2001 – 2002

Men’s Tennis

Captain Christopher Brown

The beginning of the season saw most of the players remaining from last year’s cuppers final team unable to play because of finals or University tennis commitments. We were very unfortunate to go out in the first round of the cuppers competition, having lost an extremely close and hard-fought match with Green College. Thanks to good performances from Robert Lawton and Richard Stuckey, the score at the end of the match was level on sets, the tie being decided by the number of games won. The league season started badly with some strong teams punishing Queen’s lack of experience. However, as the term progressed, the team gained in experience and confidence and should be able to produce good results in 2003. Notable contributions came from freshers James Shoesmith and Andrew Boyd with second year Mark Diffey also playing consistently.

Women’s Tennis

Captain Théa Houghton

This year the Club attracted a considerable number of players of a potentially high standard. However, because of the unfavourable weather, no regular routine was established and the potential was not fully realised. Nevertheless, when weather permitted, enthusiasm and effort were always present, particularly from Lise-Anne Dunn and Jill Barraclough, who made up the most regular pair in the team. A special mention should also go to Miriam Liedvogel who played outstandingly throughout the term and who, despite a hectic rowing schedule in the build-up to Eights Week, was always ready and full of energy for a game of tennis. Having obtained a bye in the first round of cuppers, the team was drawn against New College, the previous year’s cuppers and league champions. Despite a mighty effort, Queen’s failed to escape the same fate as last year and was defeated in a close match. Despite being in a strong group, which included Worcester and Keble, the team had more success in the league. The team won three of its five matches but this was not sufficient to qualify for the play-off stage of the competition. Although the results did not do the team justice, it can be said that those who represented the College had a most enjoyable term.