A phenomenal team effort saw the Bedfordview Cricket Club (BCC) walk away as champions of the National Club Championships.

Club chairperson Shane Savage shared that the championships were hosted by Cricket South Africa and staged by the Titans Cricket Franchise in Pretoria, from January 14 to 18.

BCC was crowned champions, proudly holding the title of the best 50-over cricket club in SA. They enjoyed an unbeaten campaign.

Savage said, “This title represents far more than a single season’s success. It is the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, development, and belief.

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“Many of the players in this team began their journey at Bedfordview as juniors from as young as U8 level, progressing through the ranks to the Premier League side.”

The chair acknowledged that they are a relatively young squad, with an average age of around 22, yet one built on strong foundations.

He said that several players have been competing at the Premier League level since the age of 17 or 18. Under the leadership of Captain Tyron White and supported by two senior players, the group has matured together, Savage noted.

He revealed that over the last five years, the club has won the Easterns Premier League title three times, underscoring the program’s consistency.

Savage said the club has also produced multiple provincial players for Easterns and the Lions, as well as nationally recognised talent such as Dewan Marais, Tristan van Schalkwyk, and Ashley van Wyk, all of whom have represented South Africa at various levels.

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He added, “Beyond cricket, the club takes pride in supporting players through bursaries, employment opportunities, and life development. This achievement reflects not only cricketing excellence, but a commitment to building people.”

The chairperson said what truly set Bedfordview apart was belief and unity.

“This group has been together for several years, and while there is outstanding individual talent, the strength of the team lies in how they play for one another.”

The long-term vision and leadership of Shane Savage, head coach Malcolm van Schalkwyk, and Johan van Rooyen form the heartbeat of the club, particularly through the junior structures.

He said the players understand the commitment and sacrifices made on their behalf, and they repay that with effort, discipline, and trust in each other.

In addition, effective squad management played a crucial role throughout the tournament. With a 14-man squad, selection decisions were challenging, as every player deserved to be on the field. Across five days of intense, competitive cricket, careful management of workload, fitness, and minor injuries – particularly among the bowlers – was essential.

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“No matter who was selected on the day, every player stepped up and delivered when called upon. That depth, adaptability, and selflessness within the squad proved to be a significant differentiator.

“It was not just skill that carried the team through the tournament, but resilience, competitiveness, and mental toughness. The players never backed down, regardless of the opposition, and consistently backed themselves in key moments,” commended Savage.

The chair expressed that it felt incredibly special to be titled the best 50-over cricket club in SA and, in many ways, surreal. “The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the players enjoy the success they have worked so hard for – the hours of training, time away from family, and commitment over many seasons.

“It is a moment we will always cherish and, hopefully, one we can strive to repeat in the future.”

Savage expressed the team’s gratitude to their supporters. From those who travelled daily from the East Rand to Pretoria, to those who followed every match online, he acknowledged that the support was outstanding.

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Savage said, “This success belongs just as much to the families, partners, parents, and supporters who have stood on the sidelines for years, believing in the club’s vision. Their commitment and encouragement have played a vital role in this journey.

“We hope to continue building the club, giving back to players and the community, and strengthening the Bedfordview family for many years to come.”