The first cricket team of the University of the Free State (UFS) ended the National Club Championship in Pretoria in fifth position, officially making them the country’s fifth-best club-cricket team for the 2018/2019 season. 

They secured two wins – over the Madibaz and Impala – in five matches.

The Kovsies, without two of their stars, Marno van Greunen and Sean Whitehead – due to work and study commitments – ended the tournament on a high on Wednesday 17 April 2019. They thumped Impala, the Gauteng representative, by an emphatic nine wickets on the final day.

The winning margin against the Madibaz was six wickets.

The UFS, who did not qualify for last year’s champs, bowled Impala out for 144 in 33 overs. Wizzard Ncedane led a fine bowling display. The medium-pacer claimed 3 for 49. He was well-supported by Siphamandla Mavanda (2/8), Christo van Staden (2/9), and captain AJ van Wyk (2/33). 

Breezy half-centuries from Wihan Victor (53 off 52 balls, 8 fours) and Stephan van Vollenhoven (54 off 40 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) then powered the Knights representatives to victory with more than 30 overs to spare.

Victor, an opening batsman, ended as the UFS top run scorer. He scored 204 runs in five innings at an average of 51.

Only three other batsmen at the tournament scored more runs.

Wizard was the pick of the bowlers. He claimed eight wickets for 132 runs in four innings at an average of 16,5 and a strike rate of 24,5. His eight scalps were the joint second most at the tournament.