United’s Morne van der Merwe receives his Premier League cap from head coach Henk van der Kruit. Ernest Mabalane and Xolane Shongwe also received their Premier League caps on the day.
After a convincing six-wicket win over Boksburg’s CBC Old Boys at Hosking Park on January 28, United Cricket Club enjoyed further success and secured their spot in the Eastern Premier League top eight with victory over the old boys of Springs at Pollak Park on February 4.
Skipper Justin Gamble won the toss and put his opponents in to bat first, a move that would prove to be a good one as his bowlers stormed through the Springs batting line-up to bowl them out for 118 in 22 overs.
The only real source of Springs resilience came from number three batsman Nardo le Roux, who struck a valiant 60 runs from 59 deliveries.
United’s opening bowling pair of Ruan Janse van Rensburg (4/51 in nine overs) and Morne van der Merwe (2/24) set the tone with the ball and were ably backed by Branden Grutter (3/37 in six overs).
With the bat, United’s opening pair of Jose van der Berg (45 runs from 106 balls) and Andre Johnson (53 runs from 44 deliveries) amassed a first-wicket stand of 91 runs before the latter was caught out.
Despite the fall of van den Berg and Gamble soon after, United cantered over the line in the 31st over with seven wickets in hand to pick up the all-important victory.
“It was a good way to go into the top eight for us,” said the United captain.
“We were looking for a convincing win and it went well for us on Sunday.
“We won the toss and had Springs five wickets down quickly, thanks to a good opening spell from Ruan and Morne.
“Andre and Jose batted well and ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.
“We will have a bye this week, then look to start the top eight phase of the competition well.”
