This year has been an extremely success- ful one for the Blues Tennis Team. They finished second in the Southern Premier League, behind a strong Bath team. This is the highest finish for the Oxford team for many years. Their most notable wins came against Exeter and Bournemouth, both of which were away fixtures. Oxford University Lawn Tennis Club boasts 3 Men’s and Women’s teams, and also offers weekly coaching for its social members. It is a club for all standards, whether expe- rienced players who are looking to test them- selves against some of the best university sides in the country, or complete beginners, who want to learn the basics.
The win over Exeter was particularly impres- sive. Oxford have not beaten Exeter away in this important fixture for a number of years. Their strict training regime of over 20 hours of training and fitness a week, which is not quite possible in Oxford, meant that Exeter went into the match having had more time on the court, and with more match fitness. The win is, therefore, testament to the hard work of OULTC and the skill of its players.
The Oxford team also went far in the cup. Through demolishing Cardiff Met 6-0, the team made it to the Cup semi-final, which is yet another success to have not been achieved for several years. Only a very strong Durham team, winners of the Northern Premier League, stopped Oxford from progressing to the final.
The team now has a very busy Trinity term to look forward to. After more intensive training on the grass courts at Iffley and numerous friendlies against various county teams, the Varsity Match on 30th June – 2nd July is set to be a very exciting, and highly competitive fixture. After the disappointment of last year’s tight defeat, the team are hungry for revenge this year. There is no question that it will take a huge effort to be victorious, but the team are well prepared and ready to give everything to make sure Cambridge don’t take home the trophy this time round according to the club president Peter Whight. The Lawn Tennis Cuppers tournament is also taking place this term, with the round of 16 to take place in 3rd week. The final will be held on Sunday 8th June (Sunday of 6th week). First seed, Worcester, and second seed, St. Catherine’s, are through to the round of 16 after winning their first round matches. As the draw stands, they are set to meet each other in the final.
