Stating that Assupol TuksCricket is currently the best club in South Africa might seem arrogant, but then again there is no arguing with statistics and results.
For nearly a decade the team has gone from strength to strength in local competitions possibly winning more tournaments than any other club. Assupol TuksCricket players have also impacted in a big way on the international cricket scene.
For the first time since 1970, the Proteas managed to beat the Australians in local test series. It is interesting to note that no less than six former Tuks players - Faf du Plessis (captain), AB de Villiers, Morné Morkel, Theunis de Bruyn, Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi – contributed to the success. It proves that it is the club where good players become great players.
At the start of this season, Assupol TuksCricket won the Varsity Tournament. The team is also the current USSA champions as well as the Momentum National Club Champions and keeps on dominating the local leagues.
During last week’s year-end function the players were honoured for their role in ensuring that Assupol TuksCricket remains in the forefront of cricketing excellence.
Ivan Kriek received the award as the best batsman and Ruben Trumpelmann as the best bowler.
At the beginning of last season, Nkosinathi Mszia had a serious talk with Kruger van Wyk (head coach) in which he explained that he wanted to become a top-class spin bowler. It was agreed that it is a doable goal. After spending countless hours in the nets under the guidance of the coaches, Mszia got to star for Assupol Tuks during the Varsity Tournament. His determination led to him receiving the award as the most improved player.
Neil Brand who captained the team to the Varsity-title deservedly got the players player of the year award. For the duration of the tournament, he gave an exemplary performance leading from the front. In nine innings he scored 300 runs at an average of 42.9. He was justly the one to score the winning runs for Tuks during the final by hitting a four in the last over with just two balls to spare. Brand was equally impressive as a bowler taking nine wickets during the tournament.
Donovan Ferreira is the Assupol TuksCricket player of the year. Van Wyk describes him as the ultimate all-rounder. During the Varsity and USSA Tournaments, he proved that he can bat, bowl and can take incredible catches.
One of his best performances during the Varsity Tournament was again the University of Johannesburg (UJ). It was a must-win encounter for Tuks to remain in contention.
Ferreira was brilliant. Not only did he score 79 runs off 40 balls, but he also took three wickets as well as a fantastic catch. In the semi-final against UJ, he scored 43 runs off 22 balls and took a wicket.
It is safe to predict that Assupol TuksCricket will win more titles this season and it won't be a surprise if more of the players get called up for national duty.
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