The North-West University (NWU’s) hopes of claiming a second Varsity Cricket title in their storied history, were dashed on Saturday, 7 September. They went down to UJ by 43 runs in the semi-final at Senwes Park.
Fierce rivals UP-Tuks went on to claim back-to-back Varsity Cricket titles after a convincing eight-wicket win against UJ in the finals later that night. A floodlight failure spoilt the final, as it had to be decided in a shortened game of eight overs. With four wins in the last five years, it is safe to say that Tuks are the kings of Varsity Cricket.
The Tuks stars in the match were player of the tournament, Neil Brand, who picked up 11 wickets at an average of 13.8 and economy rate of 5,63. He also contributed 269 runs with the bat, which included three 50s. Leg spinner, Sean Gilson, was the bowler of the tournament with his superb leg-spin, causing havoc during the competition. Gilson ended the match with 16 wickets at an average of 9,1 and economy rate of 5,30. A strike rate of a wicket every 10,3 balls was also something to shout about.
One of the shining lights for the NWU was their batsman of the tournament, Lourén Steenkamp. He hit 272 runs at an average of 38,9 and strike rate of 141. He made one hundred and a fifty in eight innings.
