Courtney Willilams
Maties finished third in the fourth edition of Varsity Sports Cricket which took place in Potchefstroom from 29 January to 3 February.
Maties took on UJ on the opening day of the tournament. Maties confident went into bat first, scoring a reasonable 132 all out. This score however proved too little against the boys from Johannesburg as their attack came through with a 136/5 winning the match by five wickets.
Maties went on a relentless bowling rampage against CUT, who were all out for 119 and took the game by seven wickets with a consistent batting display from the top order.
The afternoon clash against Madibaz ended in a draw as they were rained out to conclude on day 2.
On day 3 Maties boasted an astounding 174/4, winning their match against Tuks by 23 runs. They failed to do the same against a powerful Pukke who displayed a batting and bowling master class, winning the game by 91 runs.
Days 4 and 5 saw all three Western Cape teams competing against one another. Maties the victor against both UWC (won by 34 Runs) and UCT (won by 7 wickets on D/L Method) to place them fourth on the standings and a place in this year’s semi-final against host and defending champions, Pukke.
Pukke went first into bat scoring an impressive 158/3. Maties failed to meet the required run rate lost by 35 runs on semi-final day.
Despite finishing third in this year’s competition, Maties assistant manager Keagan van Aarde sayed, “I came to coach students but I was left with brothers.”
Van Aarde explained the camaraderie and fraternity showed on this tour proves a good footing for the future of Maties Cricket.
Captain Kyle Simmonds notes that although it was a huge disappointment not making it into the final, he is excited for what’s to come. He mentions that even though most senior members of the squad will move on after completing their respective degrees, the foundation is set for the incoming generation of younger players.
“It’s an exciting time for Maties Cricket as our first and second years have already shown what they’re capable of,” said Simmonds.
Simmonds is enthusiastic about the future of Maties Cricket and encourages the next generation to step up as making three semi-finals in the last four years is not good enough.
“Going forward, we want to win trophies,” said Simmonds.
He also commended the behind the scenes work from the management team.
Maties Cricket will be in preparing for the upcoming USSA later this year.
