All-round performance propels Gugs to fourth season victory

Gugulethu Cricket Club opener Mangaliso Mtima led from the front with his composed knock of 42, laying the platform for a much-needed return to winning ways for his side.

His innings set the tone early and gave Gugs the momentum they needed before an all-round effort from the bowling unit ensured the side successfully defended their total of 153.

The Western Province Cricket Association First Division B clash, played at NY49 against UCT, saw Gugs deliver a very disciplined performance.

Mtima found strong support from Sindile Ndinga, who contributed a valuable 35, and Sphamandla Hlakudi, who added 23 to help push the home side to a competitive total in their One-Day encounter.

This came despite a standout individual effort from UCT bowler Jason Jansen, whose impressive spell of 5-34 threatened to derail Gugs’ innings. He was the clear danger man, but Gugs still managed to post a defendable score before being bowled out in the 31st over.

Once it was their turn with the ball, Gugs turned up the pressure. Andile Ntuli and Feza Fihla led the attack, providing crucial breakthroughs at key stages of the chase.

Ntuli finished with excellent figures of 3-15, while Fihla supported with 2-19. Their efforts saw UCT dismissed in the 39th over, sealing a well-earned 23-run victory.

The win marked Gugs’ fourth victory in six matches. After dropping their previous fixture against Bishop Lavis, the side responded strongly. The result keeps log leaders such as Yorkshire and Bishop Lavis firmly in check as the competition continues to tighten at the top.