Join The (Cricket) Club

A look behind the scenes at the St Andrews University Cricket Club

A cricket match on the beach at Elie

The University of St Andrews has over ten thousand students, and while we joke about how small this town really is and about seeing people we know walking around every day, the reality is that keeping up with everything going on here is near impossible. 

There are clubs for every interest under the sun, each with dedicated members at the helm who work hard to keep things running. Among them, fifty sports clubs, each with their own big victories, strong communities, and long-lasting traditions that deserve to be highlighted and celebrated.

Despite their jam-packed timetables, many students still make time for gym sessions, weekly training, and matches. For many, sport has become such an ingrained part of their lives that it would feel wrong not to carry on, no matter how many deadlines are looming

The participants’ love and dedication to their game — whether it’s a new passion or an old one — make the sports clubs tight-knit communities of students. Each has its own unique club culture and set of traditions, but all share the same spirit of commitment and camaraderie.

In deciding which to delve into first, the cricket club feels like a fitting choice as it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right now.  

The cricket season begins in spring, but as the warm weather fades, so too does outdoor play. During the winter months, the club switches from outdoor to indoor. The training is less of a commitment, but it actually seems to strengthen the men’s and women’s sides, as it gives players the flexibility to explore other sports.

“We’ve got people playing volleyball, rugby, hockey, lacrosse, and being really committed to both sports. It makes it an interesting club and helps you know people from all across the university,” says Lydia, the current club secretary and member for four years.

This season, the women’s team fought hard in the varsity against Edinburgh. Despite losing in the final over, the Saints show promise, and Lydia sees the defeat as a sign of growth: “It shows how strong the women’s side has become. I’m really excited for next season; we can build from here.”

Despite a disappointing season, the men’s team were honoured with an invitation to play against the prestigious Cambridge University Cricket Club. 

Men’s club member, Jean van der Spuy, emphasised that results aren’t everything when it comes to cricket.

“The most you can contribute is twenty per cent of the balls, eighty per cent of the time,” the second year emphasised. “Most of the time, it’s about the game within the game. How can you put pressure on the batsman and get in their head?”

The collective effort to maintain the spirit and camaraderie shines brightest in the highlight of the season. The club’s annual match against the Ship Inn, the only cricket club in the world to play their home matches on the beach. 

Hosted in Elie, a coastal town forty minutes away, the St Andrews alumni team play against the pub team in a game of beach cricket every spring.

“It’s probably the best thing about cricket in Scotland,” Jean says. “Food, drinks, cricket, and great company, the club looks forward to the tradition every year.”

The season may be ending, but there is no doubt the cricket club is already counting down to spring on the Fife coast.

Image by Lydia Townsend