England defeat Aussies at UCLan

England's Table Tennis stars secured a 7-3 win over Australia in their final international before the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In front of a big crowd at UCLan's Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Paul Drinkhall, Liam Pitchford and Andrew Baggaley won their Men's singles matches, with Drinkhall & Baggaley teaming up to win a thrilling doubles encounter. Danny Reed & Sam Walker put the icing on the cake in the final doubles match to seal an impressive 5-0 victory.

The Women's team found their Australian counterparts a tougher nut to crack, but a singles win for Joanna Parker and doubles success for Kelly Sibley & Tin-Tin Ho added another two points to the overall total.

UCLan's Academic Director of Sport Dr Adrian Ibbetson said he was delighted to welcome the teams to Preston: "It was another fantastic event that builds on the very strong partnerships we have locally with Preston Table Tennis Club and nationally with Table Tennis England.

"Table Tennis is a focal sport at UCLan and is important to the sporting 'fabric' within the City. It was a pleasure to welcome the Australian team back to Preston and UCLan again for another Ashes showdown with England. It was both teams last competitive 'hit' before they compete at the Commonwealth Games; we wish them all well."

David Grecic graduation message

Student's Palmer Cup delight

UCLanSport golfer Louis Tomlinson helped Europe win the college version of the Ryder Cup against the USA.

Louis and Team Europe competed in the recent Palmer Cup event at Walton Heath, with the hosts securing a comfortable 18.5 – 11.5 success.

Since its inception in 1997, the tournament has become the biggest event of its type in the world. Named after the legendary Arnold Palmer, it brings together top college players from both sides of the Atlantic.

Alongside the Ryder Cup and Walker Cup, it’s one of only three golf events where Europe compete against the USA.

Louis played a huge role in Team Europe's success, earning 2.5 points, including a half in the foursomes and a one-hole win in the fourballs, before going on to register a 5&4 victory in one of his singles matches.

The 20-year-old, who has just completed a Foundation Degree in Golf Performance, qualified for Team Europe after winning the annual R&A Foundation Scholars Tournament at St Andrews earlier this year.

He said: "I went into the event not really expecting much and walked away as a champion. It turned into one of the best weeks of my life. I'm very honoured to have been asked to play. Not many people get the chance to play at this level.

"In the first two rounds I played alongside Spaniard, Pep Angles, and we came through our games undefeated. The singles was tougher as I was up against the number one amateur player in the world, Ollie Schniederjans. He's world class and got eight birdies in 15 holes during his round, but I'm proud I still pushed him all the way.

"The whole event was really well organised. I fitted in straight away and everyone made me feel very welcome. The players were catered for perfectly."

Louis undertook his degree at the International Institute for Golf Education (IIGE) at Myerscough College. IIGE is a unique partnership between UCLan and Myerscough College, blending academic and research expertise with an established centre of golf education set in its own beautiful grounds, with a golf course and high quality playing and coaching staff.

Louis has no plans to turn pro just yet, but is continuing his education in the USA after gaining a three year placement to play and study in Arkansas.

He added: "IIGE helped me so much. I've learned a lot from my tutor, Adam Smith, in areas such as performance, nutrition and biomechanics, which are all crucial to the modern golfer. I feel I've really progressed since I've been here and the college gives players the chance to improve and incorporate these elements into their game.

"I want to improve my handicap to enable me to compete at the top of amateur game before I take the next step. Of course the ultimate dream is to be a top professional and win majors. I'm looking forward to the future."

UCLan claims impressive Games result

UCLan staff produced some excellent performances at the World Corporate Games 2014 event held in Liverpool at the end of June.

Our Women's 5-a-side football team (left) retained their title, Steve Abbott (Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre) also bagged gold in the Men's Open Cycling Road Race and Paul Lightfoot (Marketing) won the 5K (30-39) race.

The UCLan Dragonboat team secured bronze in the long race, going on to claim 6th place in the overall championship table (out of 54 entrants).

Wendy Skerritt (Mailroom) finished 7th in Round 1 of the Women's Golf competition, with Jan Peace (Sports Arena) grabbing 6th place in Round 2.

The results helped UCLan secure 2nd place in Division 4 (21-50 athletes) behind global consultancy company Turner & Townsend.