against Scotland.[44]
- J.G. "Jumbo" Milton, earned 5 caps for the England national team (1904–1907) and represented the national side while still a student at CSM.[45][46]
- Cecil Milton, brother of Jumbo, earned an England cap in 1906.[47][48]
- Arthur James Wilson, earned an England cap in 1909 and won an Olympic Silver medal in 1908 representing Great Britain.[49]
- Gerald Gordon-Smith, earning 3 England caps in 1900, he attended Camborne School of Mines after his brief international career.
Keith Bearne, earned 2 caps for Scotland in 1960.[47]
Royal School of Mines
- John Anthony Sydney Ritson, Professor of Mining at RSM (1936–1952) who earned 8 caps for England and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1908.[50]
See also
- The Varsity Match – The annual rugby match between Oxford and Cambridge.
- Cornwall RFU – The governing body for rugby in Cornwall, which often hosts the Bottle Match.
- Imperial College London – The parent institution of the Royal School of Mines.
- University of Exeter – The parent institution of the Camborne School of Mines.