Home for Christmas from Oxford, ‘Cricket Leinster Youth’ took the opportunity to talk with Pembroke’s former underage international David Murphy. David moved to Oxford in the Autumn to study and play cricket with the Oxford MCCU. Oxford is one of six University cricket centres of excellence funded by the MCC. The aim is to give talented young cricketers the chance to receive top-level coaching and playing opportunities whilst furthering their third-level education.
What prompted the decision to move to Oxford?
While training with the NUSC in Durham last winter, John Holland introduced me to the MCCU programme and encouraged me to take a look at the possibilities. I then discussed it with Leinster CDM Brían O’Rourke and Andrew Balbirnie who played with Cardiff University MCCU previously and both encouraged me to submit an application. I then had to put my head down and ensure I got the grades. I was accepted into three of the Universities but choose Oxford after a tour and meeting with Head Coach and former Phoenix all-rounder Graham Charlesworth.
Was your squad position guaranteed once you were accepted into college?
No. I had to go through trial matches in September and six outdoor / indoor cricket and gym sessions before the squad was finalised. It was a worrying period, trying to get used to living away from home and wondering would I be good enough to get picked. The standard is high and I was surrounded by very accomplished cricketers many of whom have played county and representative cricket. Finally, a squad of 22 was selected and I am delighted to be part of it.
Is the training set up very different from what you were used too?
Yes, from the start it was obvious that you were part of a squad that fully worked for each other. The senior members made sure the fresher’s felt part of the set up and I had to go through some interesting ‘initiation customs’.
On a daily basis it’s demanding when you are trying to mix it with course work. We train 4-5 days a week including three 7am gym sessions. The indoor cricket is mostly done in small groups with specialised coaches and the sessions are tailored around our lectures, with a full squad session every Wednesday. Training is always high intensity and focused with a planned session laid out before we begin. At present, the batting sessions centre on facing short balls and spin and the bowling coach has me working on a few technical issue through the crease.
We all have individual gym programs, including one for the Christmas period, with regular fitness assessments. Along with gym sessions training takes up about 20 hours a week and nutrition has become a very important aspect of my life.
What’s next in the New Year?
Well the first thing is a training session with the Munster Reds on the 8th January. It’s a bit disappointing that The Reds were not given full IP status this season as we feel we have enough good players to compete in the full competition.
Back in Oxford, training ramps up when we return in January with the focus on the First Class matches starting with Surrey CC on 28th March. Outdoor training starts in late February and we have about 20 fixtures up to June.
On your experiences so far, would you encourage other young Irish players to look at this pathway?
With Leinster having only one IP team many good young players are left with one 50 over game per week and around 18 games per season. At 18 or 19 this is not enough cricket for players who still wish to pursue the game further.
The MCCU system provides very good training facilities and the opportunity to play twice as much cricket each season in a multiple number of formats.
Have you anything else to add?
Yes, I would like to take this opportunity to publically thank those involved in making it possible for me to be at Oxford. Completing this interview has reminded me how lucky I am. There has been a lot of support and trust shown in me in particular by Brían O’Rourke, the managers at NUSC who pushed for over 16 months for me to come to the UK to join their programme, and the Oxford MCCU staff, led by Graham Charlesworth, for being so encouraging that I should come to their establishment.
David Murphy
Pembroke CC/Oxford MCCU