Summary of the goings on in the UWMCC over the last ten weeks
The UWMCC have had another action packed term and we still have the proper stuff of outdoor cricket to look forward to after Easter.
On the playing front the highlight was undoubtedly the 2-1 victory over Coventry in the Varsity fixture. After the 3’s were well beaten in the first fixture, the 1s and 2s played extremely well under immense pressure to bring the points home. Skipper Knott was the star of the show, creaming a straight six in the first ball of the last over to ensure victory.
Not far behind this result was the notable achievement of winning the Coventry Indoor League. The UWMCC have entered teams into this league in terms 1 and 2, and it has extended opportunities to 3s/4s and Friendly squad members to play this format of the game when they have been unable to do so in the past.
An undoubted reason behind these successes has been improved weekly net sessions. The 1s/2s have had the pleasure of working with Jamie Spires, Dominic Ostler. Ian Westwood, and Alan Richardson, all from Complete Cricket, and all with considerable first-class cricket experience. Net attendances and enthusiasm has been first-rate and I am sure that this will stand the squad in good stead for next term. This is especially the case for the 1s who will compete in the BUCs Premier League. The 3s/4s squad have worked with Richard Weaver, a level 3 coach, and I am sure both teams will eagerly look to gain promotion this year.
Outside of cricket we have been just as active. On 21st February over 20 members gave blood in Leamington Town Hall, having encouraged other students and raised awareness around campus more generally. £1200 was raised through a momentous half-marathon effort. After a term of hard training our runners did not expect to have to run in Arctic conditions on Naseby Battlefield, but soldier on they did and all came home in very respectable times. We have also run a coaching in schools programme for the first time, and this has gone incredibly smoothly. The programme has a double benefit, not only are we encouraging young children to participate in the game we love, we are also able to gain coaching awards for our own members who have gained valuable skills during their weekly sessions.
Socials have been as lively as ever. In between our weekly Pop! sessions, we had a club meal at the Millenium Balti in week 3, a Poker night week 5 (having to remain sober before ‘Give Blood’), fancy dress week 8, and then a trip to Butts Park Arena (week 10) to watch the UWRFC defeat Cov.
Next term we wish for considerable improvement in the weather. One expects that as a result of another wet and cold winter, the early season pitches at Cryfield will offer much assistance to our much vaunted seam attack. One would also hope that the University puts as much effort as possible into ensuring that we can complete our fixture schedule after the debacle of last year where the club played no games at home.
Towards the end of term we also have Cricket Day, Old Boys Day, our MCC fixture and, of course, Domestic Tour.
Much to look forward to, I am sure you would agree.
Luke