Few would bet that the same two batsmen would be involved in a match-winning partnership against the same team to clinch a national title within months.
But it did actually happen. On Wednesday at the Tuks Groenkloof Oval, Merrick Brett and Matthew Boast steered Tuks to victory against the University of Northwest in the unofficial final of the National Club Championships.
Five months earlier, they did the same when Tuks and Northwest battled it out for the spoils in the USSA final played in Cape Town. The only difference was that on Wednesday, Boast scored the winning runs. In December, it was Brett. Tuks won both games by three wickets.
According to Boast, he did not think he would bat on Wednesday, as with Tuks’s score at 54/2, a victory seemed like a foregone conclusion. But then there was a batting collapse. Tuks lost five quick wickets.
“Suddenly, I had the pads on. I won’t lie. It was a bit nerve-wracking watching our batting collapse. I was nervous until I crossed the rope. When I did, it was about getting the job done. We needed about 25 runs. We were going to go with singles. I, however, changed my mind and decided to get the job finished. Getting to hit the winning runs is one of the most special moments of my cricket career,'” said Boast.
Winning the National Club Championships was an excellent way for Tuks to end a season in which they won every tournament they contested.
Asked to explain how Tuks can be so competitive season after season Boast said everything starts at practice.
“Every training is a competition. You know three other guys can take your place in the team. They will go to extremes to get that spot on the field. It is not only about you once you wear the shirt with the Tuks badge. You are playing for the university and for every player who represented Tuks before you and will do so after you. A big thing for us is our belief in each other’s abilities. We back ourselves in any situation.”
Boast is a fast bowler. His fastest delivery was measured at 142km/ph the last time he was tested. He, however, believes that he is now even faster. Fast bowlers have a reputation as being the “meanies” on the field. Boast admits to it.
“I have a bit of ‘white line fever’ when competing. I take it very seriously. It is essential to get into the head of a batsman. I would say I am a bit fiery on the field, but I would never swear at a batsman. I don’t think that is in my ‘DNA’. I would give them the odd stare-down. My favourite time to bowl is when the team is under pressure. I guess it is one of my best traits.”
Boast took seven wickets in five games during the National Club Championships. In the final, he took 2/33.