The year 2017 has been an unprecedented one of success for NWU-Pukke’s first cricket team and this continued past Tuesday when they defeated the University of Johannesburg in the Lions Franchise Club final by 8 wickets at the Puk Oval.
The Pukke are now the Lions Franchise Club Champions and can add this title to their already stocked trophy cabinet that includes the 2017 Varsity Cricket and North West Premier League trophy.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Pukke will now aim to defend their CSA National Club Champions’ title as the Lions Franchise champions and it will take a brave man to bet against this talented side from completing the double.
UJ had no answer for Pukke who utilised home ground advantage to the full, restricting the visitors to 215/9 after 50 overs. André Malan took 3/33 in 7 overs while Wihan Lubbe (2/38) and Marques Ackerman (3/45) also contributed with regular breakthroughs. UJ’s best batsman was Grant Roelofsen who made 73 (91). Jayden Broodryk also supported him with a fine 51(77).
Pukke’s batsmen made light work of the 216 run target as openers Hanco Olivier with 50 (89) and Janneman Malan 51 (51) began the innings with a mix of caution and aggression. Olivier was the anchor and when Malan went, his brother André just continued the damage with a blistering 84* (60).