James enjoys unique experience
Wed 10 Jun 2015
Playing against one of the world’s best Test sides would be a highlight for any cricketer – and a De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student got the chance to do just that as New Zealand took on Leicestershire.
All-rounder James Moy – captain of De Montfort Students’ Union cricket side - spent the day fielding for Leicestershire, as well as bringing on drinks and new kit for the batsmen as 12th man at Saturday’s game at Grace Road.
Leicestershire were on a high from beating rivals Nottinghamshire in the NatWest T20 Blast the night before by six wickets. New Zealand’s thrilling, attacking pace saw them beat England at Headingley and draw an exciting two-match Test series.
“The week before I had been watching them on the telly and here I was standing on the same cricket pitch as them,” said James, from Norfolk. “It was surreal – I kept thinking, one of the players could give me a catch, or I could drop him! They were amazing to see.
“Being alongside some of the best players in the world was the chance of a lifetime. New Zealand are playing really different cricket – really attacking, and we saw that on Saturday.”
The Black Caps did not disappoint, Luke Ronchi and Foxes NatWest T20 Blast overseas star Grant Elliott scoring 106 not out apiece as their partnership reached 221 runs. The tourists won by 198 runs.
After the game James got to hang out with the players, including chatting to the New Zealand team before they headed to Birmingham for the start of the one-day series against England.
It was a great end to James’ time at DMU. This summer he graduates in Business and Management. “It’s been an incredible experience,” he said.
De Montfort University are the Official Club Partner of Leicestershire County Cricket Club. DMU Cricket visits Grace Road to train and players get the chance to bowl at Leicestershire’s team.
Leicestershire players use the Queen Elizabeth II Leisure Centre on campus and the club has also given valuable employability experience to graduates through DMU Graduate Champions.
