KEAGAN MITCHELL
Claremont Cricket Club’s leg spinner, Kyle Williamson, had a good day at the office taking 6/54 to help his side beat UCT by nine wickets, in a Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) first division A two-day fixture, at Woolsack Drive, in Rosebank, at the weekend.
The visitors were in the driving seat after the first day as they scored 269/8 in their first innings with middle order batsman Nick Russel on 100 not out while Jamie Strang took 3/59.
Claremont had a first innings lead of 108 runs after the home-side was bowled out for 161 runs in there first innings.
On Saturday, the Constantia outfit bowled the students out for 204 and needed 97 runs for victory, while Williamson was the pick of the bowlers. They chased down the score comfortably with opener Jason Meredith and top order batsman Zeke Snyman scoring 39 and 37 not out, respectively.
Williamson said his side’s performance was clinical as they were disciplined with the ball and bowled to the plan.
“With the bat we worked hard on batting in partnerships throughout the innings and it culminated beautifully with our wicket keeper-batsman Russell that brought up his maiden 100.
“On Saturday we continued where we left off and stuck to our plans,” he said.
Williamson has had an impressive season in the two-day format with figures of 7/98, 7/54 and 6/12 against UCT, Northerns Goodwood and Fish Hoek respectively taking the first and second innings figures into account.
“I have done some of the best bowling of my life this season, which has been awesome and I have carried my bat a few times too when the team needed it,” said Williamson.
Claremont had a WPCA two-day season to remember after they won the league and have been promoted to the WPCA premier league next season.
Claremont coach Brad Player said his side has had a fantastic season with each player contributing to the cause when needed.
“The players have developed a trust in each others’ abilities and have not let pressure situations derail our goals. To win eight out of nine with only the one draw speaks for itself.
“As a coach, I could not be more proud and happier for every one of them. There was such a genuine happiness for each other when realising what we had achieved. Memories were made this season that will last for ever,” he said.
Player said the positives they can take into next season are that they performed as a unit and that they can handle the game without panicking.
“We have enjoyed success together and have become a group of mates that are willing to put everything on the line for each other. We set goals at the start of the season and did not take our foot off the pedal at any stage. If you want something bad enough and are willing to put in the appropriate effort, your chances of success are greatly improved,” he said.
To put the cherry on the cake, Claremont are playing in the WPCA Twenty20 final against Edgemead, next month, at Newlands.
“With hard work comes reward and these guys need to enjoy the fruits of their labour for now,” he said.
