Colin Kruger’s Masterclass and Dean’s Destruction Seal the Deal for Bedfordview

Bedfordview Poly’s had a strong start to the Eastern Storm Veterans Cricket League with a clinical 8-wicket win over Springs Old Boys in Game 3 of the opening weekend. It was a match defined by two standout individual performances: Gavin Dean’s fiery five-wicket haul that broke the backbone of the Springs innings, and Colin Kruger’s unbeaten 82 that ensured a smooth run chase.

First Innings – Gavin Dean Rips Through Springs’ Line-Up
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Springs Old Boys endured a shaky start and were never allowed to settle. Bedfordview’s opening bowlers — particularly Gavin Dean and Anthony Tollemache — applied relentless pressure. Dean led the attack with pace and accuracy, striking in his second over and returning later to wipe out the lower order. His final figures of 6-0-31-5 included the wickets of key middle and lower-order batters and earned him Player of the Match honours.

Tollemache (4-1-15-2) chipped in with early breakthroughs, including both openers within the first three overs. At 18/3, Springs were in disarray, and despite a 42-run partnership between Tebogo Gaduka (44 off 54) and Clyde Van Niekerk (43 off 40), the innings never fully recovered.

Van Niekerk’s counterattack, featuring 4 sixes, briefly lifted Springs to 126/5, but once he departed, the tail crumbled. Dean’s return to the attack in the death overs sealed the collapse, with Springs losing 5 wickets for just 30 runs to be bowled out for 156 in 29 overs. Extras again played a significant part, with 28 conceded, including 26 wides.

Second Innings – Kruger’s Masterclass Seals It Early
Chasing 157, Bedfordview Poly’s began cautiously but confidently. Despite the early loss of Carl Mellors (19), bowled by Riaan van der Merwe, the platform was laid for Colin Kruger to take command.

Kruger constructed a chanceless innings, mixing crisp boundaries with aggressive strokeplay. He struck 9 fours and 3 sixes in his 82 off just 58 balls*, keeping the required rate comfortably in check. His timing against both pace and spin was immaculate, particularly during his acceleration post-50.

Nico Swanepoel (28 off 31) offered solid support in a 66-run stand before falling to Gaduka. But there were no late hiccups — Casper van der Walt (9 off 9)* calmly finished the job alongside Kruger as Bedfordview cruised to 157/2 in 20.4 overs, with nearly 10 overs to spare.

Key Performances:
Player of the Match: Gavin Dean (Bedfordview Poly’s): 6-0-31-5 – match-winning spell; Player of the Match Colin Kruger (Bedfordview Poly’s): 82* (58 balls), 9 fours, 3 sixes
Tebogo Gaduka (Springs Old Boys): 44 (54 balls), 1 six, 3 fours Clyde Van Niekerk (Springs Old Boys): 43 (40 balls), 4 sixes
Anthony Tollemache: 4-1-15-2 – early breakthroughs