Varsity 2022: UoL Cricketers hold their own over DMU
Written by Finn Pepper
A great day of indoor cricket on Wednesday saw UoL’s 1st team defeat DMU with a result of 97-89, and the UoL 2nds lose 50-62 at the cricket academy.
The first team performed exceptionally well on both sides of game led by a strong performance from skipper Adam Hussain. He and Jackson Darkes-Sutchcliffe opened strongly combining for 37 runs. Hussain provided 21 of the 37 with many of runs coming of aggressive charging down the crease approach.
Once Hussain and Darkes-Sutcliffe fell, the batting attack did damper. However DMU’s bowling was inconsistent with a flurry of wides and no balls. Vini Patel and Chirag Modi fell to the unorthodox bowling of M. Saif and Alex Stapleton provided a composed 10 runs to secure what was a high run tally.
The cricket academy had a great atmosphere with the Uni of Leicester spectators the more vocal of the two. Chants of “the city is green” could be heard throughout and the addition of walkout music brought great energy to the game.
The bowling followed where the batters left off with Vini Patel claiming the first wicket with some wicked speed. Darkes-Sutcliffe and Chirag Modi provided some quality spin, collecting a wicket each.
The standout bowler Alex Stapleton was the standout bowler collecting two wickets, most importantly forcing out M. Saif who led the game with 37 runs.
While it came down to the final over, DMU needed 25 off, which Stapleton saw off with superb death bowling.
Unfortunately, the 2nd team did not follow suit and narrowly lost out. However, there were strong performances from Arshdip Singh and James Bashford. Bashford and Alex Dutton provided a strong opening partnership with great running from the pair. However, after Bashford fell after 22 runs, the team struggled for a consistent partnership, resulting in a couple of mistakes running.
Arshdip Singh provided speedy leg spin that created three wickets – all direct hits. His commanding presence was accompanied by his walkout music choice of M Huncho, a surprise for a cricket match but definitely a welcome one.
Overall, University of Leicester performed very strongly and appear to be in good position for upcoming BUCS matches this summer.
Feature image: Zainab Patel
University of Leicester's Student Magazine
