The Premier League One team ran riot over Boksburg’s CBC Old Boys at Hosking Park on March 4, but their joy of a bonus point, seven-wicket win was clouded by some sad news as one of the United family passed away.
Danie van der Merwe, father of Morné (who plays for the club’s Premier/Promotion teams), died on Sunday from a suspected heart attack shortly after dropping off his son at cricket.
Des Gamble of United Cricket Club said: “What made Danie so special is that he lived in Krugersdorp and made time to attend every Thursday night practice and every game without fail for the past two years.
“A true gentleman, always in the background, but always there,” Gamble said.
“He stood by his son and United through all the highs and lows.
“His devotion to his son and United cricket was absolutely extraordinary and he will be sorely missed.
“United would like to thank Eastern Cricket Union president Gary Corin, CEO Cassim Sulliman and every club in our union who sent messages of condolences and support to the family.”
On the field of play, United skipper Justin Gamble lost the toss and was asked to bowl first.
It proved to be the wrong decision by CBC skipper Casey Arnold as his team were bowled out within 24 overs with a mere 83 runs on the scoreboard.
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United’s opening bowling duo of Ruan Janse van Rensburg and Rynard de Lange were again excellent up front, each bagging a brace of wickets.
Janse van Rensburg achieved figures of 2/24 in seven overs while de Lange had figures of 2/26 in seven overs.
Eden Links followed where the openers left off and picked up figures of 4/16 in 4.3 overs, with good back-up from Peter Trewick (2/14 in five overs).
With the bat, United, despite losing three wickets for 54 runs, had little trouble in reaching the target set for victory.
With four wins on the trot, the team has found good momentum.
Captain Gamble said afterwards: “It was a good, clinical performance from us on Sunday. I’m really happy with the way we went about the bowling innings after losing the toss.
“All the bowlers were superb.
“We are taking some great momentum into the next three matches against the current top three teams,” Gamble said.
“We dedicated the match to our teammate Morne and his family after the loss of his father on Sunday morning.”
United’s task will be a big one this Sunday (March 11) when they host table-topping Benoni Northerns Cricket Club at Hosking Park.
The first delivery is scheduled to be bowled at 10am.
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