Profile: Richard Timms

Cambridge Cricket Blue: 2005-

I am an 18 year old opening batsman in my first year at Clare College studying Natural Sciences. I have lived in Somerset all my life and went to Millfield School where I captained a very successful 1st X1 last year. I have played for Somerset in all the age group sides, and for the past three years have been a member of the Somerset Academy. Last summer I was a regular member of the Somerset 2nd XI which won the 2nd XI Championship.

For any aspiring professional cricketer, the UCCE scheme is an ideal way to continue your education whilst still developing your cricket. I applied to Cambridge primarily because of its reputation for academic excellence, and because the natural sciences course is so flexible. Unlike science courses at other universities, a broad range of subject choices are available initially, before concentrating on just one in the third year. This was ideal for me, as I had no idea in which area I wished to specialize when I applied.

The facilities here are excellent. The brand new, purpose built indoor cricket school is ideal for winter training, and the Fenner’s wicket is one of the best in the country. Membership of the gym on the boundary edge is just £30 a year, and there is expert medical support available at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

I am really looking forward to my first season of university cricket. The summer programme looks very exciting. The stand-out fixtures are the first-class games, which will provide us with valuable experience at a higher level and the Varsity games at Lord’s and Fenner’s, where we will be looking to reverse the results of the past couple of seasons.

If you want a top class education, while pursuing a passion for cricket, Cambridge is the place to be.