A stunning opening stand of 101 from Tayo Walbrugh (44) and Adrian du Toit (63) set up a memorable and well deserved eight-wicket win against the defending champions Tuks on Tuesday morning at the Puk-Oval.
In the first upset of the tournament, UWC showed that they mean business, while Tuks will do some soul searching after this defeat where their bowlers struggled for wickets.
In a repeat of last year’s final between UWC and Tuks, it was clear to see that UWC wanted to avenge that defeat this year as they elected to bowl first to put the pressure on early.
Lizaad Williams got the breakthrough in the first over getting rid of Donavon Ferreira for 2. That brought in Tuks skipper Tony de Zorzi, who was tipped before the tournament as one of the upcoming stars for the Pretoria side.
He and Sean Phillips started pilling on the runs as they combined for a steady 43-run partnership. That was before Philander got the crucial wicket of De Zorzi LBW for 24. Sheer delight streamed from UWC faces. There was more joy to follow an over later as Allie removed Phillips for 14 caught behind by wicketkeeper, Jean Heunis.
This brought together Thomas Kaber and Rubin Hermann who made UWC pay for a dropped catch and a few missed run-out chances as they moved the score past the 100 mark.
In the end Tuks posted a 142/6 total of from their allotted overs, giving a slight advantage to UWC who definitely fancied their chances.
Williams was the standout bowler for UWC, producing figures of 2/14 in four overs.
UWC got off to a perfect start as Walbrugh flicked Vincent Moore for a first ball boundary. UWC maintained their momentum as Du Toit and Walbrugh were still at the crease after the first 10 overs.
Tuks tried their hardest put could not find a way through until Craig Kirsten got the wicket of Du Toit for 63. Kirsten was by far Tuks best bowler with his accurate line and length causing problems.
UWC though batted superbly as captain Zubayr Hamza finished off the champions contributing 14 runs as they reached their target with 19 balls to spare.
UWC next face UJ next at Senwes Park at 14:00 today in a quick turnaround.
FNB Best Bowler: Lizaad Williams (UWC)
Samsung Man of the Match: Adrian du Toit (UWC)
Steers Best Batsman: Adrian du Toit (UWC)
By Wouter Pienaar
