Varsity Match 2026

Due to various player availability requests, the match didn’t follow the typical order of 4th/3rd/2nd/1st singles followed by the two doubles matches. The 3rd Singles (Lee vs Clement-Davies) was the first match on court - a match dominated by the serve. This was most evident in the second game, which Lee won 15-0 in less than eight minutes. However, the serve of Clement-Davies had more consistency and cut, resulting in 3-1 victory. Oxford 1-0 Cambridge.

 The 2nd string doubles took place next (Lee & Craig vs Clement-Davies & Adams). This match was by far the closest of the fixture, with the Cambridge pair showing rapid improvement over the course of the match to come from 2-0 down to level at 2-2. Ultimately, the Oxford pair were more accustomed to the tactics involved in doubles and this experience paid dividends. Oxford won the deciding game to win 3-2, however the Cambridge pair played a terrific match - it would be great to see Jin and Ben continue to play Rackets following their transition from real tennis. Oxford 2-0 Cambridge.

 Approaching the half way point, Cambridge looked to their number one seed, James Wilson, to get back in the match against Darshy Pandy, a fresher and a fellow Pauline. Pandy took control of the match early on and he was particularly strong taking balls from the back wall with some powerful cross court shots. Any errors made by James were punished and Darshy looks a very handy addition to the Oxford ranks. A 3-0 victory for Oxford. Oxford 3-0 Cambridge.

 It was a long way back for Cambridge from here and Oxford’s superior doubles play was again evident in the 1st string singles (Pandy  & Knight vs Wilson & Du Roy). The 3-0 scoreline to Oxford was a fair reflection of the match, with Pandy and Knight putting together some long service runs. Oxford 4-0 Cambridge.

 Knight and Du Roy stayed on court to complete the 2nd string singles game. Knight continued his impressive serving and whilst Du Roy retrieved well, Knight was too strong. Oxford 5-0 Cambridge.

 The final match of the day saw Ben Craig take on Rob Adams. The most exciting game of the match was the first game, which reached 14-14. Adams called no set and had the serve for game ball. Craig, however, had other ideas and he got himself back in the service box to win the first game. Rob came back stronger and served with good cut on the ball, enabling him to put together some long service runs. He won the next three games 15-4, 15-6 and 15-9. Ben played superbly well for someone so new to the game and he should take great encouragement from his performances. Oxford 6-0 Cambridge. A scoreline that reflected Oxford’s strength in depth and their dominant performances in the service box. Thanks to all players for a great day.

by Ed Hyde