Students proving to be up for Challenge
DURHAM University’s men’s cricket team was crowned Marylebone Cricket Club Universities Challenge Final winners – for the first time in eight years – after defeating rivals Loughborough University.
The university’s women’s team also made it to the finals – where they too faced Loughborough University – but was overcome ultimately by the opposing side despite a valiant effort.
Earlier in the season, Durham’s men’s team finished second in the MCC League to earn its place in the finals at Lord’s.
Once in the finals Durham were put in to bat and, at one stage, were 77-7 - but a defiant batting performance by man of the match Jat Subramanyan led the team to a final score of 213 all out.
Loughborough then took to the crease and were quickly 20-2 and under pressure.
Durham’s McGrath took three vital wickets and Subramanyan captured Loughborough’s final two wickets of the day to bowl out the opposition for 170.
The MCC’s Head of Cricket and Durham alumni John Stevens presented the trophy to the victorious team – trained by head coach Paul Grayson – in the famous Long Room at Lord’s.
Celebrating the team’s success, Director of Experience at Durham Quentin Sloper said: “Cricket is in Durham’s DNA and to finally be back at the top of the university game is fantastic for everyone associated with sport here.
“The players and support staff have been magnificent all season.
“In sport, you get what you deserve and this is a very hardworking and talented squad which has gained exactly what it deserves.
“The work we do in partnership with both the MCC and Durham County Cricket Club has been pivotal to our success.
“We would to thank all of our partners for their continuing support.”
Durham University is currently constructing a new cricket centre, due to be completed in August 2019.
Speaking of the new centre, Sloper continued: “We are particularly committed to growing the women’s game at grassroots level.
“We are hopeful the new centre will act as a hub for women’s cricket development across County Durham and the wider North East region.”
Durham University’s cricket teams will have just one day off before preparing for next week’s British Universities and Colleges Sport finals at Kibworth CC in Leicestershire - where they will again face Loughborough.