Whilst the football codes have taken hold of Uni No. 1 Oval, Sydney Uni Cricket Club have certainly been far from idle throughout the off-season with an intervarsity tour to the UK to do battle with both Oxford University and Cambridge University over the last two weeks.
The group, a wonderful mix of elite talent, experienced tourists and youthful talent, met recently in Cambridge to take on the Blues who were on a run of 3-consecutive victories.
Despite the jet lag and with no practice matches in the lead-up, SUCC hit the ground running to claim victory in a dominant performance.
SUCC, boasting six players with first class experience, took the ball first and had Cambridge in trouble at 6-40, but with a perceived lack of depth in the bowling department (no offence to Henry Clark who claimed 3 wickets), Cambridge recovered to post a competitive 194 runs.
SUCC, NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers star, Ryan Carters set about dominating the English bowlers belting a scorching 84 runs off 69 balls. The finishing touches were put on the innings by 2014/15 SUCC 1st XI players Mark Faraday (27no from 32 balls) and Ben Trevor-Jones (37no from 20 balls including 28 from his last 6 balls). SUCC cruised to victory with 22 overs and 7 wickets in hand.
Things did not go quite so smoothly in the second match up against a strong Oxford line-up. SUCC winning the toss and taking the opportunity to bat first, Carters (57) and Faraday (54) were again powerful, but it was Chris Jones who backed up his 37 against Cambridge with a forceful 68 runs, to help set a total of 7-246.
Being short a quick in the touring party proved difficult for SUCC to overcome as Oxford's top order all contributed to cruise to the victory in the final over with 5 wickets in hand.
The tourists will now make the most of the UK and European summer with some attending the upcoming Ashes Tests while others explore some of the scenery, culture and hospitality that Europe has to offer.
SUCC thanks Mark Faraday in particular for being the driving force for this tour, his dedication to ensuring this tour happened has been outstanding. Also, to all the players, past and present, that pulled on the blue and gold baggy, thanks and well done.
The SUCC intervarsity schedule again looks strong for 2015/16 with matches scheduled against University of Queensland CC, Melbourne University CC and Adelaide University CC throughout the season.
For full scorecards please click here:
Cambridge University CC
Oxford University CC