Cricket First XI batter Tygerberg

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Published on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 15:37

Written by Sajjad Karamsi & Sean Cullinan

The UCT First XI continued their impressive unbeaten run last Saturday by wrapping up an easy win against Tygerberg within 17 minutes. The two-day game, played over consecutive Saturdays was controlled throughout by a dominating UCT at the Woolsack Cricket Fields.

UCT won the toss on Day 1, and choose to bat in helpful conditions. Openers Adeeb Joseph (the captain) and Ryan Maron (the team’s player-coach) set up a strong first-wicket partnership of 86, but after Maron (a former Western Province player) departed for 38, a mini-collapse ensued. Three quick wickets fell leaving UCT at 93/3.  
After losing more wickets at regular intervals, brows were getting furrowed, but a stoic 6th wicket stand between Jaryd Walsh and Zaid Joseph settled some nerves. Zaid (the younger brother of captain Adeeb) eventually fell for 54, with UCT finishing at 251/6 after 60 overs.

Tygerberg collapsed against the disciplined UCT bowling, eventually getting bowled out for 90. Wesley Bell struck early with the new ball to end with 3/27, and Dewald Keulder’s military line and length earned him two wickets while conceding just one run. Tendai Chitongo, UCT’s Zimbabwean leg-spinner ended up with 4/55, with the bowlers skittling out the Tygerberg team in only 20 overs.

UCT enforced the follow-on with Tygerberg still 161 runs behind, and the visitors’ day deteriorated even further after the UCT bowlers grabbed a few more wickets. Seamers Bell and Keulder shot out the top order, and with the fielders choking off the flow of runs, pressure built up further. Tygerberg lost more wickets, ending Day 1 at 118/7. UCT needed but 17 minutes to take the final wickets on Day 2, with Dewald Keulder managing to complete his five-wicket haul.

Player-coach Ryan Maron, speaking to VARSITY after the game, was extremely pleased by the team’s performance. He said it was indicative of “a greatly improved work ethic.” Maron has chosen to play for UCT until “a youngster pushes through” and has been doing well and is one of the team’s top scorers.Captain Adeeb Joseph lauded the team performance, saying it was because “the team is gelling together better” and indicative of the hard work put in during net sessions and the focus and determination displayed.

UCT have remained unbeaten this season in the 2-day league, having won two and drawn two games. Their previous game against Ottoman CC also resulted in an easy win with UCT batting first, scoring 259/5 (A Joseph 107, R Maron 70) after which Tendai Chitongo’s match figures of 11/133 led to a 32-run victory for UCT.  The First XI are looking to get promoted back to the 1A league this season after their disappointing relegation last season.

New coach Ryan Maron has introduced   better-structured  training sessions with a mental conditioning component, and the club managed to get increased sponsorship this season.The club’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams have also produced excellent wins over the past couple of weeks with the 2nds and 3rds both winning by an innings in a day of play.

While there is still quite some way to go in the season, all teams are still in contention for promotion, and it is imperative that the UCT community displays increased support, with higher turnout for games. If anyone wishes to join the UCT CC, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.