Match Report from Martijn:

Oxford Mens play marathon session in first BVA fixtures of 2007.

On a 14th January the Oxford Mens team went down to sunny Newbury for the first 2 games of 2007.
A welcome return to the team after 5 1/2 years absence, for Down Under Graham. Back from injury, Johnny Hell, took his place in the team again.

In the 1st game we beat Basingstoke, winning 32-30 in the 1st set. In the 2nd set, we gave them a chance to come back 17-25, but in the tie-break we Mighty again, 15-9.

2nd game in the triangle we were up against Kennet Valley, current leaders and unbeaten in the BVA. Convincingly, we took the first set, this time 33-31. We got tired by then, and this resulted in some unforced errors which let them back in the game, 18-25. We couldn’t get it back in the 3rd set and lost against a 2-men Kennet Valley. It is suggested that they will propose a new rule in the BVA to play with 4 phantom players next year! 3rd set score 15-10. Well done to Graham, who hasn’t lost his talent, and got Man of the Match.

Oxford team: Jon (Captain), Graham, Neil (player/coach), Tig, Matt, Rune, Martijn.
Oxford fan club on the day: Claire, Richard.