Spriegel graduates to county cricket
Date released: 30 June 2008
Making the grade: Matthew Spriegel The captain of Loughborough UCCE, Matthew Spriegel, has made the step up to County cricket, turning out for Surrey during the Twenty20 Cup.
The second year Sport and Exercise Science student has already played eight matches for the Brown Caps, taking six wickets with his off-spin and has yet to lose his wicket while batting.
His best bowling return of 2-16 came against Sussex, including the wicket of West Indies international Dwayne Smith.
The all-rounder made his County Championship debut opening the batting against Somerset in May, scoring 22 and 20.
Invaluable back-up
Spriegel paid honour to the facilities and coaching available to him through the MCC Universities scheme: "There are no better facilities in the country than those at Loughborough UCCE – that’s why it attracts so many cricketers.
Spriegel: Batting for Surrey at The Oval "On top of that Graham Dilley really encourages his players to work on the mental side of the game and runs psychology seminars in the winter.
"That preparation meant that when I was offered the chance to play for Surrey I could take it, although I admit I had never experienced anything like playing in front of 22,000 at the Oval!"
"A cricket career might only last 15 years so even if I do manage to make it as a pro, having something to fall back on after I've finished playing will be invaluable, and my degree will give me that."
Spriegel was made captain of Loughborough during his first year in the team. He believes that playing regularly for them put him in the frame for a County call-up.
Predominantly a batsman in the longer form of the game, Spriegel's wickets in Twenty20 will boost his confidence bowling in three and four-day cricket.
