THE men’s cricket team at the University of Worcester have become national champions after triumphing in the Super 8 Indoor Championship Finals at Edgbaston.
The British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) competition saw Worcester defeat the likes of Durham University and the University of East London.
Worcester lost just one of their group games against the University of Bristol but exacted revenge to defeat the same opponents in the final.
Players Jevan Kher and Ritchie Harley helped Worcester to victory and are studying for their master’s in cricket coaching and management at the university.
Club chairman, Harley said: “Last year we lost to Durham in the final, so to beat them in our first game to set the tone for the day was massively important to us.
“It’s just so pleasing after the disappointment of last year to come away and know that all of the hard work we’ve put in has paid off.”
Wicketkeeper Kher added: “It’s a very proud moment. It was quite overwhelming when we won as we had all of our fans with us and we were celebrating together.
“We played well throughout the whole tournament, but we played our best two performances of the tournament in the semi-final and final.”
Head coach, Alfie Marston said: “Last year we came second, losing on the last ball of the game, so to come back and win the whole thing is a massive achievement for the lads.
“Their hard work and dedication to their training and their university work, balancing everything is an awesome achievement.
“After our group stage loss to Bristol earlier in the day we really stepped up a gear and we played the game to the level we know we can play.”
Senior lecturer in physical education and UW sport performance and scholarship lead at the university, Charlotte Beaman-Evans added: “To witness the team secure the top spot in the country for indoor cricket makes me immensely proud.
“The team conducted themselves with absolute professionalism from start to finish, remaining calm and patient when batting and being ruthless in the field, simply a joy to watch and be part of.
“We give huge credit to head coach Alfie Marston for his constant drive to push the squad further and to our captain, Ollie Halion who orchestrated the boys so well on the day.”
