The Cambridge men’s and women’s 2nd teams performed at a very high level to beat Oxford at Oxford yesterday.

The men were just too strong, especially with James Watson (18) playing at first string. The strength in depth was obvious as the team of Watson, Ali Hakimi, Nick Wright (c) and Kunal Dusad took all the matches, winning 6-0, with only the minor hic-cough of the loss of a set.

In a nail-biting match, the women also won, largely due to the excellent play and leadership of captain Julia Clarke, who did not concede a set over the two day contest.

At 3 matches all a deciding doubles was required to determine the winner. All four ladies played a vital part to achieve the victory – Pippa Tregear in the 3rd string singles, Jess Nicholls in the 1st string doubles but it was Julia’s contribution, with the excellent volleying of Clemmie Briance, in the deciding doubles, 6-2, 6-4, that separated the two teams.

Congratulations to all who played and many thanks to the spectators, who were mostly Team Cambridge. Oxford were gracious in defeat and were excellent hosts.

The 1st team matches are in two weeks, at Lords. Cambridge aim to achieve a repeat of last year’s clean sweep.