TOTI Cricket Club played their last pre-season warm up at ACC on Sunday against a hard-hitting Newlands side.
In a match scheduled for 30 overs, the visitors batted first on a hot morning and as Toti had expected, the visitors came out swinging hard on a slow and sticky pitch.
The two Kyles started waywardly and were subsequently punished with a few boundaries until they found their feet, after which runs were hard to come by and a good supporting effort in the field made it even harder for the visitors to score. The subsequent pressure brought about the demise of their first three batters for a mere 23 runs, with each bowler dislodging the bales as well as an easy midwicket catch.
The Newlands number four and five proved difficult to remove and with an impressive display of power hitting. The two middle order batters raked up a quick-fire 68 run partnership before a catch off the top edge sent big-hitting Hafiz back to the change rooms seven short of his half century. Toti took the opportunity to reapply the pressure and was rewarded shortly thereafter with the fall of the other established batter for just 25.
After some effective spin bowling by Kalvin, Francious and Brian, the pressure was mounting and a run out soon followed with a great individual fielding effort by Brian to run out their number six who was then looking comfortable. The last four wickets fell for two runs when Trevor found some good form, including three good yorkers to bring about the end of the innings, leaving Newlands to defend 135 runs.
After a 15 minute break, Toti openers Bilal and Jared walked to the middle under a scorching sun while the rest of the team plastered in sun lotion looked on. Bilal started superbly, ticking the score over with some well-timed shots and the occasional boundary, allowing Jarred the time he needed to get set in. Bilal’s retirement not out on 33 brought Travis to the middle and he and the skipper continued to build an innings before Jarred was dismissed, caught on the boundary for 22. Kalvin’s return to ACC was shortlived when he was bowled between bat and pad for only two from a good ball just six balls later. Faf then joined Travis at the pitch and the two continued the chase when a mix up in the middle resulted in the run-out of Travis on just 12.
With Brian up next, he showed some some good skill working the ball around for ones and twos along with some boundaries, bringing the score to within 20. Almost home, both Faf and Brian were caught going big, leaving Warren and TP to finish up. Unfortunately after just two runs, TP was bowled by a good ball from the Newlands seam bowler, leaving Mike and Warren as the two men to bring Toti home with 1.5 overs to spare.
Desigan, although happy with the result, outlined that the fielding and bowling were superb but ACC’s batting is where the work is required. Some rash shot selection and careless running cost Toti unnecessary wickets. With the season beginning this weekend, ACC will have to look at dealing with the batting situation fast, otherwise its going to be a very hard season ahead.
Team: Bilal Mulla, Jared Michaux, Travis Cuff, Kalvin Venter, Francois Strydom, Brian Vickery, Warren Pullock, TP Venter, Michael Campbell, Trevor Campbell, Kyle Jones, Kyle (surname unknown).
Cricket practises are at 4.45pm on Tuesdays and Fridays for seniors and 4.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays for juniors. Visit www.amanzimtoticricketclub.co.za for fixtures, results, news and more.
