Vics lose the battle but win the war

fuad Esack|Published 11 months ago

Victoria Cricket Club’s Bernard Mukondiwa about to open his bowling spell in his side’s final league fixture against Somerset West, at Chukker Road, on Saturday. Picture: Fuad Esack

Ikamva’s Onke Silwana let’s one rip duruing his side’s WPCA Second Division encounter against South Peninsula. Picture: Fuad Esack

Saints’ Grant Jansen taps the ball for a quick single during his side’s match against Kuils River. Picture: Fuad Esack

Saints Tyler Ridder sneaks in a run behind Kuils River captain Lyndon Mert. Picture: Fuad Esack

Saints Tyler Ridder looks to connect with the ball under the watcheful eye of wicketkeeper Zack Fernandez during his side’s match against Kuils River. Picture: Fuad Esack

South Peninsula’s Daniel Adams and Ikamva wicketkeeper Lindile Xolani keep a close eye on the ball during his stint in front of the crease. Picture: Fuad Esack

SP’s Muzamiel Basadien chips the ball sideways to go for the quick run against Ikamva Cricket Club at the weekend. Picture: Fuad Esack

Victoria Cricket Club head coach Saadick Davids can be forgiven for feeling a little grumpy following his side’s loss against visitors Somerset West, in their final Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) First Division 1B match, at Chukker Road, on Saturday.

But, as the old saying goes, sometimes it’s better to lose the battle and win the war than the other way round.

Sometimes it doesn’t even matter, as was the case on Saturday, as Vics were crowned 2024 division 1B league winners following all-round good performance that saw them occupy the top spot on the log for the better part of the season.

Vics’ Jordan Fourie swings into action against Somerset West, at Chukker Road, at the weekend. Picture: Fuad Esack

Vics claimed the league title with a win against Bishop Lavis two weeks before Saturday’s final outing against Somerset West.

“We wanted to end off on a high with a win. The pitch was very dry and we knew it would be a difficult pitch to play on and it would be a low-scoring game,” Davids said.

Vics won the toss and elected to bat first, but were restricted to 138 all out despite Marco Wyngard’s brilliant Captain’s innings of 69 off 70 balls.

Vic’s Bernard Mukondiwa lets one rip in his side’s final outing against Somerset West, at the weekend. Picture: Fuad Esack

The visitors replied with 139/9 but were somewhat subdued by Warren Ekstraal’s bowling figures of 4/38 in 10 overs.

The goal for next season is to win the First Division A, said Davids. “In order to do that we need to work harder, smarter and be more disciplined in executing our skills.”

Vics’ Jordan Fourie during his spell with the ball in hand and short-leg fielder, Magmoed Petersen paying close attention. Picture: Fuad Esack