Team Derby Look To Build On Successful Year
1 June 2011
L-R Mr Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director with Donna Kellogg and Sports Development Manager Ollie Shearer, and students
Team Derby's new Rugby League Team
Grant Bateman competing in the BUCS climbing event (image courtesy of dr-photography.co.uk)
The University of Derby's student sports clubs are celebrating a successful year on the pitches, water, walls and courts they compete on, and are looking to consolidate on this increased enthusiasm and participation during the next academic year.
With their new ambassador, Commonwealth and European Gold Medal winning badminton player Donna Kellogg MBE on board bringing her experience to drive the development of badminton and other sports, and new facilities at both Buxton's Harpur Hill and Kedleston Road's Kirtley Building, Team Derby's future certainly looks bright.
In 2010/11 teams and individuals from across the University began competing under the Team Derby brand, sporting new custom-made kits and positive attitudes to match, and started the season strongly.
In team sports, Team Derby competed in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) in badminton, men's and women's basketball, rugby union, men's and women's football, netball, hockey, and for the first time in Derby's history - rugby league.
Good early results for women's hockey and netball (second team), rugby league, Buxton rugby and men's football (first team) enabled them all to finish in second places in their respective leagues. A series of performances by Buxton men's football team landed them a respectable third place.
Men's first and second football teams and women's netball first team consolidated on an excellent prior season and pulled out some steady results to stay in the same leagues for the 2011/12 season. The women's football team were relegated however.
Derby's basketball team, under the presidency of Ahadi Cissa finished third in their tier two group, while the Buxton team finished second in tier three.
The cricket teams have just finished their season with both the first and second team finishing fourth in their respective leagues and the Buxton team (newly entered into BUCS competitions) finishing third.
Individual Success
The University also has a number of outstanding sports people competing in individual BUCS sports. Grant Bateman, 21, who is in the final year of a Joint Honours Sports Coaching and Sports Development degree at the University's Buxton Campus took the Bronze Medal at the one and only BUCS climbing event, after completing 22 out of 25 climbing routes, and scoring over 200 points out of a possible 250.
Tom Nicholls, 19, currently studying a BSc (Hons) Computer Networks degree finished fifth in the BUCS men's sabre fencing competition.
Felicity Mason, studying a Foundation Degree in Spa Management at Buxton finished second in the Regional Championship Qualifier in Equestrian in March, qualifying for the national competition to be held in June.
Stand-Out Success Stories
During the 2010/11 sporting year, Team Derby's newly created rugby league team were a particular success story. Making their debut in the Student Rugby League Midlands Two Division they finished as runners-up and missed out on promotion by just two points.
Team Derby player Andy Morrison, 21, currently studying towards a BA (Hons) Commercial Photography Degree had a stand-out season. He was picked for the England Students RFL team, and played in all three of the Midlands games over the championship weekend - even scoring a try during the final against the South, which contributed to the Midlands' 26 - 24 winning scoreline.
Although only beginning their season on the water in February, the Rowing Club (who compete as part of Derby Rowing Club) pulled some out some fantastic results in various races on the water at national regattas and Yorkshire Head, Chester Head of The River Race, Leicester Regatta, BUCS competition and most recently at Nottingham City races on May 21- where the coxed fours came second, beaten over 2000m by just 0.01 seconds.
First year BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences student, Joe Clark, who only started rowing in January, won his first ever race at a regatta and is showing great promise for qualifying for Team GB rowing trials; he's currently training for a 6 minute 43 second 2000m on the water.
The University are also proud to have many teams and individuals competing outside of the BUCS league. May of these clubs were performing at a higher level than ever before.
- Taekwondo - achieved two bronze medals in sparring at the English Open Championships. Ben Cadd and Rosie Exell claimed a medal each whilst Rebecca Harding claimed silver in the UK Open Championships
- American Football - had its best ever season, finishing third in the Midland Athletic Conference and reaching the quarter finals of the Challenge Trophy
- Dodgeball - the club had an even more successful season by coming first in the Scottish Championship, second in the South and East Midlands Open and third in the University Cup. This left them in an overall position of second in the Universities' League and fourth in the UK overall League
- Dance - looked to reaffirm their position at the Loughborough National Dance Competition. The club produced magnificent performances resulting in a first in Jazz and second in Contemporary and in Hip-Hop
- Cheerleading - a successful year in the UKCA Nationals and despite issues with the competition, the club placed well achieving third in the Co-ed Advanced Senior category.
Active In The Community
Off the pitch, sports club were also active in engaging in the community and raising money for charity. This year the Athletic Union partnered the 'Schools Out Club' in Allestree, Derby, to deliver half term projects. Women's hockey, dance, cheerleading and women's football all helped to provide training sessions for local children aged 8-14. The week proved successful with great feedback from the children who have asked for the project to be delivered more long term.
The Athletic Union also supported the Derby 10K Run on April 3 2011. Special thanks must go to the Dance Team, Cheerleading and American Football club for their support on the day.
Through Team Derby pub golf, RAGE netball tournament, Buxton netball channel crossing, dodgeball skydive and men's football cracker to name a few, the Athletic Union raised over £7,500 for various charities. Credit must go to those clubs who continually raise and give.
A Great Year
Sports Development Manager, Ollie Shearer said: "It's been a great year for Team Derby clubs and individuals. Both on and off the pitch, our sportspeople have given their all - achieving some fantastic results and helping the University to get on its way to become a major player in BUCS sport.
"We look forward to next year when we will work hard to develop performance and participation amongst students and staff, and attracting more sporting talent."
For more information on sport at Derby visit the dedicated website www.teamderby.com
