United lose to log leaders
After a strong, recent vein of winning form, Brakpan’s United Cricket Club’s Premier XI headed to Benoni on Sunday, February 15, to take on the table-topping Benoni Northerns Cricket Club (BNCC).
Having given most of their Premier League players a run in the Saturday First League, on the very same wicket, on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, United were striving to make an impact on their strong Sunday opponents by gaining some pre-game experience.
Skipper Justin Gamble won the toss and put the home team in to bat – a move that seemed, for the first 20 overs at least, to be a good one, as his bowling attack had the BNCC top order in all sorts of trouble.
This was evident when Easterns semi-professional player Ernest Kemm saw his castle crumble on the third delivery he faced.
The league leaders were struggling at 60/5 at one stage, until Stefano di Bartolomeo (52) and Werner van Lingen (33) got together to rescue the innings and get the hosts to a score of 171.
United could hardly get going with the willow and Zander Els’s 29 was the top score for the visitors.
United lost wickets regularly and were skittled for 133 in the 47th of their allotted 50 overs.
“It was a game of highs and lows for us,” said team manager Des Gamble.
“I must praise the guys for the hard work, character and zing that they showed in those first 20 overs with the ball.
“We did, however, give away way too many extras.
“Maybe our lack of experience caught up with us again, and we were exposed a little in our batting with four junior members in our side, but we’re still happy with our progress so far.”
It doesn’t get easier for the team, as they are due to host last season’s champions, Kempton Park, at Hosking Park, on Sunday, February 22.
Kempton have, however, been on a downward spiral this campaign and skipper Gamble and his team will be hoping to capitalise on their upcoming opponents’ recent misfortunes.
The first delivery will be bowled at 9.30am.
