On a bright afternoon at Iffley Road Sports Centre, the Oxford Blues and the iPubs played their annual fixture across a mix of clay and grass courts - a fitting microcosm of the transition from Roland Garros to Wimbledon at this time of year! The fixture was a two-pair, best of 3 set match against both pairs.
The fixture started with high tempo as the Oxford Blues took control early on the club’s unorthodox clay courts. Despite admirable resistance from Davor Pavlovic and Paul Cowie, they couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure from the Oxford Blues' first pair. Notwithstanding the early momentum, the iPubs responded strongly with a solid performance from Ben Rogers and Ross Martin, which reduced the deficit and tied the fixture at 1-1.
The second round of matches were switched to the club’s zany grass courts, beginning with renewed intensity from the iPubs. Onlookers were treated to nail-biting tennis that demonstrated excellent teamwork under pressure, high levels of skill and sportsmanship, and commendable fighting spirit. The two tightly contested matches, with thrilling tiebreaks in both, ultimately led to the honours being split and the fixture finishing in a 2-2 draw.
IPSOBLTA first pair - Ben Rogers & Ross Martin
Beat Oxford Blues 1: 6-3 6-7(4) 10-3
Beat Oxford Blues 2: 6-1 6-3
IPSOBLTA second pair - Davor Pavlovic & Paul Cowie
Lost to Oxford Blues 1: 6-0 6-4
Lost to Oxford Blues 2: 6-4 7-6(5)
Overall:
iPubs: 2
Oxford Blues: 2
Overall, it was a delightful afternoon, which included a couple of Oxford Blue alums playing in the fixture. Thanks to the opposition captain, Jack Pickering, and the Oxford Blues for giving up their weekend to host the team around exam season. We look forward to returning next year for the 2025 rematch.
Ben Rogers - Match Manager