Cricket In The Parks

Welcome to Derbyshire to the University Parks this weekend. 1100 start. Use public transport or Park/Ride. Wrap up warm, pick up a coffee on your stroll through Oxford to the Parks, and enjoy some early season cricket.

Well back in March we cricketers were anxiously studying every government announcement for signs that the cricket season may happen. 4 months later, we have just concluded an action packed season with a thrilling end to the Varsity game friday evening not at the Parks or Fenners, but at Teddington CC (many thanks to William and Teddington for helping out at short notice ).

The UCCE side kicked the season off in March with a very accomplished 3 days cricket at Trent Bridge against Notts. Calvin Harrison’s 100 and 3 wickets there earned him an extended trial at Notts and confirmation of a 2 year pro contract announced Friday.

So Friday proved to be an exciting day all round. After a disappointing first innings, Oxford were invited to follow on late on day 2 and the game reached a thrilling climax late day 3 with Cambridge desperately trying to chase down 58 runs in the last 9 overs of the game after Oxford had battled their way to 233 all out in their 2nd innings. Cambridge ended up 4 runs short and 6 wickets down in a frenetic 40 minutes of runs, wickets, catches, run outs.

In between these 2 games, the UCCE side reached their 2nd successive National BUCS final, losing a high quality game of cricket to Cardiff. They played some fine cricket this year and arguably have been the best Oxford fielding side lead by the indefatigable Louie Shaw. Oxford travelled up to Leeds for their first BUCS semi final for several years and lost to a very well supported home side.

The Ladies side continued their recent dominance over Cambridge winning both the T20 and 50 over Varsity contests. The latter game was a stunning day at the glorious Getty ground at Wormsley. The ladies also had good wins in BUCS and friendly games, and have some exciting new talent into the club, one of whom Sophie Florides, will be leading the side next year.

The Authentics built upon their strong heritage with a good Varsity win and lots of enjoyable cricket.

So all in all, 63 days of cricket, heaps of paperwork and RAs, last minute planning, joy, anguish, bizarre DL calculations, and importantly lots of fun, laughter, friendships made. Well done to everyone involved players, scorers, umpires, guests, coaches and especially the team captains Louie, Chris, James, Amy, admin from David White/Chris M/Lydia and to Jon B and team for all his good humour, can do attitude and pitches. George Hargrave will succeed Chris Searle as OUCC men’s captain.

Many thanks to MCC and ECB for 20 years of funding and nurturing young cricketers through higher education which now expires. Next year we aim to run a similar programme and create lots of opportunities for players to enjoy the game and improve whilst studying. Feel free to get in touch if you are able to support this project further.

Good 69 run win for Oxford UCCE over Exeter Uni yesterday makes it 2 from 2 in the BUCS National league having beaten Cardiff last week at the Parks.
Matt Taylor (76) and Cal Lea (46) with 103 run partnership set up a good total of 248, finished off with a blistering 80 off 52 balls from Chris McBride.
Charlie Gwynn (4-15) was outstanding and Chris rounded up a good all round day with 3-25.

Play-Cricket Play-Cricket,

Very accomplished performance by Oxford UCCE at Trent Bridge last week against Nottinghamshire CCC. Runs from Calvin Harrison (121) and Mo Rizvi (66), and wickets from Hugo Whitlock (4) and Calv Harrison (3). A superb team effort by players, coaches, sports staff at Iffley and Brookes Sport, grounds staff at Parks, and to the Notts players and staff to get this game on.

Highlights can be found below

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We are all thrilled to learn that former Oxford and Oxford MCCU Captain has earned a pro contract with Nottinghamshire CCC. He is a very popular member of our cricket community who absolutely loves his cricket and has twinned this passion with excellence in Classics gaining a first class honours degree. This is the beauty of University sport.

NCCC News : Toby Pettman Joins Notts Trent Bridge home of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club