Hard graft ensures the win

Taking on Tembisa on Willowmoore Park’s B-field, skipper Justin Gamble’s team toiled in tough conditions on a flat, spin-friendly wicket to edge out a winning result.

Batting first, United lost five wickets due to batsmen playing outside the off stump and edging to slip.

The captain helped to steady the ship with a well-constructed 81 and enjoyed a good partnership with Dehan Viljoen, who scored 76.

Jose van der Berg’s 32 runs were the next best score by a United player with the willow, as the visitors posted a score of 286/8.

It was tough from the outset for the pace bowlers, as the pitch virtually flattened out by the minute in the Highveld heat.

Branden Grutter was the only spin option for Gamble (who bowls left-arm spin, but could not bowl due to injury) and his value showed as he picked up bowling figures of 3/39 in 10 overs.

Pace bowlers Kevin Hinton (2/58 in eight overs) and Tshepo Motaung (2/46 in 10 overs) were the next best performers with the leather, as Tembisa fell 53 runs short of the target, but managed to rescue themselves from a bonus-point defeat.

According to team manager Des Gamble, the Tembisan team took the United side to task and enjoyed the slim, early advantage of the pitch and morning breeze.

“The guys pulled it off in the end and grafted hard to get the win,” he said.

“It seems as though there was a bit of apathy with the score at 283, which proves that we cannot let our guard down against any team.”

He added that the side are looking forward to their next home match, against KwaThema, on Sunday, October 18.

• Other results for United Cricket Club on Sunday: The Promotion XI lost by five wickets to CBC Old Boys.

The Directors side lost by 53 runs to Springs Old Boys, while the Presidents XI defeated Vosloorus by 174.

CLICK HERE for a GALLERY from the match.