Duduza dominates in Brakpan
United Cricket Club’s Premier XI suffered a large defeat at the hands of Duduza, at Hosking Park, in Brakpan, on Sunday.
Two consecutive wins, a loss to CBC Old Boys last weekend and this most recent defeat has illustrated the inconsistencies the club’s elite team have experienced in their first season in the Eastern Premier League.
But, according to team manager Des Gamble, each game the team plays is a learning curve, even when the losses pile up.
Duduza were put in to bat first and, despite wickets falling within the first 20 overs, it was the visiting team’s Lesiba Ngoebe who put United to the sword, as he top-scored with 53.
Dian Moore, who managed figures of 3/51 in 7.5 overs, and spinner Michael du Plessis, who achieved figures of 2/33, were the best bowlers for the Brakpan outfit.
Duduza went on to post a score of 224, before the last wicket fell in the 47th over.
When United stepped in to bat in the second innings there was little on offer, as wickets fell cheaply and regularly.
Skipper Justin Gamble’s knock of 33 runs was the only bit of resistance as his team crumbled in 40 overs, ending on a nelson (111 all out).
Ngoebe continued where he left off with the bat, and his bowling figures of 3/15 in eight overs helped ensure his team’s victory by 113 runs.
“Our players were like dead ducks in water, and Duduza capitalised on our poor display,” said the team manager.
“Our bowlers could not find the right lines and Duduza’s batsmen took advantage of that.
“It’s back to practise, and we prepare to host Benoni Northerns this Sunday, hoping that their loss to CBC Old Boys at the weekend will put them on the back foot.”
The team plays Northerns at Hosking Park on Sunday, February 23, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 9.30am.
