THE University of Worcester's student sports teams have enjoyed an incredible year of success, including both men's football and basketball first teams winning their respective leagues by staying undefeated.

A record number of 27 teams competed for Worcester in everything from badminton to boxing in the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) Leagues last year.

Both the men's basketball first and second teams won their respective leagues. The firsts, who are the current British University champions, captured the Premier Division North title. They are now aiming to retain their crown at the British University Championship finals.

For the men's football firsts, it was also a convincing unbeaten campaign, with only three draws.

The team will now be competing in the top level of the Midlands Conference League and facing the likes of Birmingham, Nottingham and Cambridge Universities.

Worcester's women's hockey firsts beat Birmingham University 2-0 in the final game of the season to snatch the league from Birmingham and ensure promotion to the Midlands Conference Two.

The men's football fourths also won their league securing their second promotion in three seasons, to Midlands Conference Three.

The university's golf team finished second in their first season in the BUSA competition to capture promotion to the Elite Midlands League.

The netball firsts finished third to qualify for the Trophy knock-outs and the women's volleyball team qualified for the shield competition.

Student Union vice-president in sports, Ash Fuller, said: "Competing in BUSA offers students the chance to keep fit, active and match up against their counterparts from universities all over the country.

"Last year we jumped a massive 29 places in the BUSA rankings to 38th out of 145 universities. We're confident that with our sporting successes this year we will soon be among the top 30 universities."

University of Worcester vice-chancellor, Professor David Green, said: "Everyone at the university congratulates all of our students who have participated in sport this year.

"There is no doubt that we've had some outstanding results this season, as have our student coaches, whose community sports initiatives are making a real difference to children in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"The fact that our sports science courses were also rated among the UK's top three by the Guardian University Guide further highlights Worcester's strength in sport."