United will grow from Premier League experience

The team was somewhat depleted as a result of injuries and illness, but went into the game in a cheerful mood.

Team manager Des Gamble and Trevor Justus, fathers of regular skipper Justin (who missed out due to illness) and Aiden respectively, took to the field themselves to make up the numbers and “The Toppies”, as Gamble referred to them, helped out in the field and even had a bat.

Actonville won the toss and elected to bat and took the attack to the United bowlers from the get-go, with an opening stand of over 50 runs.

The middle order took advantage of the excellent start, with 19-year-old Ahmed “Jogee” Mohammed standing out with a patiently played 100.

Actonville ended the innings on 264 for seven in their 50 overs, while spinner Michael du Plessis’s three wickets for 44 runs was the best of the figures for United’s bowlers.

United’s batsmen could post a score of only 170 runs, before they were all bowled out.

Dian Moore top scored with 64 and JP Meade followed with 41 runs.

Speaking about the team’s first season in Eastern Cricket Union’s elite league, Gamble commented: “Just as we expected, the Premier League was tough on and off the field.

“We have learnt a bucket load this season and have grown nicely.

“After going unbeaten in the Promotion League last season it has almost been like leaving primary school and going to Grade Eight in high school.

“A number of our players were schoolboys and, because school is priority number one, it weighed in heavily against the club at times.”

Gamble added that the future does look bright for the club in their entirety, with 21 of their junior players selected for various winter league teams.

“We are very proud of that fact,” he added.

The club’s Directors team was the only senior team to win their league and he praised them for their achievement.