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Turning deliveries and heads in the UK

Ulricht van Duyker is impressing on the cricket field in the UK.

Ulricht van Duyker (24) is making a name for himself in the United Kingdom, as an overseas amateur cricketer.

The former Benoni resident and ex-Benoni Northerns all-rounder has helped to turn around the fortunes of Euxton Cricket Club, in Lancashire, with both the ball and bat.

Euxton is a newly founded club that recently started playing in their first season of the competitive Ribblesdale League.

The team were languishing at the bottom of the league and faced relegation until they recruited the talented Benonian.

“Without much experience in the higher level the team got off to a tough start and were not finding life easy in the league, which is extremely competitive,” said van Duyker.

“They needed assistance as, halfway through the season, they had not yet won a game.

“They head-hunted me and requested my services and I accepted the challenge to help save them from relegation.”

In almost two months at the club the left-arm orthodox spinner took Euxton to victory in the first six games in which he was involved and boosted their chances of survival in the league.

“We have since lost some games, but the club is very happy with me and I spend a lot of time with the youth as well as coaching our first side to improve the players’ skills,” he said.

Van Duyker added that he is learning a lot from his time in England.

“It can get very cold and wet here, so playing in these conditions can be tricky,” he explained.

“I believe it has helped my patience and also forces me to think more about situations.”

The player, who represented the Easterns Amateur team last year, recently moved to Port Elizabeth in the hope of securing a professional contract with the Warriors.

He has also played extensive academy cricket for the East Rand-based Rowlin National Cricket Academy, touring South Africa and a number of countries, including Singapore and the Caribbean.

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