League and cup glory for University sports teams

Sporting students at Teesside University are celebrating success after clinching five league and cup titles.

The trophy haul was achieved by four of the sports clubs at the University’s Students’ Union.

Men’s Basketball led the march to silverware with a dazzling British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league and cup double.

Thompson Charuma, a third year BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Coaching Science) student, is Chair of Teesside Men’s Basketball.

He said: 'Playing in this team is very relaxing – it’s more like a family atmosphere and winning is an added bonus.'

Women’s Basketball secured a 49-37 victory over local rivals Newcastle to be crowned BUCS Northern 3B league winners.

'It was fabulous to win and felt a little bit unreal – it’s a great group and we’ve all been playing well this season,' said Captain Karen Daly, a second year BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy student, is Captain of the women’s basketball team.

Women’s Hockey also celebrated league title glory by winning the BUCS Northern 5B league title after going the entire season undefeated.

Jenn Pitt, a third year LLB (Hons) Law student, is Treasurer of Teesside Women’s Hockey.

She said: 'We coached ourselves this year and that worked really well. It was an amazing feeling to win the league – we were all jumping around and there was champagne spraying everywhere. This is definitely the closest we have been as a team.'

Men’s Tennis added to Teesside’s winning streak after being declared winners of the BUCS Northern 4B Division.

Jodie Bird, Student Activities Officer said: 'A massive congratulations to all the successful clubs and teams. Students play sport at university because they love it not to win cups and shields, but it’s obviously great when that happens.

'I’m thrilled to be ending my time in the role with some new trophies to display and I salute the amazing work of everyone involved in the respective successes.'

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