OUCC hosted its 3 50 over Varsity matches against Cambridge at the picturesque Arundel Castle Cricket Ground this past weekend. The Authentics played first on Friday 21st against the Crusaders, who elected to bat first. The Authentics put in an excellent combined bowling and fielding performance, led by a three-pronged pace attack of Chris Carnegie (2-34), William Marriage (2-37) and Max Kirkby (2-30). The Crusaders finished on 212-8 after their 50 overs, which seemed a worrying total when the Authentics were reduced to 13-2. Batting at 3, Max Kirkby was able to carry his side home with a brilliant 86*, well supported by Tom Munns (37*) to bring the Authentics to a 4-wicket win to avenge their defeat in the T20 Varsity.
Saturday saw the turn of the Women’s Blues to take on Cambridge, electing to bat first. Bowling was dominant across the whole of the day’s play, and Oxford Women’s Blues managed to set a total of 101, courtesy of Ella Gallagher’s 20. In defense of this total Oxford started with a combination of Hannah Davis and Poppy Sutcliffe. Both bowlers ran through the Cambridge batting line-up, removing dangerous players Routledge and Boaden. Hannah Davis finished with incredible figures of 10-6-7-5, with Poppy Sutcliffe taking 4-21. It was, however, Ella Gallagher who finished the game off by trapping Cambridge’s number 9 batter LBW. The Women’s Blues won the match by 53 runs in the end, a very impressive effort to defend such a low total.
After the previous 2 results, the pressure was on the Men’s Blues to make it 3 from 3 at Arundel on Sunday. Ben Swanson chose to bat first, with George Roberts anchoring the innings at the top of the order, scoring 97*. Cameos from Josh Royan, Robbie Harwick and Vignesh Venkateswaran were enough to see the Men’s Blues to a strong total of 263-9 after 50 overs. In response, Cambridge were reduced to 35-2 by a quick opening spell from Justin Clarke. However, the Cambridge batters worked their way back into the game and looked on top at the 2nd drinks break after 34 overs. Returning spells from Ben Swanson (3-42) and Justin Clarke (3-47) turned the game in Oxford’s favour, before a last wicket partnership left the Tabs needing 7 to win from the final over. Vignesh Venkateswaran kept his cool and left Cambridge’s number 11 requiring 3 to win off the final ball. Fortunately, a miscued sweep shot only resulted in one run and Oxford Men’s Blues recorded a memorable 1 run victory.
Everyone at OUCC would like to thank Arundel Castle Cricket for hosting a great (and successful!) weekend, as well as Tellworth for all their support throughout the year. Next week sees our final Varsity matches against Cambridge in the multi-day format. Any support for the Blues 4 day game at the Parks starting on Tuesday 2nd July would be greatly appreciated!
