The University of Worcester’s Men’s Cricket Team are national champions after they triumphed at Edgbaston in the Super 8 Indoor Championship Finals.
The British Universities and Colleges Sports competition saw Worcester defeat strong opposition from the likes of Durham University and the University of East London.
They lost just one of their group stage games to the University of Bristol, who they then met and defeated in the final to clinch the title.
Jevan Kher, and Ritchie Harley were part of the winning team. They’re all studying for their Master’s in Cricket Coaching and Management at the University.
Wicketkeeper Jevan Kher said: “It’s a very proud moment. It was quite overwhelming when we won as we had all of our fans with us and we were celebrating together.”
He added: “We played well throughout the whole tournament, but we played our best two performances of the tournament in the semi-final and final.”
Club Chairman Ritchie Harley said: “Last year we lost to Durham in the final, so to beat them in our first game to set the tone for the day was massively important to us.”
He continued: “It’s just so pleasing after the disappointment of last year to come away and know that all of the hard work we’ve put in has paid off.
Head Coach Alfie Marston said: “Last year we came second, losing on the last ball of the game, so to come back and win the whole thing is a massive achievement for the lads.”
He continued: “Their hard work and dedication to their training and their university work, balancing everything is an awesome achievement.”
He added: “After our group-stage loss to Bristol earlier in the day we really stepped up a gear and we played the game to the level we know we can play.”
Charlotte Beaman-Evans, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and UW Sport Performance and Scholarship Lead, said: “To witness the team secure the top spot in the country for indoor cricket makes me immensely proud.”
She continued: “The team conducted themselves with absolute professionalism from start to finish, remaining calm and patient when batting and being ruthless in the field, simply a joy to watch and be part of.”
She added: “We give huge credit to Head Coach Alfie Marston for his constant drive to push the squad further and to our Captain, Ollie Halion who orchestrated the boys so well on the day.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]