Pieter Daneel and Niel Botha have been family friends since they were both based in Stellenbosch. Daneel said that both their fathers were friends which made this experience “go full circle”. PHOTO: Supplied/Pieter Daneel.
Two former Stellenbosch University students featured for Cambridge University Cricket Club (CUCC) in their victory over Oxford University Cricket Club (OUCC).
Pieter Daneel and Niel Botha played in what is otherwise known as “The Varsity Match” during 3 September to 6 September. This historic fixture has been played annually in the United Kingdom since 4 June 1827, according to the CUCC match report.
“This definitely topped off an incredible year at Cambridge and is an experience I will cherish forever,” said Botha.
Bottoms Up! The Cambridge University Cricket Club celebrated their victory over Oxford University Cricket Club with a beer after the match. PHOTO: Supplied/Pieter Daneel.
The match was originally set to take place in July, but was postponed until 3 September, according to the same match report.
In compliance with government and English Cricket Board (ECB) Covid-19 regulations, the match was also played behind closed doors at the Fenner’s cricket ground in Cambridge, it was stated on CUCC’s website.
“Although this felt quite unusual, it did not hinder the competitiveness or enjoyment for both sides. In fact, these were small prices to pay for the opportunity to play the matches in these challenging times,” said Botha.
In addition, social distancing restrictions were also implemented while the match ball was sanitised every six overs, making it “slippery as soap”, according to Daneel.
“It was strange and quiet playing behind closed doors as this prestigious fixture normally attracts up to 2 000 spectators,” said Daneel.
This scorecard showcases the batting scores which were recorded during the 2020 Varsity Match. INFOGRAPHIC: Michael Brown.
During the match, Daneel scored a century in his second innings after ending the day with 125 runs, bringing his match total to 147 runs. Daneel also took four catches.
Botha also contributed to CUCC’s convincing 249 run victory by taking five wickets and scoring 38 runs in total, according to the CUCC match report.
“For two Afrikaans Stellenbosch boys to beat the University of Oxford is as good as it gets,” said Daneel.
A view from the skippers
“Personally, it was a huge goal of mine to win that game, and to win it in the manner we did was even better,” Nick Taylor, CUCC’s captain for the match told the From The Pavilion podcast.
Although no spectators were allowed to watch the match, a live streaming of the event was provided. CUCC’s Instagram account also kept viewers up to date on the action with Pieter Daneel’s batting efforts. INSTAGRAM POST: @bluescricket.
Taylor further elaborated that since this is the last year that this match will hold first-class status as accredited by the ECB, it gave him further motivation to win the encounter.
Meanwhile Toby Pettman, OUCC captain, said he was disappointed with the result and this loss, but believes the result will spur his team on for next year’s match.
“We were nowhere near our best for all four days so we can’t have any complaints about the result. It will definitely spur the guys on for next year,” Pettman said.
Pettman also said that his team can take comfort from their victory over CUCC in a 50-over match on 1 September.