University challenge: MCS badminton team takes on University of Oxford

Magdalen College School, Oxford’s (MCS) successful 1st VIII badminton team faced the ultimate university challenge last week, in a fiercely fought contest against the University of Oxford team.

Unbeaten since November 2021, the team’s winning streak and record of 30 plus wins finally came to an end in a thrilling contest against the University of Oxford. With MCS players ranging from as young as year 9, taking on the adult team proved a true test for the boys, with the final score: MCS 6 – 18 University of Oxford.

For Upper Sixth Form pupils Clement (Captain) and brothers Lueming and Yifeng, who leave school this summer, the match was a fitting finish to many successful years of playing the sport here.

Clement (Upper Sixth) said: “It was less about winning, but about pushing ourselves and showing how far we could go. It’s a really nice way to say goodbye to school badminton – but definitely not to badminton as a whole.”

Coach Dave Tuck said: “I could not be prouder of the 1st VIII Badminton Team, who showed enormous skill and spirit in facing the University team – and demonstrated just why they have achieved this sensational run of success. My aim in arranging this fixture was to stretch them to their absolute limits, and they showed, once again, they could rise to the challenge. The pupils involved experienced greater benefits from this match than any other fixture during this superb streak. Well done to Clement and all the players, and thank you to the University team for the incredibly challenging competition.”