The best indoor university cricket teams from across the UK recently took to the crease at Edgbaston’s Indoor Cricket Centre to compete in the BUCS Indoor Super 8’s Finals.
As well as the traditional outdoor cricket season in the summer, students also have the opportunity to compete in an indoor season throughout the winter months.
Indoor cricket is a fast-paced and dynamic variation of the traditional outdoor sport.
Typically played in university sports halls, the smaller teams, reduced number of overs, and smaller playing areas all result in a more intense and action-packed game.
Indoor teams at UK universities not only provide opportunities for players who wish to be involved in a shorter format of the sport, but they also allow experienced players to hone their skills and develop chemistry with teammates ahead of the outdoor season.
3 Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Cricket
- Playing Surface and Size: Indoor cricket is played on a synthetic surface and pitches are smaller than outdoor cricket pitches.
- Equipment: As well as a lighter ball, indoor cricket uses smaller bats and stumps, and the playing area is enclosed by netting.
- Game Format: Indoor cricket is typically played in a shorter format compared to outdoor cricket, with a greater emphasis on rapid scoring.
The indoor season runs from October to February and culminates with the men’s and women’s Super 8’s Championship and Trophy finals.
With the results of the Super 8’s Championships now in the books, we look back on which UK university teams were successful during the 2022/23 UK University Indoor Cricket season.
The 2022/23 Indoor Cricket Season Review
With a total of 15 leagues set up across the UK for male and female teams, indoor cricket is played on a national scale at the university level. Each university can enter multiple indoor teams every year, so there are plenty of opportunities for players of all ability levels to get involved.
Every year, the best indoor university cricket teams in the country have an opportunity to compete for the Super 8’s Championship and Trophy crowns.
As showpiece events to the indoor cricket season, the Super 8’s bring together eight of the best men’s indoor teams and eight of the best women’s teams.
In order to qualify, the top 32 performing men’s teams in their respective leagues play qualifying matches during the season to earn their place in the Championship and Trophy finals. For the women, the eight highest-ranked teams across all five leagues are selected to represent their university in the annual competition.
Here are the three winning teams from the 2022/23 season:
Men’s Super 8’s Championship Winners – Durham 1sts
An unbeaten tournament from Durham saw them secure back-to-back Indoor Championship titles.
After three wins in three at the group stage, Durham defeated Sheffield to set up an exciting final with Cardiff Met.
Chasing Durham’s total of 93, Cardiff Met eventually fell short by just 6 runs in a thrilling finale to this year’s Championship.
Women’s Super 8’s Championship Winners – Loughborough 1sts
Loughborough remained unbeaten on their path to Championship glory, winning all three group games and beating Cardiff Met in the semi-final to set up a final against also unbeaten Durham University.
After putting up 134 runs and losing just 1 wicket, Loughborough held Durham to 117/5 to win the Championship by 17 runs.
Men’s Super 8’s Trophy Winner – Exeter 2nds
The University of Exeter’s 2nd team claimed victory in the Men’s Super 8’s Trophy this year.
After topping their group and knocking out Worcester in the semi-final, the 2nd team defeated Exeter’s 1st Team to be crowned Super 8’s Trophy winners for the second year in a row.
Regional League Winners
This year, over 100 men’s and women’s teams combined participated in regional leagues set up across the UK. Here are the final standings for all 15 regional leagues including the university teams that topped the tables.
Men’s Regional League Winners
| League | Champions |
|---|---|
| Northern A | Durham 1st |
| Northern B | Sheffield 1st |
| Scotland | Edinburgh 1st |
| South Eastern A | King’s College 1st |
| South Eastern B | Westminster 1st |
| South Eastern C | Kent 1st |
| South Eastern D | Portsmouth 1st |
| Western A | Exeter 2nd |
| Western B | Cardiff Met 1st |
Women’s Regional League Winners
| League | Champions |
|---|---|
| Midlands A | Keele 1st |
| Midlands B | Loughborough 1st |
| Scotland | Durham 1st |
| Scotland and Northern | King’s College 1st |
| South East | Kent 1st |
| West | Cardiff Met 1st |
| South West | Exeter 1st |
Learn more about UK University Cricket
With the indoor season now finished, teams will soon start preparing for the traditional outdoor league which is scheduled to start in March.
Boasting over 120 teams throughout the UK and over 20 regional leagues, there are plenty of opportunities for students to play cricket alongside their university studies.
The outdoor season typically runs from spring to summer and features a wide range of fixtures and tournaments, including prestigious national competitions such as the BUCS Championship and Trophy Finals.
Learn more about UK University Cricket via the link below.
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