Saturday the 21st of January 2017 was Groot Drak’s first match of the New Year.
Having had a great first-half of the season, this fixture against Villiersdorp was one of only 2 matches we had lost last year (narrowly on a rain-affected home wicket), so the lads headed over the pass eagerly to set things right.
We lost the toss and headed out to field in the heat, our bowling attack was probably the strongest in a very, vey long time with a blistering pace onslaught of Morne Maritz, Marnitz Phister, Joubert Kotze and Craig McNaught.
The opposition pushed and prodded and were 68 for 4 at drinks. Our usual tactic of then bringing on the spin from both ends was just too much of a carrot to dangle and the batsmen went out in a procession of exceptional catching and fielding.
Our total to chase was 143 and an outstanding opening partnership by MC Uys and Gary “Gazza” Seaman, put us in the driving seat, the highlights being MC’s 44 off 42 balls and Gert Uys with 32 off 35 balls.
The runs were scored in just 23 overs allowing the sick, aged and infirm to enjoy a cold beer in the shade.
Victory and fines were indeed sweet, the game was played in a magnificent spirit and we look forward to a similar performance this weekend.
MATCH REPORT FROM JONO BOULTON
