United Cricket Club’s aim of finishing off the 2017/2017 Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) First Division A, two-day season, on a high note was dented when they lost by 75 runs against UCT at home, at the weekend.
Playing at the Green Point Track, the Bo-Kaap side won the toss and chose to field first. United’s bowling unit started well hitting the right areas, before dismissing their opponents’ opening batsmen Jack Newby and Hlumelo Notoko for 23 and 0 runs respectively.
Newby was bowled out by Sergio Pringle while Notoko was caught by Mujahid Behardien off the bowling of Bernard Mukondiwa.
However, that seemed to be the wake-up call the visitors needed, with the middle order, spearheaded by Jamie Rood who scored 73 runs and Brandon Tattum (61) stabilised the innings for the visitors.The University side went on to record a solid 240/8 in their first innings.
The home side’s openers – Behardien and Ilyaas Damonse – then took to the crease for their side’s first innings.
Both batsmen looked in control in the opening stage with impressive and calculated shot selection. They were, however, eventually dismissed for 29 and 46 respectively. They were both caught by Notoko.
Amaar Diljar, in the middle order, tried to bring the inning together but wickets kept falling around him.
He was eventually stumped for 54 runs by the bowling of Chitongo. They went on to record a first innings total of 183 all out.
Chitongo was the star of the day for the visitors, taking eight wickets for 49 runs in his 23.5 overs. He produced six maidens in the process.
Day Two of the match kicked off under hot conditions at the Green Point Track on Saturday, with UCT’s Newby and Notoko taking to the crease for the second innings.
The visitors went on to score 199 in their second innings, setting a lead of 256. The home side registered 181 runs, with captain Muneer Alexander scoring 64 not out. That, however, was not enough as the visitors recorder a 75-run victory.
The United side, who had a decent season are now fourth in the league, having won three and won five of their eight matches. Their next match is against log leaders Milnerton, away on Saturday.
Alexander said lack of discipline in some aspects of their game let them down against the organised UCT side.
“I think we were not as disciplined with our line and length in terms of bowling, we also didn’t bat well and our opponents took full advantage of that,” he said.
Alexander described the season as one of mixed results.
“Our aim was to finish in the top three so we are a little disappointed but, having said that, we have learnt some valuable lessons. We need to be more allround as well – our bowling, batting and field placings need to be on point. Those are things we will work on,” said Alexander.
