Staffordshire University tennis team makes first competitive appearance
By Ben Mouncer: Staffordshire University’s tennis team played their first ever competitive fixture when they lost out 10-2 at Warwick 3rds.
The club has entered the BUCS league system in only their second year of existence.
Club captain and founder Phil Peacock said that, despite the result, it was still a great occasion.
“It’s just great to be playing competitive tennis,” said Peacock. “That was my main aim when I founded the club, so to see Staffordshire University represented for the first time in the BUCS league is fantastic.
“We’ve had so much interest in the club this year, so it was tricky to pick the four players to play in our first match. The players who were selected did everyone proud.”
Each fixture is based on a Davis Cup-style format, with two doubles and four singles rubbers each worth two points, and with the cumulative points total at the end of play deciding the overall winners.
Peacock selected vice-captain Andy Hall, Josh Thornton and No.1 Mark Keothavong, younger brother of British ladies professional Anne, as his three teammates for the tie, held at Warwick University’s indoor tennis centre.
The two doubles rubbers were played first, and saw Hall paired with Keothavong and Peacock joining forces with Thornton – the first duo triumphed 6-3 7-6, while the latter pair were defeated 1-6 3-6.
Unfortunately for Staffs, all four singles games went the way of the hosts, with Keothavong losing a titanic battle 5-7 4-6.
“We’re naturally disappointed but Warwick is one of the big hitters in university tennis,” Peacock said. “There are plenty of positives to take from the day and the players are eager to get out there on court again.”
Category: Sport, University
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