Newcastle University

Despite being unbeaten in the competition, the Men’s 1^st VI were dumped out of the BUCS Indoor 6-a-side Cricket Final by the narrowest of margins.

It was with nervous excitement and a quiet confidence that Newcastle boarded the 12.56 train last Tuesday. As they sped towards the capital with eager eyes fixed on the prize, no-one would’ve predicted the eventual outcome.

Over the past 5 years the University have built a strong infrastructure for cricket, winning back to back first team promotions, an outdoor cup victory and second team promotions to match. The only missing silverware is the indoor winners medal. Captain Tom Ullyott, the only surviving member of the 2009 runners-up side, was determined not to come back disappointed again. 3 years ago it was in the final over that they lost dramatically to a strong Leeds Met side, and Newcastle have been unable to return since.

Equipped with a strong squad they marched on London. The final consisting of two groups of three, with the winner of each group playing in the final. Firstly, Newcastle elected to bowl first against Exeter, who raced away to 60-0 off just 4 overs. Staring a huge total in the face, it was semi-final hero David Fagan who clawed them back into the game with two wickets in his first over, before a sensational run out on the first ball of the next. Newcastle were able to exert pressure on their opponents, who limped to 134-3.

Despite a slow start, Ullyott led the chase, taking the score from 30-1 off 4 overs, to 65-1 off 6. When he was forced to retire the momentum wavered as the game headed towards a close finish. Ullyott finally returned to the crease and was last man standing when Newcastle needed 10 off the final over . After 6 runs off the first two deliveries, 2 wickets in 3 balls lefts 4 to win off 1. Ullyott calmly steered the ball into the corner for 3 and the match finished as a tie. Despite being in shaky positions in both innings, Newcastle were able to get within touching distance of victory and after getting so close it was disappointing not to emerge victors- but they were still in the competition.

Sheffield were the next opponents, who looked to score a below-par 117 after an impressive bowling and fielding display. But no side reaches a final without reason and Sheffield responded with the ball to force another close encounter. The pressure of the run chase told and wickets began to tumble, the margin of victory would be important if Exeter beat Sheffield, but when they eventually crossed the line there were just 3 balls remaining.

A nervous wait for the Exeter v Sheffield result ensued. Chasing 121, the mathematicians calculated that if Sheffield lost, but scored more than 114, Newcastle would go through. Sheffield, who were already out of the competition, were a credit to the occasion and fought hard for victory. They too were within touching distance until wickets in the last over saw them finish on 111ao. It was excruciatingly close for Newcastle, who despite being unbeaten, were forced to pack their bags.

Plaudits go out to any side reaching such a stage in any National Competition, and after the initial disappointment, silver linings will emerge. Improving on their semi-final exit of the last 2 years has taken a great deal of hard work and dedication. Getting their hands on that elusive winners medal, will require just a little more.