The Wits University first men’s cricket team has ended a sensational sporting year on a high after being crowned champions in the inaugural GCB T20 Competition.
The team coasted to championship success unbeaten in the round robin stage. Wits beat Old Eds in the semifinal en route to ousting cross-town rivals University of Joburg (UJ) Cricket Club by 41 runs at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium.
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat in a game reduced to 18 overs a side due to rain, Wits were put under the pump early by a bowling masterclass led by UJ all-rounder Juan Landsberg. In the end, Wits only managed a modest total of 103/9.
With the prospect of getting yet another one over their arch rivals, UJ looked relaxed knowing they had a strong batting line-up.
However, as the conditions overhead changed, so too did the atmosphere at the Bullring as UJ lost wickets at regular intervals.
Wits skipper and Bizhub Highveld Lions player, Nono Pongolo, led the team with clever bowling changes and field placements. The pace pair of Brad Morrison and Gauteng U19 player Bryce Cressy dismantled the UJ cause by taking three wickets a piece, resulting in them blowing their neighbours away for 62 all out.
This was the first piece of silverware for Wits head coach Garnett Kruger who took over the helm in September. Kruger has his sights set on ensuring that Wits cricket becomes a force to be reckoned with, but basked in the glory of this success, he asserted that no room should exist for complacency.
“It’s always nice being first in something and Wits are the first team to win The GCB T20 Competition,” he said. “The mood is happy but I bet you they [Wits] weren’t happy at the break being 103/9. Coaches always want to win and I’m happy for the win, but Wits cricket still has a lot to do. Our success in the tournament proves that we can [reach extreme heights] if we really want to.”
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