UEL Cricket coach, Arfan Akram, has insisted his side are “only focusing on promotion” prior to the start of the outdoor season.
The UEL men’s campaign gets underway against Queen Mary men’s first team on May 1st, and Akram is seeking to improve on last season’s campaign which saw them miss out on promotion.
Aiming High
Speaking prior to the start of the new season, Akram said:
“The objectives are pretty simple: win Varsity and BUCS promotion.
“I accept that this is one of the hardest groups I have been involved with, but we have the talent to succeed.”
Training Focus
Training for the outdoor season has been ongoing since the start of the new year with the players participating in indoor nets sessions, and Akram has been encouraged by what he has seen in these sessions:
“The preparation for the season has been very good.
“We have had a tough but focused winter, and we have done everything possible [to prepare for a successful season].
“It is now simply down to performing and the lads showing their ability.”
Strong Winter
The UEL men’s first team enjoyed a promising campaign during the indoor season, and Akram is hoping to see that strong form reproduced in the outdoor season.
“We did well in reaching the South Final of Bucs Indoor, and our second team also did well. So we have a decent size squad – albeit mainly new players – but the group have gelled well together.”
Potential Problem
Due to the outdoor season having to be played in the summer to avoid adverse weather, Akram has confessed that UEL will have to contend with the loss of some players due to their upcoming graduation – providing a potential problem for the cricket coach.
However, Akram has claimed this potential dilemma provides an “important opportunity for the new players in the squad to show their ability.”
