The Vertec Dragons won a two-day cricket tournament hosted by the Fire and Fury women’s league. The tournament took place at Hoërskool Hugenote and Pam Brink Stadium on September 6 and 7.

The winning team’s coach, Alysia Rudolph, told the Springs Advertiser she was proud of her team. The players worked together as a team and supported each other.

She thanked the players for participating in the tournament, showing up on both days, and playing their hearts out.

“Thank you to the parents for trusting me with their children, and also to the parents who helped with transport. Thank you for supporting the girls from the side and believing in them and the team,” said Rudolph.

She also expressed gratitude to the organisers, Shannon McKelvey and Carmen Coppin, for making the tournament possible for the players.

Dragons player Hannelie du Plessis said it was a privilege to play in the tournament. She also said her teammates and other players have a brilliant future in the sport.

“Keep playing, keep believing in yourself, and keep enjoying the game,” said Du Plessis.

Phumla Ndlovu from the runners-up, Gryphons, expressed her gratitude to everyone who played a role in this journey.

She thanked her coach for the guidance, adding that her leadership and vision pushed them to grow individually and as a team.

“To my teammates, it’s been an honour to share the field with each of you. Your passion, hard work, and unity made every moment memorable. Thank you for the support, the laughs, and the relentless team spirit.”

Kayleigh Craig from Phoenix, who took the third spot, said the players from her team and others performed well, as there was a lot of competition.

She said the tournament was not only good for women’s cricket but also good for the women in the East Rand, adding that there is a lot of talent.

“I will definitely be back next year and am looking forward to seeing this tournament grow. It could be the start of something new for women’s cricket, not just in the East Rand but in the different leagues,” said Craig.

She thanked the sponsor, Vertec, for making it possible for them and hopes that other businesses will come on board.Results from the games played:

September 6
*Dragons vs Phoenix – Dragons won by 24 runs
*Unicorns vs Gryphons – Gryphons won by seven wickets
*Unicorns vs Dragons – Dragons won by three wickets
Phoenix vs Gryphons – Phoenix won by 89 runs.

September 7
*Phoenix vs Unicorns – Unicorns won by five wickets
*Gryphons vs Dragons – Gryphons won by 18 runs
*Phoenix vs Unicorns – a tie (third place) resulted in super over
*Dragons vs Gryphons – Dragons won by 34 runs.