Conestoga Condors Cricket Team Earns National Bronze

The Conestoga Condors men’s cricket team secured an impressive third-place finish at the Canadian College and University Cricket (CCUC) national championships in King City, Ontario, last month. The Condors ended the tournament with four wins and one loss, securing victories against Humber College, York University, and the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) before narrowly losing to Algonquin College in the semi-finals. They rebounded to claim the third spot by defeating Brock University.

For the Condors, the tournament was full of memorable moments, with several tight games and standout performances. Recreation & Health supervisor Rory Cooper remarked that the thrilling win over the Humber Hawks, clinched on the second-last ball, was especially rewarding. Team captain Piyush Bhardwaj, a Strategic Global Business Management student, reflected on the privilege of representing Conestoga at such a prestigious level, adding that the team’s dedication and cohesion contributed to their strong finish.

Key contributions came from the Condors’ bowlers and batsmen. Bhardwaj, who took six wickets with the best of 3/16, praised his team’s ability to limit opponents at crucial points. Strategic Marketing Communications student Akhim Raphael, who scored an outstanding 98, earned Conestoga’s player of the match honours against Humber and UTM.

Bhardwaj extended special thanks to coach Ankur Jhaveri and Rory Cooper, crediting their guidance and the college’s robust support throughout the season. He noted that the third-place finish has energised the team to aim even higher in future competitions.

Coach Jhaveri emphasised how the elite-level experience has taught the players valuable lessons. Competing on high-quality grounds against skilled teams allowed Conestoga’s student-athletes to sharpen their skills and understand the importance of teamwork and resilience in high-stakes situations. Although it was their first time in the tournament, the Condors established themselves as strong contenders, gaining insights on how to improve their game.

Conestoga was invited to the ten-team national tournament based on their strong performance in the Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) league. Throughout the summer, the Condors hosted and competed with teams across Ontario, including a friendly against Columbia University from New York City.

Cricket has grown considerably at Conestoga, with Athletics & Recreation introducing it as an intramural activity before the pandemic. Its popularity led to the formation of the men’s outdoor team, which competes in both OCR’s outdoor and indoor leagues. Cooper mentioned that the college is now working to launch a women’s cricket team, aiming to participate in OCR events and matches with local universities.

Conestoga’s Sport & Recreation director Andrew Bates noted the impact of cricket on campus life, particularly among international students. He highlighted the sport’s role in helping students adjust and build friendships while pursuing their passion. Bates expressed pride in the team’s success, which was crowned with a national bronze medal.

The Condors have already kicked off their indoor season, going undefeated in a tournament at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, on October 22. Next up, they’ll host seven schools at their first home OCR tournament of the year on November 7.

Conestoga’s Athletics & Recreation department remains dedicated to enriching student life through sports programs that include intramurals, varsity and extramural athletics, and a variety of fitness activities, with facilities provided at the Kitchener-Doon campus’s Student Recreation Centre.