Leon Kashdan-Brown on the Men’s team:
This time last year, the situation for the Oxford Blues seemed dire. Not only was our entire first team leaving, but our second team had suffered a catastrophic defeat at Cambridge, every player being at least 10 handicap points weaker than their opponent.
However, this band of cricket, rackets, squash, and lawn tennis players were all still finding their feet. Second team captain Matthew Dick knew what potential looked like and invested in the development of what is now the Blues.
Team development has progressed quickly, with players engaging in weekly group coaching and some private sessions. All those continuing from last year have cut at least 10 handicap point since last year, with myself and Alexander Williams both dropping more than 20.
Competition has been tight for the top spots, and with a busy Oxford court, we have been booking every opportunity we get. Williams is currently in a race for fourth with Rackets player Christopher Sneddon, and it’s looking too close to call. Only 0.2 points separate myself in second place, and George Gardiner in third, and we have had great recent success as doubles partners.
New to the university, and fresh from recent Rackets success with Gardiner and Sneddon over Cambridge, is our star player Bertie Vallat (Snuggles/Bubbles). Vallat recently made the second round of the British open and earned that prestigious +! The Oxford Blues have not seen such a strong player for some time and the team could witness a true masterclass on the all-important weekend at Lords.
Although we have faith in Vallat’s matches, we shall bring the challenge to Cambridge throughout our ranks. Close battles, great chases, and nail-biting restes should be expected as we bring out our best players.
Leon Kashdan-Brown. OUTC Men’s Captain
Hannah Wilson Kemsley on the Women’s team:
Preparations for Women’s Varsity are going very well, with a strong squad taking shape. We have three players confirmed for the Blues match: Mary Strevens, Cordelia Lamming, and Hannah Wilson Kemsley (captain), all of whom competed last year and bring valuable experience. New this season are Daniela Braw-Smith and Rosa Marks, who are competing in a playoff for the fourth spot; both have shown impressive progress and commitment since the start of the year and would be excellent additions to the team. The squad has been training together twice weekly.
Tanisha Reddy, who has joined very recently, is a top squash player and has picked up real tennis remarkably quickly; she will play on the 2s and could easily progress to Blues level with more match experience. Abigail Tresise, who has been playing for several years and has a strong understanding of the game, will also feature on the 2s. The final 2s position will go to one of our three newer recruits who are still developing, with a reserve likely named as well. Overall, it is shaping up to be two very exciting weekends of tennis.
As this year’s seconds Varsity is at home, preparations are underway. We have appointed 2s captains to help with organisation. Lunch will be provided on both days, along with a social on Saturday evening with the Oxford and Cambridge teams.
Hannah Wilson Kemsley, OUTC Women’s Captain