Cricket at Hartpury University and Hartpury College is continuing its impressive growth trajectory, celebrating a landmark year of competitive success and increased participation.
As the newest sports academy, the Hartpury Crickey Academy has already gone from strength to strength, with record training attendance, league success, and opportunities to host prestigious national competitions.
The programme welcomed 23 players to training sessions this season, reflecting the growing interest in cricket across the Hartpury campus. Student engagement was further highlighted by a successful inter-house fixture between Sport and Agriculture students, attracting strong participation both on and off the field. In a closely contested match, Sport emerged victorious by just 10 runs, with plans already underway to make the fixture an annual event.
The facilities and organisational expertise at Hartpury have also gained national recognition. Following the successful hosting of the BUCS Western Indoor Cricket League in November, Hartpury was selected to host the BUCS Indoor Southern Trophy Qualifiers in January, showcasing its outstanding indoor cricket facilities to universities from across the region.
BUCS Success
Hartpury’s BUCS team enjoyed a remarkable first season in outdoor competition, finishing the campaign undefeated and securing promotion from South West Division 2 after being crowned 2026 league champions.
The team also competed in the BUCS Western Indoor Cricket League for the first time, further strengthening Hartpury’s growing reputation within university cricket.
AoC Progress
Hartpury’s AoC team has continued its development in only its second season competing in the regional competition. The side made a strong start by winning its opening league fixture by nine wickets and remains unbeaten, with ambitions of reaching the national finals. They have also progressed to the regional play-offs.
Developing Future Cricketers
The programme’s growth is not only reflected in team performances but also in individual development pathways. This year, a Hartpury student enrolled on the Cricket Studentship programme, further strengthening the opportunities available to aspiring cricketers studying at Hartpury.
The combination of competitive success, growing participation, and high-profile hosting opportunities marks another significant step forward as Hartpury continues to develop the next generation of players.
Tom Radcliffe, Director of Elite Sport at Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “This has been a hugely positive year for cricket at Hartpury. From record attendance at training sessions and successful events on campus to our unbeaten league campaigns and hosting national university competitions, we’ve seen significant progress across all areas of the programme. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by our students has been outstanding, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum.”
