University of Gloucestershire men’s cricket captain Neal Osborn has underlined his winning mindset heading into the Varsity and Outdoor British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) games.
Osborn has skippered the first team for two summers running and it was recently announced he would be doing so again in 2023.
“I don’t invest my time in something unless I’m all in,” said Osborn.
“I think the lads buy into that as well.
“We go into every game knowing that we are confident enough to go and win games.”
Osborn, having had to move down to 11 because of injury, was at the crease batting when defeat was confirmed against Worcester in last summer’s Varsity, and he is determined to avenge that hurt.
He said: “There’s enough fire in the bellies now who have been here the last couple of years.
“For many it is their final year so they need and want to go out on a high and make a statement and show that we can go and beat that Worcester team.”
There has been significant turnover amongst the playing group with four players leaving after 2022 but faces new and old have bolstered the ranks heading into 2023.
He added: “We’ve got people coming in like James Tomson, who has scored big runs.
“Ryan Kilmister who is in and around the Gloucestershire setup.
“We have got players who are experienced and have played in massive games
“We have a first team squad of 17/18 who can genuinely play first team cricket.
“It is about making sure the whole squad is ready to go.
“If two people are unavailable, someone just slides in naturally and there is no difference.”
In November, the team travelled down to Exeter University to compete in the Indoor BUCS competition over two weekends.
They came away with a record of four defeats and three wins, one courtesy of a walkover.
However, Osborn believes the experience will hold his players in better stead in the weeks and months to come.
He added: “You learn more about your players through a defeat.
“I’m looking at their characters going into the outdoor season and when we’re under the cosh and some pressure, you always get to see who stands up.
“One of my favourite sayings is pressure makes diamonds.”
The quest for his diamonds will go up a level as the outdoor season approaches.
The UOGCC first team finished second in 2022 behind Bristol University seconds and promotion to the next tier is Osborn’s sole aim and he will do whatever it takes to achieve that.
He added: “It is about making sure doing the things a Gloucester team in my head should always do.
“Be nice and vocal and encouraging and get behind their team but also don’t be afraid to get a little bit dirty and do the hard graft as well.”
