Soweto put to the sword by UJ

The Sowetans suffered a devastating nine-wicket defeat at the hands of University of Johannesburg (UJ) in this week’s round of matches at the UJ Oval.

After 33.3 overs, Soweto managed just 104, and UJ wasted no time in getting the job done.

Opening batsmen Liam Peters (1) and Dani Mabina (5), together with the middle order, failed to lay any sort of foundation.

And the hope which was sparked by Lorenzo Masselli was quickly extinguished when he was run out by Jeandre Olivier, contributing 34 off 63 deliveries. UJ’s Umar Assad bowled 7.3 overs, taking 3/35.

“Now this is another fine mess you’ve got us into,” goes the constant refrain from Soweto’s bowlers to their batsmen.

The students then made a mockery of the target, sending just three of their players out to do the job.

Opener Eldrich Lubbe treated the Soweto bowlers with utter disdain as he gradually brought his side to the promised land, which was really not that far.

Dudu Zondo, who partnered Lubbe, faced just one ball and was removed by Michael Masinga.

But Zondo’s departure made no impact on the UJ batting. It was improbable to even imagine UJ losing after their brilliant run in the Gauteng Cricket Board’s Premier League this season.

Then stepped in run machine Neels Bergh who plundered nine boundaries.

After the reaching the 105 target in just 20.3 overs, and with the loss of only one wicket, Bergh and Lubbe finished unbeaten on 58 and 33 respectively, handing the students yet another win on a silver platter.