Cricket League hits its stride

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Published on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 07:36

Written by Sajjad Karamsi

Image: Uwais RazackThe UCT Cricket Internal League played its second round of games on Friday 23 September with Awesome Possums dominating proceedings on the day. 

With only Group B in action on the night, the Ikey Ravens had a busy night, playing against both QED (in the earlier game) and group leaders Awesome Possums.

In the first game the Ravens, playing with a weakened squad, decided to open the batting. A combination of a slow start and too many dot balls piled pressure on them. This was capitalised on by QED. With good ground fielding and accurate bowling QED managed to bowl their opponents out for the sub-par score of 47 in 9 overs, with only Stefan “Stifler” du Plessis making a respectable 20.

QED started off comfortably in their run chase with opening batsmen Ashwin Venkat and Brian Kamanzi rotating the strike well. After Kamanzi was bowled by a slower delivery, and the next batsman run out in a mix-up, it was left to Venkat to guide the team to victory.

His classy straight drives ensured that the final result was never in question and QED strolled to a comfortable 8-wicket victory. 

In the night’s second game, Ikey Ravens were back in action against the Possums.Bowling first this time, they were battered around the Forest Hill Astro by the Possums batsmen. They conceded a record (for the league) 24 runs in extras, as the Possums scored 93/3 in the 10 overs.

Although Johan Papenfus played respectably for a 34 not out, the Ravens only managed to make 64/2 in their 10 overs, suffering one of the tournament’s heaviest losses. With Group A games being played predominantly next week, the Possums have emerged as early contenders for the inaugural Internal Cricket League title.

Organised by Karl Buckton of UCT Sport, the League is played over four weeks, with games every Friday. Due to the unique pitch conditions at the Forest Hill Astro,  only straight boundaries are allowed. This, coupled with the fact that bowlers are only allowed five metre run-ups, results in an exciting, fast-paced game.