The Pukke are the 2017 Varsity Cricket champions after a brilliant tournament in Potchefstroom where they beat Tuks by 4 wickets in the final. Here are the players who brought the trophy home.

1) Wihan Lubbe

NWU-Pukke’s captain was duly chosen as the player of the tournament for his fantastic efforts with the bat and ball. He was also brilliant as captain and showed the calmness befitting a winner. He scored 294 runs at an average of 49, top scoring with 125*. He also took 12 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.75 and an economy rate of 5.37.

2) Janneman Malan

The combination of Malan and Lubbe at the top of the order was a lethal weapon for the Pukke with Malan scoring 269 runs at an average of 38.42 with a strike rate of 157.3. He also hit the most sixes (13) in the tournament. A destructive player when in the mood as his 94* against UCT in the opening match showed.

3) Marques Ackerman

Ackerman was elegance personified at the crease when he hit a number of audacious shots on his way to 204 runs at an average of 34. His unbeaten 60 in the semi and 29 in the final were just as invaluable as his calmness under pressure was vital in the middle order.

4) Ruan Haasbroek

One of the exciting talents of this year’s tournament who impressed with his fearless approach with the bat in hand. He hits the ball as cleanly as anyone and also contributed with his handy off-spin bowling getting the wicket of Jiveshan Pillay in the final.

5) Shane Dadswell

If there is one thing that supporters will take away from this tournament, it is that Dadswell can strike a ball far – a real big hitter that will only improve his game as time goes on.

6) Edrich Lubbe

Edrich Lubbe might not have scored as many runs as captain Lubbe, but his contribution was just as immense, helping Pukke to victories against UWC (55*) and Tuks (20*) in the final. A player for the big occasion; the finisher for Pukke.

7) Lesego Senokwane

Senokwane did not have an amazing tournament but still contributed with accurate spin bowling and a good 32 against NMMU, while supporting Wihan Lubbe in setting up a winning total.

8) Hanco Olivier

This talented middle order batsman did not always get enough opportunities to showcase his talent as he came in at the end where quick runs where needed. His spin bowling also did the job as he bowled economically throughout the tournament.

9) Jovaun van Wyngaardt

This senior fast bowler had a great tournament and will be remembered for hitting 52 runs from a Powerplay plus over against Kovsies. His bowling was fantastic, especially in the death overs picking up 7 wickets at an economy rate of 6.60 and a strike rate of 19.7. He was also brilliant with the new ball. Who can forget him hitting the winning runs?

10) Dyllan Matthews

The top wicket-taker of the tournament with 13 wickets was a revelation with his tidy and tricky leg spin bowling. His best bowling figures of 3/11 at an economy rate of 6.26, strike rate of 13.8 and an average of 14.46 illustrate his talent.

11)  JP le Roux

Le Roux was reliable and consistent with the ball in hand and, just like Van Wyngaardt, excelled under pressure bowling brilliant spells at the death to restrict the opposition. His yorkers were especially effective.

12) Neil Durrow

This was Durrow’s first tournament for Pukke and he did well with the ball in hand, mixing it up cleverly. Durrow does not have express pace but is a clever bowler and bowled well without much reward.

13) Julian Soutter

Julian Soutter did not get much playing time but played a vital part in the final, bowling some brilliant overs to end with 1/11 after three overs.

14) Bantu Dandala

Bantu Dandala bowled a magical spell against NMMU Madibaz in Pukke’s second match picking up 4/34. He was not so successful in their other matches.