Dan & Amy (back), Ollie & Ben

On the final day of May, 2025 CURTC hosted Prested in the National League Division 9 final. Cambridge had qualified first for the final, losing only once, in a game Cambridge forfeited, ironically against the other Prested team.

Ben Craig opened proceedings for Cambridge, against Captain Amy Pye. Ben conceded the first game and was down 40-15 in the second, looking out of sorts he ground out the game, taking it in a deuce. The third and fourth games went to deuce but again Ben got the better of his opponent. At 4-1 Ben found his form with his service variety and forehand power controlling many of the points, forcing his opponent to defend. Ben took the set 6-2. The second set followed a similar pattern to the first. Amy fought hard throughout, but at the key moments Ben stood up. His defence in the backhand corner was a feature of his play. Ben would take the set 6-1 and the match.

Prested requested the doubles be played second with Oliver Anderson Shah and Ben much more obliging than their antipodean captain. Oliver, who had emerged from the library for the first time since February started the match slowly. The game was evenly poised at 2-2, however from here Ben and Oliver took control. Ben dominated this match and was well supported by Oliver leading the duo to a thumping 8-2 victory.

With the league secured, Oliver had his singles to play. Undefeated across the tournament and facing the league MVP, Oliver (possibly playing his last competitive match for CURTC as a student – PHD funding dependent) began his match against Dan Worbys slowly. Dan was very solid and pushed Oliver around the court. Dan would take the set 6-3. The second set resembled the first, Oliver, unable to get into his groove, went down 3-1. At this point I was worried, as my shepherd’s pie was not yet in the oven. However, Oliver is the sort of player that finds another gear when he is down. Two games went to deuce and Oliver won them both. At 3-3 his serve clicked and suddenly it was 5-3. Another tight game and then the set went to Oliver. From here it was one way traffic. Oliver was charging around the court, retrieving everything and raced to a 5-1 lead. Dan was out of answers but fought to the end, with the game finishing 6-2.

Well played to Ulla, Oliver and Ben for a terrific season and thanks to FLM for their sponsorship along with the CURTC Pros for their support (and photos) throughout.

Charles Norbury, Captain