UCCE in SA blog - 22 March

by Garri Jones, Tour Manager

The tour intensity moved up several notches as MCCU travelled to Belville cricket ground for the first of the three one day internationals (45 overs with 3 power plays) against SA Students (SASU).

Injured: Robbie Williams sits this match out Pratt, Lee, Butler and Williams (injured) missed out on selection and the MCCU were asked to bowl after losing the toss.

SASU started well and put on 50 for the first wicket in 10 overs but lost their first two wickets to direct-hit run-outs from Smith and Brathwaite.

SASU's middle order then struggled for momentum as Foster, bowling with the keeper standing up, and Choudry bowled very tightly. McMahon and Spriegel's off-spin prevented any potential acceleration and SASU were dismissed for 169 in the last over. Spiegel ended with 4 wickets.

Familiar tale

MCCU started confidently but SASU bowled very straight and despite a pulled six by Dixey, MCCU were 20 for 1 off 10 overs.

A familiar tale ensued with Spriegel being the only representative of the middle order to make a contribution. He was left with the tail to garner 70 runs off the last 10 overs. At that point the momentum turned and Spriegel and King began to milk the SASU spinners.

SASU dropped five tough catches in short order and it looked liked MCCU were on top.

Unfortuntately, Spriegel was caught on the boundary attempting a six which would have brought MCCU ahead of the run-rate. MCCU then lost their last wickets leaving them 15 runs short with 2 overs to spare.

There really is very little between these teams and the next two games should be close. A worry for MCCU though is the continuing injury to Williams as well as strains picked up by front line spinners McMahon and Choudry in this game.