Premier League: Little separating local cricket clubs

After five rounds of play, Boksburg, who lie seventh on the standings and are tied with defending champions Kempton Park and just a single point behind fifth-placed Alberton, are sitting two above their neighbours with 12 points.

CBC Old Boys have lost ground on the log mostly because of their recent tough run of fixtures, including a trip away to Benoni Northerns, Actonville Spurs and Alberton. This means they have only managed to collect 10 points out of a possible 25.

United Cricket Club has been the early pace-setter ahead of heavyweights Kempton Park (sixth), Bedfordview (second) and Benoni Northerns (third).

Boksburg captain Adam Forbes said: “I would obviously much rather prefer to be higher up, but Boksburg are aiming for top eight, so as long as we’re in the top eight I’m happy. Being higher up can never be a bad thing but I’m not complaining that we’re seventh.”

The two Boksburg sides have avoided each other up to this point, with their first meeting scheduled for early next year.

Forbes’ opposite number, Old Boys skipper Casey Arnold, said: “Obviously after five games of the season we’re on eighth which is not ideal, it’s not where we want to be, but considering that, I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made in terms of the team we’ve developed.

“It’s only a matter of time until we click, we really have a good team – it’s just a matter of guys really performing now because we are starting to get to know each other a little bit,” Arnold said.

“We have played Alberton and Benoni, so the two best teams in the league we’ve got in the first six games of the season which is no easy feat for anyone, especially as we’re not where we should be yet. We still have teams to play where we should be the stronger team, so I would really back us to start getting momentum there,” Arnold added.

“No excuses, I’m not happy with where we are, but the promo guys, the seconds and the colts have been outstanding and we’re getting more depth, more numbers; we’re starting to sign more players. From that side I think we really are rebuilding, and this time next year it’ll be a totally different story – the change will come in sooner and I’m just waiting for that to come into gear.”

The last round of play before the Christmas break is this Sunday and will see Boksburg hosting Northerns and Old Boys welcoming Bedfordview. – @SabeloBoksburg