“That’s why we decided to make a cricket team,” Paul O’Malley ’09 said. “It looks like a fun sport, and it’d be a great addition to this campus.”
The men’s club cricket team had the first game of its season Saturday, defeating Harvard by 82 runs. The Tigers batted to a 295-6 as O’Malley and teammate Ron Abuelo ’10 put on 102 from 62 balls, while Ian Wright ’08 led all scorers with 75 from 88 balls. The Princeton bowlers then held hosts Harvard to 213 for the Crimson’s first loss of the young season.
Curt Johnson ’08 was the team’s best bowler, going for four overs while only conceding 22 runs, while Randolph Schilling ’09, the team’s only native Briton, gave up 25 runs through three overs.
The Orange and Black cricketers return to action in two weeks at the Queen’s Cup in New Hampshire.
“These lads have taken to the game well so far,” Schilling said. “Most of them just played baseball before, so the adjustments have gone surprisingly well.”
The team only has 13 students — including three grad students — just two more than the 11 required to field a team.
“We could use a couple more blokes,” Schilling said. “It’s a lot like rugby in that there is a strong social aspect to the team. No pubs on this side of the pond, but we aren’t short on opportunities to get drunk.”
Princeton’s aspiring all-rounders have so far dealt well with the problem of equipment — it’s hard to find bats, balls and wickets at your local Dick’s — but O’Malley was able to find the requisite materials on a London-based website. Practice supplies did not arrive immediately, however, as unfavorable winds held up their courier, the East India Company.
But supplies were only the first problem. The cricket team still needs a place to call home.
“We’re glad to finally have a little experience under our belt [after the win over Harvard],” O’Malley said. “The next step is finding a place on campus to practice.”
While most club sports find refuge in Dillon Gym or on West Windsor Field, the club cricket team has yet to establish a permanent location, setting up their pitch and wickets anywhere from Alexander Beach to the Wilson College courtyard, often to the dismay of passersby and tanning volleyball players.
“If those Queen-loving pricks interrupt me one more time while I’m trying to get my bronze on, I’m going to go all Battle of Yorktown on their pasty arses,” Russell Balboa ’09 said. “They can have cricket. I’d rather have freedom.”
Still, the biggest obstacle to the cricket team may be itself: Only native Englander Schilling knows how to keep score, or when teams bowl and bat.
“I actually don’t have a clue what’s going on,” Abuelo said. “I juts hit the ball as hard as I can.”
Despite watching Sky Sports News every night for the last month, some members still don’t know how scoring works.
“According to the score, we — 295-6 — beat Harvard — 213,” Johnson said. “No one actually knows what that means.”
Happy April Fools' Day!
Read More
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals after 19–18 loss to No. 5 Syracuse
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
With the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.