Universities
CALVIN Dickinson underlined why he is one of the rising stars to watch on the circuit after making a stunning 185 for a Combined MCCU side against a strong Warwickshire.
A Warwickshire side containing several first-team regulars ripped through the students’ top order, with Oliver Hannon-Dalby going on to reel in a haul of 6-61.
But 19-year-old Dickinson, the TCP’s featured Young Gun this week, put up a wall as the sixth batsman to arrive at the crease.
Under his influence, the MCCU recovered from 19-4 to finish the first innings 322 all out, with Oxford man Dickinson’s brilliant knock only ending after he was bowled by Recordo Gordon. To put his efforts into perspective, Matthew Norris’ 31 was the second top score.
In reply,Warwickshire started supremely as veteran bats Will Porterfield (137) and Ian Westwood (63) put on 131 before the first wicket fell.
Despite No.3 Laurie Evans (63) chipping in with another half-century, the MCCU then acquired a foothold in the game – owing much to Jack McIver.
The Oxford student’s right-arm spin took care of the dangerous Porterfield, before completing his five-for as Warwickshire were brought under control and finished their innings 389 all out.
The MCCU’s second innings was more of a team effort as Steve Bullen (53), Tom Cullen (53) and Kamau Leverock (48) all chipped in with sizable scores.
Spinner Sunny Singh (4-94) was Warwickshire’s main weapon, as the students completed their innings on 290 before the game ended in a draw.
The Combined MCCU had started their fixtures in a meeting with Lancashire last week – and batted well in response to the Red Rose’s 266-7.
This time Cullen (107no) conjured up an unbeaten century while Cardiff MCCU teammate Neil Brand also chipped in with 74, though the game ultimately petered out into a rain-affected draw with the innings on 261-5.
The wickets had been shared for the MCCU – McIver (2-66), Leverock (243) and Alex Thomson (2-25) causing the most trouble as Luis Reece (68) and Rob Jones (68) stood out for Lancashire with the bat.