Van der Merwe sets up massive United victory

There were serious doubts that United’s Premier XI would even play this match, due to the ongoing problems with the sewerage system at Hosking Park, however, the weather stayed dry and those in charge of facilities at the club managed to get the outfield in excellent condition in time for the clash.

Batting first, skipper Justin Gamble’s team put on a dominant display with the bat and posted a score of 294/7 in their 50-over innings.

It was the team’s big signing of the 2014/2015 campaign, Rian van der Merwe, who finally produced the goods with the bat and showcased his well-known ability to put on a large score as his knock of 103, along with a well-played 60 from the returning Branden Grutter and 42 from Zander Els, that set up the mammoth first innings total for United (the club’s highest ever total in Premier League cricket).

Van der Merwe also became the second ever United player to score a ton in their short league existence, following Aiden Justus’s century against Tembisa, in October, last year.

The home side’s bowlers performed equally well with the ball and wrapped up the Duduza order within the 32nd over.

Captain Gamble’s slow left arm deliveries accounted for four Duduza scalps (4/23 in 7.2 overs), while fast bowler Kevin Hinton again performed with the cherry and attained figures of 3/30 in 10 overs.

Team manager Des Gamble was thrilled with the way the team played in their first game since the break.

“We finally played to our full potential and fulfilled our game plan,” he said.

“On paper we should always beat them [Duduza] and, on Sunday, everything gelled together nicely.”

With United hosting Actonville Spurs Cricket Club at Hosking Park, this Sunday, January 18, their manager is confident that his side can carry their good form into the match, particularly after throwing it away with the bat the last time these two teams met in Actonville.

The first delivery is scheduled for 9.30am.