There’s many reasons Liam Biddiscombe (1st year Commerce) plays cricket and receiving one of two Melbourne University Cricket Club’s (MUCC) 1856 Scholarships for the 2026/27 season, has added another one. The scholarship focuses on supporting students to participate in university cricket while they balance their studies. 

In his first season with MUCC, this batting all-rounder from Geelong, is honoured to be acknowledged. 

“It is incredibly humbling to be named the 1856 scholar, and something I am extremely grateful for. It means that my transition to MUCC can be easy, and it means that I can make the most of my first year here to set me up for the future.”

A state representative for Victoria Country at the Under 19 National Championships in Western Australia, Liam has represented Geelong for the past two seasons at Premier level. With a high-score of 130 to his name, he is looking forward to taking things to another level. 

“I would like to keep improving to be as good as I can be, and then see where that takes me. I have had a taste of what a professional environment might look like, and that is something which I will always strive to get to. Ultimately, it is about enjoying the sport and remembering why we play.”  

And why does he play?

“Cricket has always been my passion ever since I was young and I love the fact that it is a team sport and you get to spend the whole day in the sun with your mates. There are not many other sports where you get to do that. Also, it’s the fact that playing takes me back to being in the backyard with my family, which is why I started playing in the first place.” 

Playing cricket for Queen’s has added another dimension.

“It was a unique experience, as it is not every day that you get to play sport with the people you live with, and are your best mates – it is something that will stick in my memory for a long time.”