Finlay Glen interviews Will von Behr - 06/04/16
Where were you playing your cricket before you came to Dublin?
Mostly at school, with the odd club match here and there. I was lucky enough to attend a school in Marlborough with excellent facilities and a very strong circuit. I played a bit of county stuff for Dorset and Gloucestershire until I was 14, but then the studies took over.
Did cricket have any influence on your decision to study at Trinity?
It certainly did. Recent DUCC opener Hughie Pike was a schoolfriend of mine and he persuaded me to study over here. He said, “We could do with an off-spinner!” Obviously it’s a great university, but I was worried about the lack of cricket; so far it hasn’t disappointed! The Leinster League has been superb, and just what I wanted from my university experience. The only way to significantly improve is to challenge yourself against quality players, and there were plenty in our division last year.
How have you found the conditions over here?
Green. The Trinity season is intense and it all gets going early, so being an opener is a big challenge. That said, it has really helped my technique and the decks I play on in the UK seem so flat now. Dublin weather can be fickle though, which is not ideal for cricket!
You’ve been involved in the Irish Universities setup, how has that been?
I had no idea about the system before I arrived in Dublin and it came as a nice surprise. I was fortunate enough to be selected as captain last year for the annual tour to Cambridge, and it was a great experience. It was disappointing to lose out to the hosts, but we were able to retain the cup against Scotland, much to the delight of all the Irish lads. There really is no love lost there!
Who have you added to the squad this year?
The whole DUCC board has been phenomenal in the build up to the season, and their preparation has been brilliant. Our squad is looking healthy, and we’ve made some great additions. Signing Matt Petrie as Pro and Isobel Joyce as Coach is massive. They could be invaluable. I think we lacked a bit of cricketing experience at times last season and they’ve got loads of it. Lorcan Tucker as well, he’s in first year here and a few months back was playing in the Under-19 World Cup. So we hope he’ll make a difference! A few faces from last year, but mostly new, enthusiastic youngsters. The future is bright.
What do you hope to achieve as captain?
We’ve worked really hard to recruit a talented squad. As long as we are focused and prepared, I think we can make a good account of ourselves in the division. Last season we lacked a competitive edge, and too often we were rolled over without showing any grit at all. That’s gonna change and overall I just hope Trinity cricket grows while I’m here. That’s all really!
If you had to give one piece of advice to young players, what would it be?
As my father always says:
Be a leader.
Set a vision.
Communicate your goals to others.