DEADLY DUO TOO Oxford University duo Nicolas Ruh and Kathleen Noreisch had double cause for celebration after winning their respective titles at the student beach volleyball championships in Brighton.

Ruh won the men's crown, while his girlfriend Noreisch took the women's title with playing partner Gabi Medricka.

"We played really well, even under pressure," said Medricka.

"I'm still very excited about the win, it feels so good."

Eighty-five teams entered the competition.

Although it is still a minority sport in England, the standard and popularity is rising rapid.

Oxford are a real strength in English volleyball, both the beach and indoor variations.

One reason they do so well is that the county boasts one of the very few indoor beach courts in the country, allowing teams to train throughout the year.

There are plans to establish a public beach court in Oxford.

"It's such a great sport," said Oxford student Hannah Ruddick, who also plays in the national indoor team.

"It would be wonderful to get more people playing it."

This year a joint Oxbridge team went to the Student Home Nations and defeated all comers.

Beach volleyball was a huge hit at the Sydney and Athens Olympics. And it looks set to be similarly popular at London 2012, where it will be staged in the spectacular surroundings of Horseguards Parade.