[7/3/2010]--For many players on the UMBC Cricket Club, the sport runs in their blood. That passion, combined with the team’s motivation and strength, has helped them achieve a ranking of third in the nation by American College Cricket.

The UMBC Cricket Club, also known as 22 Yards, was formed by cricket enthusiasts in 2004 and now has nearly 150 members. The game, which first originated in southern England in the 16th century, is similar to baseball with each team consisting of 11 players using a bat-and-ball method. UMBC’s team was recognized by the Sports Club Council in 2005 and is now a member of the Washington Metropolitan Cricket Board (WMCB), an organized Cricket League that follows standards set by the Marylebone Cricket Club.

The team is currently placed in the Division I of the WMCB league. They won the 2008 Round Robin Championship for Division I, the 2009 Board of Directors T20 Championship and finished third in the 2010 All America College Cricket Championship organized by American College Cricket.

“The guys on the team are passionate about the sport and are willing to go that extra mile,” said Vani. “It has always been a team effort. The team owes its ranking and success to team spirit and the respect each member has for his peers.”

The 2010 season for the Cricket Club is now underway, and the team is holding strong – defeating some of the strongest teams in the 2010 All American College Cricket Championship.

(7/3/10)
 

Original Story: http://www.umbc.edu/window/cricket2010.html