Rescuer: John Geoghegan piles on a matching-saving 142 runs against Cape Town.

by Brian McMillan

Exams are upon us and as a result these are "testing times" for UCT cricket as well. Most of our players simply don't have the time to spend all weekend on the cricket field plus two evenings a week at practices. Unlike rugby, hockey or soccer, our games aren't over in a matter of a few hours. A full day out of one's study schedule, I've been assured by many, cannot be afforded. Unfortunately, although it is an honour, we've also lost two regular first-side players to the Provincial B side for a few weekends now, adding further strain to the sides.

Sadly this has meant our third side had to forfeit a game already, as one cannot field a full strength cricket side with only six men.

On a more positive note, our first side's bowling is going from strength to strength, with spinners Chris Arkell and Bobby Dodds especially coming into form. The game against Western Province Cricket Club is testament to this with the guys fighting back to almost successfully defend a very low total of 144. Unfortunately it was not to be, with only nine wickets being taken in the end, but the game proved to all that UCT is still a force to be reckoned with and that playing "positive cricket" can get one somewhere.

A limited overs game against Victoria Cricket Club served to lift everyone's spirits when the opposition was bowled out for just 100. Chris Arkell was the pick of the bowlers taking 3/17 in 7 overs. It's this kind of cricket that keeps the players motivated and helps strengthen their resolve during the tough times that may lie ahead.

Then of course John Geoghegan scored an inspiring 142 - a UCT record - in the second innings of our game against Cape Town Cricket Club. Geoghegan spared us a few blushes after we managed only 120 in our first innings. Cape Town replied with 212, and we were just about dead in the water at 85/6 in the second innings when Geoghegan came to the side's rescue. We almost pulled off an unlikely victory when we reduced Cape Town, chasing 192, to 170/8 by the end of the day's play.

Testing times for UCT students but as a result testing times for UCT cricket too. The focus remains on being positive–.watch this space!