Thor threatens games
The game began with adrenaline-pumping action, as Underdogs put SAPS' batting order on the back foot early on in the game, with Underdogs’ bowlers taking a few early wickets.
Rain and bad lighting are two natural enemies of a cricket.
When the clouds billow in with rain falling in sheets, and the thunder claps as if Thor himself were shouting down on them, cricket players usually run for cover.
These phenomena resulted in the cancellation of one of the Northern District Cricket Association Games last week.
The first game was during the Tuesday City Cellular Night League, as Underdogs faced off against defending champions, SAPS.
The game began with adrenaline-pumping action, as Underdogs put SAPS’ batting order on the back foot early on in the game, with Underdogs’ bowlers taking a few early wickets.
However, the rain soon began, and the game was called off without a final result.
During the Thursday Night League, Asians once again squared off against rivals, SAPS. SAPS seemed to have regained some of the team’s strength from last season, but it was not enough, as Asians’ captain, Sajjad Hussein and team-mate Faizel Limbada put on a stellar performance taking the team to a four-wicket win over SAPS.
During the Saturday Day League, rookies Underdogs played Phoenix.
Many believed Phoenix to be favourites, but Underdogs proved it was often the underdog who triumphed, and they beat the high-flying Phoenix outfit by a comfortable four wickets.
Captain of Phoenix, Nico-Jan and fellow batsman, Frans, put on an excellent partnership of 49 runs but this was still not enough to keep the game from slipping away from Phoenix.
Mohammed ‘Fashions’ Moola of Underdogs was absolutely thrilling with the ball in his hand taking three wickets in his six overs, and conceding only 20 runs in his spell.
In our featured game, SAPS took on Lennoxton at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds on Saturday.
SAPS have been trying to find its form since the start of the league, and the team’s performance on Saturday was memorable, although the team still lacked the clinical nature it used to win the team’s two league titles last season.
SAPS stepped up to the crease first, and in the opening overs lost two unfortunate wickets to the excellent swing bowling of Lennoxton bowler, Udesh Bhemnarain.
When SAPS captain, Imraan Gafhoor stepped up to the crease, the pressure had been mounting, but he managed to see through an excellent innings of 47 runs, unfortunately missing his half-century, but it still made a brilliant contribution to his side’s total score of 190.
He led his team from the front in his bowling as well when he managed to claim four wickets to his name.
SAPS managed to bowl the Lennoxton side all out for a total of 102 runs, winning the game with a comfortable 88 runs.
Hoping to continue in this form, SAPS took on Asians in the Majuba Sunday League, but once again succumbed to its rivals losing by eight wickets.
The NDCA invited residents and cricket enthusiasts to watch Newcastle challenge Ladysmith this week Sunday at the Arbor Park Grounds for the KZN Internal Circuit Northern Premier League.
The game promises to be a thrilling match-up and will provide a sporting spectacle to remember.
