In the first match to take place on campus since October 2020, Dublin University Cricket Club (DUCC) Men’s firsts defeated Phoenix Cricket Club this afternoon in College Park by a score of 137-87 runs.
DUCC’s dominant offensive display was spearheaded by player-coach Nigel Jones who came through with 52 runs including three 4s and two 6s. Jones, an ex-Irish international and New Zealand native, has 34 caps for Ireland. He signed with DUCC as a player-coach for three years at the start of last season prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic but today’s match marked his debut for the club.
Also instrumental to the win were club captain Sanil Gupta and Gavin Hoey – making his DUCC debut – who provided 49 runs between them, with Hoey belting one 4 and two 6s. Gupta, meanwhile, saw 52 balls bowled to him without being recorded out. DUCC’s Nicolaas Pretorius also contributed with ten runs, including one 4.
In a statement to The University Times, Ger Siggins, a member of the DUCC’s alumni board, underlined the significance of the team’s play, saying: “It was a huge win – Phoenix have three current interpro players and were tipped to be “among the silverware” for the season.”
For DUCC this was their first fixture in the Sports Hub Senior League Cup D and will be back at it this Saturday when they take on North County Cricket Club in College Park again.
DUCC will be hoping this opening victory is a sign of better fortunes for a club, who last year in a truncated summer season, went winless in five matches. The addition of Jones, will undoubtedly bode well for the club as evidenced by his stellar performance this afternoon.
Along with Huey, today’s match saw three other Trinity students make their debut for DUCC – Sam Streek, Max Collins and Jack Atkinson.
All competitive matches are permitted to return from today as the government eases lockdown restrictions.
Trinity Sport confirmed last week that all matches would be allowed to recommence at College Park, Iveagh Grounds and Santry Sports Grounds from today.
