On Saturday 2 June 2018, the UCL Faculty of Laws Staff XI overcame an enthusiastic Student XI to claim their third consecutive victory in the annual Staff-Student Cricket Match. Members of Staff from all levels of the Faculty combined to win the game at Regents Park by 99 runs.
Between innings both sides, and the spectators, enjoyed a long and hearty tea, including cakes, homemade bread, cheese, cured meats, and a little beer. The atmosphere was convivial and the sun shone brightly throughout.
The second innings saw some brave batsmanship from a number of the Student XI, including their opening pair of Abe Chauhan and Deri Molyneux, and a fine middle order effort – against some genuinely quick bowling! – from Naeem, however, it was not enough. Some classical in-swing bowling form Tiverios, and the pace of LLM students Chandan Malav and Joseph Mahon proved too much for too many to handle.
At the end of the game, after handshakes and applause all round, winning captain Julius Grower collected Bentham’s Honour, the UCL Laws’ Cricket trophy.
He said: ‘We are really pleased to have won again – some of us still remember losing to the students in that game four years ago! Some of our old students still remind us of it! It was a fantastic day to be a part of. Credit to this year’s Student XI team, who played with so much enthusiasm and good humour. Today is a great testament to the brilliant spirit shared by the whole of Faculty’.
Abe Chauhan, captain of the Students XI, thought likewise: ‘This fixture continues to exemplify the community feel of UCL Faculty of Laws, with a cheery crowd of staff and students gathered to enjoy the sunshine, the picnic and the cricket. Despite a disappointing result for us, we are delighted to have involved more students than in previous years – including both men and women – and, in particular, newcomers to the sport’.
Another game will be played on the first Saturday in June 2019. All members of the Faculty, its friends, and its alumnae are welcome to join us.
Write up by Julius Grower