Double final for Exeter's cricketers

The feat is the first time that both sides have reached the final stages of the BUCS outdoor tournament simultaneously, despite them enjoying individual successes in recent years.

Having overcome Durham in the semis by 61 runs, Exeter’s women will be hoping to build on their performance from last year, which saw them take silver, as they face Loughborough in the final at Lords, 23 June, for the second season running.

1^st team captain Bryony Butcher commented: “It’s great to have the chance to play at Lords for the second year in a row. Last year was a fantastic experience, and we’re excited to be playing Loughborough again, and have the chance to take BUCS Gold. We’ve learnt a lot since last year and matured as a side, so it should be a brilliant match.”

Having already taken gold in the indoor championships earlier this year, the men‘s first XI overturned a slow start to their outdoor season, taking five wins in five matches to secure their finals spot also against Loughborough at Kibworth Cricket Ground on 25 June.

Despite losing to Cambridge in their opening match, the side took revenge in the semi-finals. Restricting the home side to 184 all out, Exeter’s batsman quickly chased down the target, Alex Curtis scoring Exeter’s first ever century against an MCCU, as the side reached 188 with 8 wickets to spare.

1^st team Captain Joe Barrs said: “It's been a tremendous effort from the team over the last five games, being under strength to some extent with injuries. We needed to win five out of our last five games in order to qualify for this year’s final and that's exactly what we did, it took a lot of character following our earlier set backs against Cambridge and Leeds at the start of the season.

“Our bowling has worked well for us over the last few games, and we have put a lot of pressure on the opposition.

“Going into the final, we are feeling confident and have momentum on our side. It’s very exciting, as it is the first outdoor final for any of the current team members and it’s great to have Exeter in the women’s finals too.

“Following our win in the indoor championships it would be brilliant to do the double, but we have to stay focussed, Loughborough will be a tough opposition. It’s going to be an exciting final – but if we continue to play good cricket, I’m confident we can come away on top”

Over the last decade the University of Exeter has developed a formidable reputation as a top cricketing institution. The sport benefits from the dedicated Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre on Streatham Campus, and support from the University’s High Performance Unit.

Director of Cricket, Julian Wyatt said: “It’s been an exceptional performance for both of the club’s this year, which comes as no surprise considering the talent we continue to have coming through our programmes. For both sides to win their semi-finals in such emphatic fashion is a fantastic boost ahead of the finals.

“The finals are a double Exeter vs Loughborough lock-out. The girls will be looking to take revenge for last year, and the men’s confidence is at an all-time high. The hunger is there, as is the talent, so it should be a fantastic end to the season.”