Vatican cricket team beats St Mary’s University in tense match
In a match played in the shadow of a majestic 11th-century castle, the Vatican cricket team scores a hard-earned victory.
By Joseph Tulloch – London
On Monday, the Vatican cricket team took on St Mary's University, a Catholic institution based in Twickenham, London.
The match took place at the spectacular Arundel Cricket Ground on the south coast of England.
The land is located a stone's throw from the majestic 11th Arundel Castle, dating from the 16th century, was once home to St Philip Howard, one of the forty “English martyrs” canonised in 1970.
Vatican team visits Arundel Castle before heading to the cricket ground
The game
When the Vatican team arrived at the ground after a tour of the castle, the match looked promising. The St Mary's team had been specially formed for the occasion and included among its players a player from the England men's deaf cricket team.
Vatican opened the show. They batted well and consistently, with an excellent final surge taking their total to 136 for 5.
St Mary's hit back immediately, with an impressive opening partnership that lasted until the end of the tenth over.
Once their first wicket was taken, the Vatican bowlers were able to increase the pressure, forcing an increasing number of dot balls. The game was a close one until the very last over, with the British team ultimately managing to score only five runs, with the total at 131 for 5.
Vatican bowlers increase the pressure
Building bridges
In his recent meeting with Athletica Vaticana – the association to which the Vatican cricket team belongs – Pope Francis highlighted the power of sport to “build bridges, break down barriers and foster peaceful relations”.
It is a theme that Professor Anthony McLaran, vice-chancellor of St Mary's University, took up in an interview with Vatican News between rounds.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the diversity of origins of the players present at the match.
“We have so many people competing from different parts of the world,” he said, “but they have in common their love of cricket and their love of the Church. That's something to celebrate.”
Professor Anthony McLaran
Next match against the King's team
The following day, the Vatican team went to the Royal Chapel – King Charles's personal place of worship – for an ecumenical service.
The visit was part of preparations for the team's next match, a clash on Wednesday against the King's XI at the royal residence of Windsor Castle.
Present was Chris Trott, British Ambassador to the Holy See.
He said the upcoming match would not only be ecumenical – King Charles is the head of the Anglican Church – but also international, a clash between two sovereign states.
It is a reminder, Ambassador Trott said, of the fascinating and complex history of relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.
Vatican team visits Arundel Castle
