Men’s Blues Mid-Season Update

The Men’s Blues have enjoyed a good first half of the season, with a Varsity victory at Lord’s the highlight thus far. Early rain led to the frustrating cancellation of several early season games in April. The team gained valuable experience from challenging matches against strong Army, RAF, and Teddington sides. Whilst the results did not go our way in these games, there were a number of impressive performances from new members of CUCC, who have established themselves as core members of the group. A victory in the 2nd T20 vs England Physical Disabilities at Arundel gave the Blues some confidence leading into the Lord’s Varsity T20 and the Varsity 50-over game, which will also take place at Arundel. 

Rain disruptions meant that only 3 out of our 7 BUCS games were completed, and we were unfortunate to face 3 of the stronger sides in the competition: Cardiff, Leeds, and Loughborough. After posting a modest 143 off our 50 overs, a fantastic bowling performance reduced Loughborough to 54-7, yet a defiant performance from their lower order eventually saw them over the line in this game. Whilst there were some good individual contributions in the games v Cardiff and Leeds, we were beaten by two strong sides. Despite the three losses, it is possible that the Blues will avoid relegation from the BUCS national league, due to other results and their strong net run rate.

These battles in BUCS cricket, which is the highest standard of university cricket in the country, left us well prepared for the Varsity T20 clash at Lord’s. Oxford posted an imposing 175-5 off their 20 overs, but a well-paced chase saw us chase down their total 3 wickets down, with 8 balls to spare. This was a fantastic day, with a number of old CUCC members coming along to support, and a great way to cap off the first half of the 2023 season.

Harry Houillon

Men’s Blues Captain 2022-23