Student helps to sink Pietersen's Surrey

Press release issued: 16 May 2011



Rob Woolley batting

Rob Woolley batting

Image credit: Matt Bright

Anglia Ruskin University student Robert Woolley captained Cambridge MCCU to a famous victory over Surrey at Fenner's on Friday.

Cambridge saw off Surrey - led by England batsman Kevin Pietersen - by a resounding 10 wickets, to become the first university side to beat a county in 6 years.

Woolley, who is studying Accounting and Finance at the Ashcroft International Business School in Cambridge, also claimed the wicket of Pietersen in the second innings, clean bowling him in his first over.

Woolley, who is a right arm medium pace bowler, said:

"I knew he needed some runs before the Test match (against Sri Lanka). It was a bit lucky, it nipped in a bit and bowled him.

"It was quite difficult to calm the team down after getting that wicket - it's the big wicket - but we had to remind ourselves there are nine other wickets to get and get our heads down.

"There's quite a few level heads out there - I have to be one of them, as captain, unfortunately!"

Rob Woolley

Rob Woolley

Image credit: MCC www.lords.org

After skittling Surrey for 234 first time around, Cambridge MCCU hit 455 in reply. Sports Science student Peter Turnbull claimed two wickets and Woolley took 3 - including that of Pietersen - to dismiss Surrey for 224 in their second innings, narrowly missing out on becoming the first university to beat a county by an innings since 1954.

Opening batsman Ben Ackland, who is studying Sports Coaching & Physical Education, hit the four runs required to seal victory in the second innings.

Woolley, who has also represented Lancashire at second XI level, is grateful for the opportunity the MCC Universities scheme has given him.

The 20-year-old added:

"The MCCU scheme has been massive for me. The improvement since I've been here has been huge. I've got to play against the best players and on the best wickets.

"I'm looking to give cricket my best shot. If it happens it happens. If not, a career in accountancy beckons."

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