The champions started their campaign with a commanding 10 wicket win against UWC at the Puk-Oval on Monday afternoon, 29 January). NWU openers Janneman Malan (30 off 25) and Shane Dadswell (32 off 17) took the purple clad team in their new kit to an easy victory.

NWU’s bowlers were on fire from the start as the experienced Jovaun van Wyngaardt and Julian Soutter restricted UWC to 20/1 after 5 overs. Niel Durow picked up the first wicket clean bowling opener, Shabir Mallie for 2.

NWU kept on taking wickets as leg spinner Dyllan Matthews (4/23) kept the pressure up with economical bowling. Katle Leokoake (3/7) also bowled brilliantly in tandem with Mathhews as the spin duo had UWC in tatters at 54/6 after 11 overs. Leokaoke also caught an absolute stunner off his own bowling to remove Warren Stoman for a golden duck. Only UWC’s Mujahhid Toffar with 26 could put up any resistance as UWC made 77 all out.

NWU also had no problem in the batting department as they strolled to an easy victory. The dangerous opening pair of Janneman Malan and Shane Dadswell opened the batting for NWU and were aggressive on anything loose. They reached the target of 77 with 13.3 overs to spare and will take a lot of confidence from the win.

NWU play their next match against Tuks at the Ibbies Oval tomorrow at 14:00.