Salford University Cricket team finally play their first match

Cricket at Salford University has been revived with the team playing its first match for several years this week.

After forming in September 2019 the team finally set foot on the wicket beating University of Manchester’s third team by eight wickets at Stretford Cricket Ground.

The university has seen a number of cricket teams throughout the years but this most recent edition will now be hoping to go from strength to strength. .

The team was only in its infancy when the pandemic hit and as a result have been unable to get together for months, due to indoor training facilities being withdrawn. 

Their first match was due to take place last month but was ultimately rained off before being rescheduled for May 5. The match was only a friendly but for the players it was much more than that.

Co-founder Edmund Gaffney got three wickets.

He said: “I think it was a great performance by the team, especially considering it was our first run out as a club. Goes to show we have a talented group of players. We can now look forward to the 2nd XI next week where hopefully they can do the same.”

The players on the team have had to pay over £70 just to remain part of the club this year but for the lads still on the team, it was worth it and then some.

Josh Warn was one of the bowlers on the pitch and got a wicket to help his team.

He said: “Well we started the team last year after the Unis prior team folded, but matches had to be called off. So to be able to play our first game after nearly two wins and to win so comfortably is great! Even though we haven’t been able to train a lot together, the lads put in a great shift and showed great pride in representing the University.”

Team captain James Bone was really pleased with his team.

He said: “It’s a testament to the work that the committee so it was nice to finally see all the hard work pay off.”

The team still don’t have any idea when their first official BUCS game will happen, but will keep looking forward nonetheless and will keep trying to organise as many friendlies as they can.