Oxford Triumphs 5-1 in 2025 Varsity Rackets Match

Oxford emerged victorious in the 157th Varsity Rackets Match against Cambridge, securing a decisive 5-1 win at The Queen’s Club in London on 2 February 2025. The Dark Blues demonstrated their strength early on in the singles matches and carried their momentum through to the doubles, extending their historical lead in the fixture to 96 wins against Cambridge’s 61.

The contest began with the singles rubbers in the morning, where Oxford swiftly took control. After two Oxford team’s players won their respective matches for the Dark Blues, Merton medical student Christopher Sneddon added another point to Oxford’s tally with a well-earned 3-1 victory over Cambridge. Although Cambridge’s first string managed to claim a win against Oxford, the Dark Blues entered the afternoon doubles matches with a 3-1 overall lead.

Oxford sealed their triumph in the second doubles, as Oxford overwhelmed their Cambridge opponents, dropping only eight points in a commanding 3-0 win. With the overall match already decided, the first doubles match provided an entertaining finale, featuring Christopher alongside Henry Nicholls for Oxford against Cambridge. The opening two games were closely contested, but Oxford had the upper hand, taking them 15/11 and 15/12 before closing out the match with a dominant 15/0 final game.

The result cemented Oxford’s continued dominance in the Varsity Rackets Match and was celebrated at the traditional post-match reception, where the players reflected on a competitive day of high-level rackets. With efforts underway to establish a regular Ladies Varsity Match, the future of the sport at both universities looks increasingly promising.