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Ireland international Andrew Balbirnie is completing his university studies whilst improving his cricket in Cardiff as part of the Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU scheme, of which he is captain. He alongside his squad have been saluted for their achievements over recent years.
ONE of Wales’ most flourishing sport schemes has been saluted with a glittering event at Cardiff Mansion House. The reception was attended by players, coaches, academics, fitness experts and others who have helped cricket’s Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU thrive over the past six years.

Guests included England women’s cricket star Heather Knight, Cardiff/Glamorgan skipper and Ireland international Andrew Balbirnie who also made his County Championship debut for Middlesex.

Balbirnie, who is contracted with Ireland and Middlesex spoke of his delight at the progress with the scheme. “It is a great scheme to be part of and there’s no doubt it is constantly improving my cricket. To be able to continue my progress as a cricketer alongside my studies makes it an ideal set-up and I would recommend it to any young cricketer.” He finished by looking forward to 2013, “Obviously 2012 was very badly affected by the weather, but next year I hope to continue to get opportunities with both Ireland and Middlesex as well as have a great final year in the Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU.”

Heather Knight, aged 21, said: “I was thrilled to attend this function – it’s right that a successful body such as Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU is celebrated. Many young cricketers have benefited from the expertise on offer and, speaking personally, I can say that Cardiff/Glamorgan director of cricket Kevin Lyons is an inspiration.”

“He’s a vastly experienced coach at all levels and increased my confidence enormously. He constantly stresses the importance of sound basic technique and his ability to impart his deep knowledge on all aspects of batting in a simple manner made me aware of my own capabilities.”

Heather, of Cardiff University, has been an MCCU member and became a regular member of the England squad as they developed into world cricket’s best women’s squad. She has played 27 one-day internationals and eight T20s. Her Test debut came in Sydney against Australia two years ago.

The Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU reception took place at Mansion House, Cardiff, on Thursday, October 18. It was hosted by Cardiff Lord Mayor Councillor Derrick Morgan and Cardiff Met University Vice-Chancellor Professor Antony Chapman.

MC was BBC Wales sports reporter Phil Steele. Guests included former Glamorgan player and England selector Ossie Wheatley, former Glamorgan Cricket president Peter Walker and the university heads of sport Dr Tudor Williams (University of Glamorgan), Stuart Vanstone (Cardiff University) and Dave Cobner (Cardiff Met).

The highly successful MCCU cricket team was honoured at Cardiff’s Mansion House. The event saw the presentation of two Cardiff MCCU Merit Awards 2012. They went to Heather Knight for her success on the international stage and to Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU’s Zac Elkin who scored his debut first-class century with a six-hour 138 against Somerset at Taunton this season.

Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU is part of the MCC Universities system. It is focused on Cardiff Met’s world class sports facilities and features players from that university along with Cardiff University and the University of Glamorgan.

They have won 12 national titles in six years and the players are seen as among Britain’s leading young prospects for professional cricket. This summer, Cardiff/Glamorgan claimed the MCCU T20 title.

Previous Cardiff/Glamorgan triumphs included three MCCU Challenge Final wins at Lord’s, two MCCU Championships and five consecutive BUCS Premier A League titles.

They have gained ECB first-class status. Glamorgan CCC supports the MCCU’s work and the season sees Cardiff/Glamorgan play first-class counties.

The intensive Cardiff/Glamorgan training is supervised by coaches and staff from the MCC Centre of Excellence based at Cardiff Met. Players have access to team and individual strength and conditioning programmes, performance analysis and specialised coaching.

Director of cricket Kevin Lyons said: “It’s been a very satisfying past six years; the Mansion House reception celebrated the success of Cardiff/Glamorgan MCCU and was an opportunity to thank the many people behind the scenes.”

Balbirnie also captained Ireland Under 19’s in 2010
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