MCCU Weekly Review 2

13 April 2010

This week has seen three of the MCCUs in action against county opposition, whilst the pink ball was used for the first time in the BUCS competition.

At Taunton Vale Cricket Club, Cardiff MCCU dismissed a strong Somerset team for 246 in the first innings; Mike Read was the pick of the bowers taking 4 for 32, whilst Alex Jones took 3 for 67.

Cardiff's Alex Jones took 3 wickets in the Somerset first innings
Then at the close of play on day one Cardiff were in a very strong position at 130 for 1, with Ryan Bishop 66 not out. Unfortunately for Cardiff they lost their remaining 9 wickets for 30 runs on the second morning. Somerset batted better in their second innings when they made 417 for 6 declared. Thus Cardiff were set a challenging 504 runs to win. Cardiff underperformed with the bat again, this time being dismissed for 118. Daniel Bendon (44) was one of only three players to make double figures.

At the Racecourse ground Durham suffered a torrid first day when Nottinghamshire made 505 for 5 declared. Durham dropped seven catches including five off the left spinner Dan Gale. In reply Durham were struggling at 56 for 3. Greg Smith (who has a professional contract with Leicestershire) and Luke Blackaby batted sensibly through the morning session, however, to put on 81 for the fourth wicket. Smith ended up on 114, hitting some particularly lust blows off the left arm spin of Samit Patel.

Nottinghamshire altered their batting order in the second innings to give players who missed out in the first some time in the middle. They declared on 291 for 6 at tea on the final day. Durham made 53 for 1 at stumps; match drawn.

At Canterbury Loughborough MCCU were up against a strong Kent team. The county made 504 for 7 declared in their first innings. In reply Loughborough made 259, with Northants contracted David Murphy scoring 76. Peter Groves and Rhodri Evans put on 64 runs for the ninth wicket.

David Murphy made 76 against Kent.

The Kent second innings yielded 212 runs for the county. Left arm spinner Alex Welsh was the pick of the university bowlers taking 3 for 32. Loughborough were given the final session to bat and made 60 for the loss of three wickets.

In the BUCS competition Oxford entertained newcomers Bath. The dark blues made 275 for 8 wickets from the allotted 50 overs, Sam Agarwal top scoring with 75. In reply Bath made 184 for 7 from their 50 overs, with Agarwal again in the action, taking 2 for 32 from his ten overs of off breaks.

Oxford Coach Graham Charlesworth had praise for the pink ball: “It swung around a bit to start with, but no more than you would find with a red Dukes ball… the ground was soft, the ball held its colour and was easy to see. Overall it was a positive first experience for us.”

In the second BUCS fixture over the weekend, Leeds made the long trip down to Exeter and achieved a six wicket win. On a tricky early season wicket Exeter were invited to bat by Leeds captain Richard Browning. The made 118 for 9 from their 50 overs. Opening bowler Bradley Kruger bowled 7 overs for 13 runs whilst James Hawley took a stunning catch and was instrumental in two run outs.

The Pink ball in use at the 2008 MCCU Challenge Final.

Leeds completed their victory in 37 overs for the loss of four wickets, Rick Moore finishing the game off in style with a glorious six.

This week sees the start of the MCCU Championship as Durham visit South Wales to take on Cardiff. Durham are hoping to welcome back Tom Westley, who has been playing for Essex in the County Championship, whilst Cardiff hope that Warwickshire’s Tom Allan will have recovered sufficiently from a groin strain to play in the fixture.

Results 2010