Three of the four games on the first day of the much anticipated Varsity Cricket tournament were called of due to rain.
This means that we are still not any closer to the answer whether Tuks will retain their title, or if the Potchefstroom-based NWU-Puk will make it their year. The Tuks versus NWU-Pukke game was supposed to be a good indicator of what to expect this coming week.
On the other hand, it is also a pity that the two Capetonians teams, Maties and UWC, were not in action on Monday. Both are also strong contenders for the 2017 title, with UWC losing last year in the final to Tuks.
So after the first day, Maties, UWC, Tuks, NWU-Pukke, UJ and Madibaz all earned three points.
In the match that was played, Ikeys beat Kovsies convincingly to top the log after day one. This victory will be a huge mental boost for Ikeys.
Match 1: Tuks vs UWC (9:30 at the NWU-Puk Oval)
In a repeat of last year’s final the boys from Pretoria will have to show they have what it take to beat a well-motivated UWC. Let’s be bold about this: if Tuks lose to UWC, chances are good that we will see a new champion this year.
But Tuks will also have huge confidence. They are the only team to have won this tournament. Since both teams have three points on the log after the first day, it would be silly to predict a winner.
Match 2: NWU-Puk vs UCT (9:30 at the Ibbies Oval)
Pukke is a strong contender for the title. However, after the Ikeys win on Monday when they crushed Kovsies, UCT will be confident they can get the skull of the boys from Potchefstroom.
The key to Pukke’s success will be captain Wian Lubbe. He is an experienced cricketer who knows how to pick apart a bowling side.
Match 3: UWC vs UJ (14:00 at Senwes Park)
Many people feel that 2017 is the year that UJ will lift the trophy. Last year they lost when UWC knocked them out of the tournament in the semi-finals. If UWC lose on Tuesday morning in the first match against Tuks, UJ might find it difficult to beat them, as they know that this game will be a make or break.
Match 4: Maties vs UCT (14:00 at the NWU-Puk Oval)
Were UCT ever serious contenders for the title? After they beat Kovsies on Monday, they surely are. Jack Newby was the star with the bat in that victory. Surely he and his team will arrive on Tuesday at the NWU-Pukke Oval with huge confidence.
Maties on the other hand, will hope to show that they have big match temperament. Last year they missed out on a place in the final. This is the perfect chance for them to make their intensions clear.
Match 5: Kovsies vs Madibaz (14:00 at the Ibbies Oval)
This is make or break for Kovsies, after UCT beat them easily on Monday. Madibaz, with a new coach at the helm, don’t plan on being pushovers. The outfit from the Eastern Cape believe they can win this tournament. Overconfidence could be their biggest enemy. If they underestimate Kovsies, based on their performance on Monday, they might be in for a big surprise.
Match 6: NWU-Puk vs Madibaz (18:00 at Senwes Park)
The main match of each day is the one under lights on Senwes Park. If the NWU-Pukke overcome UCT in the morning and Madibaz defeat Kovsies, it will be two unbeaten sides playing on Tuesday night. Spectators will have the thrill of watching two teams battling it out for top spot. This could be priceless.
By Marnus Kok
