Strong week for Student Tennis Club

The Athletic Union squad was out in force with six out of the seven tennis teams winning their ties in Wednesday’s matches and three University players making it through to the BUCS Individuals finals last weekend.

The BUCS teams are all in strong positions in the leagues and have achieved results that put many of them in contention for promotion.

The men’s sides dominated their events with the first team leading the way by beating Cardiff Metropolitan University 10-2. The team must now face Bournemouth on 3 February to secure second position in the BUCS Premier South League, the top league in South West.

Currently top of the Western 1a league table, the men’s second team had an equally successful day. The side overcame Cardiff University with a score of 10-2 and now face two big matches against league rivals Bournemouth, on 20 February, and Bristol, on 6 March, to consolidate their position.

The third and fourth teams also played particularly well each beating their opponents the University of the West of England (UWE) and Gloucestershire respectively, a convincing 12-0. The thirds now face University of the West of England on 27 February for promotion while the fourths have secured their place at the top of the table meaning they will be promoted next season.

The women’s sides also played exceptionally. The first team defeated the University of Bristol Women’s firsts 10-2, securing their second place BUCS Premier South Division. The thirds also won a fantastic 12-0 against Swansea.

Newly appointed Head of Student Tennis Steven Wood said “It has been a hugely successful week for the student tennis club and I am incredibly pleased with their progress this year. Several teams now face important matches to secure promotion which would be a superb achievement.”

The British Universities and Colleges Sport competition sees 161 institutions from around the United Kingdom compete in over 50 sporting disciplines in various leagues and cup events throughout the year.

Exeter Tennis Centre, based on Streatham Campus has recently benefitted from the £8million development at the Sports Park which has seen six outdoor tennis courts covered.  Last weekend the centre hosted a qualifying event for the BUCS Individuals. Exeter players Burnham Arlidge, Yvanna Kurlak, Anastasia Nebojanko, Ashtey Pauls and Adelina Lipan have all made the final which is set to take place on 22 February.

Steve said “I am very pleased to see so many Exeter players competing in the Individuals finals. Qualifying was very tough and some players who just missed out will also travel up as reserves and to offer support to their team mates. Exeter is in an excellent position and should achieve some strong results.”

The ladies student tennis match report and men's seconds student tennis match report available to view online.