Cambridge and Oxford Universities sealed the Prentice Cup as their joint Men’s tennis team overcame their Harvard-Yale counterparts.

The annual match – which alternates between the US and UK - was this year staged at Rumson, New Jersey, on 25 August.

And it was a happy hunting ground as Cambridge-Oxford defeated their American opponents 16-5; the most convincing margin since 1931.

Unfortunately, the Women’s team were unable to make it a double as Harvard-Yale regained the Seabright Cup 11-1.

The men's matches were very competitive and played with excellent sportsmanship. Cambridge-Oxford got off to a great start by winning the first three doubles games and gained confidence with each round. Captain Jon Tassell (Cambridge) led from the front and was undefeated, as were Robert Blythe (Cambridge), and Greg Weir (Oxford).

Cambridge-Oxford have now won three of the last four Prentice Cup matches in the USA and four members of the current men's team should be available for the match at Wimbledon in 2010. There they will seek to win on home soil for the first time in 30 years.

Meanwhile, Formula Three driver and Fitzwilliam College engineering student Oliver Turvey endured heartache at the finale of his season.

Oliver, who was recently awarded an extraordinary Full Blue by the University, was leading the standings going into the final two races of the year at Donington Park.
Finishing third in the penultimate race, Turvey went into the decider with a six-point championship lead over his nearest rival.

But some poor luck in qualifying meant he started in 14th place. Despite fighting back to finish eighth, the second-placed driver won the race to pip Turvey at the post.

However, the Fitzwilliam College student should not be too disheartened by finishing second overall in a championship populated by many international drivers - and in a season where he has juggled his driving and University commitments admirably.

Finally, St John’s College graduate Samantha Davies is one of just two women taking part in sailing’s Vendee Globe, beginning on 9 November.

The 23,680 mile “Everest of sailing” represents the ultimate physical and psychological challenge to those attempting to complete the gruelling three-month non-stop race. Starting and finishing in the Bay of Biscay, it is the race that made Ellen MacArthur a household name in 2001 when she became the youngest competitor ever to complete it - and the fastest woman around the globe.

Samantha will be taking the helm of “ROXY”, which has twice been a winner of the Vendée in 2000 and 2004 and has now been specifically modified for her style of sailing. Sam’s goal is to beat her boat’s race record: 87 days, 10 hours, 47 minutes and 55 seconds – and the time will be engraved on the deck of the boat, to provide motivation throughout the race. Visit www.samdavies.com to keep track of Sam’s progress.
 

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