Cardiff Met's new indoor courts were given their first outing during yesterday's Cardiff Clash involving Men's & Women's 1st teams. With the BUCS season due to start next week, Cardiff University provided a useful exercise for a number of the performance players to get some court time under their belt.

1st team captain James Hayward-Browne alongside fresher Lee Tribe meant business right from the off, setting off at a blistering pace and taking the first set in under half an hour with an array of solid ground strokes and net play. The Cardiff pair, unable to find an opening into the game, offered little resistance in the second set and crumbled early on. On the adjacent court 2015/16 2nd team captain Skene Matthews and James Wilson followed in a similar fashion, bringing their pre-season standards into the competitive match environment. Both are set for a big year and their performance yesterday was a hugely positive start. There were impressive performances on the singles court also from Lee Tribe, James Rowe, Rhod Harmes and debutant Rich Ashley-Smith as all three claimed important, comfidence-boosting wins to close out a 12-0 victory. Lee in partiuclar looks an outstanding acquisition to the tennis club and he will undoubtedly play a pivtoal role in leading the promotion push during the BUCS campaign. 

The Women, albeit msising captain Emily Watson due to injury, ran out 8-4 losers to a strong Cardiff team. Nonetheless the match allowed Joanne Rees to make her Cardiff Met debut and, alongside Hannah Russell looked assured on court during a close doubles match. With Jo Bowen, Abbie Reynolds and April Brown all graduating Hannah and Jo have huge shoes to fill this year in the National Premier, but such an fantastic opportunity is sure to be welcomed by these two who left nothing out on the court as usual - it is hoped they continue to excel over the course of the season. Bella Jefferson and Laura Mackey also made their 1st team debuts and continue to improve every week. Both put in strong performances as they welcome Exeter next week in the BUCS opener. 

Thanks to all who came to support - same to be expected next week to cheer on the girls (2nd team) from 11am, whilst the Women 1sts welcome Millfield School in the afternoon from 2.30pm!