Old Eds cricketers go down to Alberton

HOUGHTON – The Old Edwardian premier league cricket team lost to Alberton to record their second loss of the season.

“‘Disappointing hardly summed up the feeling in the team after their middle and lower order batting collapse saw them lose the match,” said the society’s Mike Dunk. Unless they can produce wins against top teams like Pirates, Wanderers and University of Johannesburg, their title may slip away.”

Alberton managed the perfect start as the home-team bowlers lacked discipline in the early stages, and after 19 overs, Alberton looked very good on 106/1.

“The introduction of overseas player and spinner Charlie Vickery saw the run rate drop, as he appeared to have the ball on the end of a string, and after bowling his 10 overs continuously, he had figures of 2/23,” said Dunk.

The opening bowlers returned to show more commitment and purpose, but Alberton finished on 220/9.

“That was possibly 20 or so too many, but it was a good fight toward the back end of the innings.”

Old Eds were confident in their chase but two early wickets saw them 28/2, before Ricardo Vasconcelos in his debut match, joined Malcolm Nofal.

Vasconcelos started nervously but once in his stride he played some attractive strokes as he and Nofal put on nearly 100. At 113/2, they were back on track for a win, but when Vasconcelos was bowled out for a well-played 42, and Nofal (52) followed soon after, the middle and lower order collapse began.

“This saw the home side all out for 159, and Alberton picked up a valuable bonus point,” said Dunk.

“Old Eds really missed those players who were away on provincial duty, and with the Strikers playing matches over two weekends, it seems those players will not be back before the end of November.”