The Midrand Cricket Club’s (MCC) U14 emerged victorious in the Eastern Cricket Union’s inaugural finals.
The finals were hosted at Sahara Willowmoore Park in Benoni on the weekend of April 13 and 14.
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MCC side managed to navigate their way into the prestigious final having only lost to Daveyton Cricket Club.
The team’s semi-final play-off was an eagerly awaited square-off fixture against Geluksdal Cricket Club. However, heavy rains meant the fixture was cancelled resulting in the Midrand-side qualifying for the final based on the head-to-head stats.
U14 coach Tshoko Moloko spoke highly of the boys after the game, saying they showed character despite starting the game on the back foot.
“This group’s success has been long coming. Following years of playing cricket all around the year, tours, and tournaments, we knew it was just a matter of time. Everything that the side is achieving now is well deserved and I am happy for them. What is pleasing is seeing them get rewards for their hard work. And as their coach, it is most pleasing to see them develop holistically and become fine young men [and women] in our society. A good cricket is only as good as the length of his career but a good individual, is good for the rest of their life,” said the ecstatic Moloko.
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In the final, MCC won the toss and with a jam-packed batting line up that goes all the way to nine, decided to bat first. The decision was quickly in question as the side found themselves 2 wickets down in as many overs, losing captain Sri Sadineni and Janic Swart in quick succession.
The side needed a stabilising period and entered Railey Gangadeen (34) and Shae Pollard (69). The duo steadied the innings, putting together a circumspect 95-run partnership that ended in the 15th over.
With the opposition backed up against the wall, the trio of Aaron Pillay (3 overs, 0 wickets for 8 runs), Arzaan Mody (3 overs, 1 wicket for 7 runs) and Sri Sadineni (2 overs, 0 wickets for 2 runs) added the finishing touches.
In the end, the Midrand side completed a 77-run win that saw them being crowned champions.
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