Vics trash Goodwood to gain promotion

Victoria Cricket Club made a dramatic return to the Western Province Cricket Association's Premier Division, following victory against Northerns Goodwood, at Chukker Road, at the weekend.

With rain threatening to derail Victoria’s last gasp bid for promotion, captain Marco Wyngard and his brave men defied the odds to beat Goodwood by a whopping 111 runs, much to the delight of the large crowd and former stalwarts who turned up for the clash.

Needing an outright victory in their last match of the season, Victoria beat the visitors in 20.5 overs to clinch the four points needed to pip Primrose for the second promotional spot after Rylands won the First Division A and promotion to the Cape’s top club cricket club competition.  

Victoria was sent into bat and immediately went on the rampage, scoring 193 runs after the match was reduced to 35 overs.   Fufu Tsolekile with an unbeaten 66 and Wyngaard 65 off 68 deliveries contributed to setting the visitors a target of 193/3.

But it was Victoria’s spin-twins Warren Ekstraal  (3/30) and  Jordan Fourie (4/39)  who tore the Northerns Goodwood batting lineup apart  while Jesse Kriel took 3/14 in five overs to dismiss the visitors for 83  to ignite a roof shattering clubhouse party.

With the knowledge that only an outright four-point victory would be good enough for the homeside to win promotion, tensions shot sky-high when the umpires delayed the start due to the prevailing light downpour.

Not even a two-point draw would have been good enough to bring joy to many former players and stalwarts who pitch-up to witness another milestone moment in the history of this club who is celebrating its 85th anniversary.

 If the match was rained out Primrose would have gained promotion while Victoria would have ended third on the log.

This victory sees Victoria returning to the Premier Division since 2012/2022 when they were demoted and then slumped to the lowest ebb when they got relegated to the First Division B the following season.

This situation propelled the clubs’ officials into action when the present chairman Egon Rushin took control of the reins to start the revival. He immediately moved to appoint  Saadiek Davids, younger brother of the legendary Faiek Davids, who went on to  steer the club to back-to-back promotions.

Rushin paid tribute to Davids. “This is indeed a memorable phase for the club, and we thank coach Saaidiek for molding this team. It was hard work from the executive committee to the players and supporters. Look we will for now enjoy the excitement of promotion, but we have some hard work that lays ahead,” said Rushin.

He recounted several achievements in the club’s rich history since unification of representing WP at national club champs and cherishing the league (two day) and One Day Cup double during the 2002/2001 season.

“Our second and third teams also enjoyed successes this season while our u/19 Hub women's team competed at the national school championship. We also achieved great success at the national level. Our all-rounder Rifqah Esau was also drafted into the provincial women's side with a contract,” Rushin added.

Davids, meanwhile, has underlined coaching prowess having achieved success for the fourth season as coach. Before taking up a position at Vics he helped  United Cricket Club winning the league during 20022/20023 season.

“We are not done yet,” said Davids. “On the 5th of April we are playing in the Ama20 final against Pinelands please don’t forget that. Look it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster, but we achieved our objectives. It’s been tough but it's all part of the broader picture. The players rose to the occasion especially in the final match.  The weather was ominous but the players stuck to the task under the leadership of Marco Wyngard.

“As a coach I feel proud of what we have achieved. I recall our journey started on 1 June last year right here in the parking area next to the clubhouse. So it's hard work and commitment. For me as coach is all part of my journey as coach which started four years ago,” said Davids.    

Wyngard lauded David's commitment. “It’s been tough, especially the last day. But I want to say Victoria is back and we will be competing.”