Cricket is the UK’s most popular summer sport, but the UEL Men’s Cricket team have been kicking up a storm this winter.
The East Londoners have been competing in the BUCS Indoor Cricket league, and in December they confirmed their place at the Trophy finals.
In just over two weeks, UEL will do battle at Edgbaston Cricket Centre for the right to win the BUCS Indoor Cricket League. UEL have been placed in group B alongside Birmingham, rivals Essex and Sheffield.
Arfan Akram, UEL’s head coach, believes the team can go all the way in Birmingham, on February 10th.
Going All The Way
“We’ve got a lot of fighters in the team and I do deep down believe we have a chance.”
The East Londoners were in terrific form during the group phase as they lost just one of their fixtures against Queen Mary 1st XI, who ran out eventual group winners. This should give the boys lots of confidence going into the finals, as they look to replicate their form to shock many teams.
UEL will meet Essex again in their trophy finals group, a team who they beat in the South Eastern group stage. The East Londoners chased down Essex’s score of 100 in an enthralling account. The result is sure to give Akram’s men hope ahead of the meeting in February.
Practice Is Crucial
Akram has been highly impressed with his sides showing in the Indoor league this season, laying praise on his players:
“The enthusiasm, drive and energy of the team has really impressed me. We’ve got a lot of players that really want to do well.”
He was keen to stress his side’s focus in training as well as their preparation for the outdoor season. However, Akram did say there will be one or two sessions before the finals dedicated to indoor practice.
There is no doubt that UEL will be the underdogs going into the Trophy Finals, but no one should write off a team that has already upset the odds by making it this far. UEL suffered relegation in the Outdoor season last year, and will be looking to bounce back with victory in the Indoor Finals.
Their coach agrees that they are underdogs, but this will not stop them in their goals this season:
“As a collective squad we won’t be the strongest, but we are right up there in terms of fight and determination”
UEL certainly have a chance of winning the Trophy if they bring their best form.
