Varsity Rackets 2021

The overall win for Cambridge by 4 matches to 2, is largely due to the greater strength of their second pair who won both their singles matches, and also their doubles match when Salil & Ivo teamed up against Luke & Edward. The 2nd string contest won by Patrick against Louis therefore proved to be pivotal, since Rory won the top singles for Oxford against Ed, and also Rory, partnered by Louis, got home 15/0 in the fifth and final game of the top doubles. Earlier, Louis had saved two game balls in 'set-to-3' in the crucial 3rd game against Patrick with the score at 1 game all, had a game ball himself to go 2 games to 1 up, but Patrick got back in hand to take the game 16/15, and 10 points on serve from Patrick in the 4th game were enough to give this all-important rubber to Cambridge.

The closest match of the day, and the one containing the best rallies, was in the top doubles. At two games all it was open to either side to dominate in the deciding 5th game. Although Cambridge got back in hand at 0-4, Oxford got them both out, and a long run from Louis took Oxford to 15-0, with Rory playing the lead role in the rallies.

After the completion of the top doubles, the Pol Roger Cup was presented to Cambridge by Alan Giddins. Mr & Mrs Giddins have had their two sons, Jamie for 4 years for Cambridge and Rory for 4 years for Oxford, as the dominant players in the last 8 Varsity matches!