The character shown by his players at times when their backs were against the wall – that was what most impressed Steinhoff Maties Cricket coach Andrew Wylie at the recent Varsity Cricket tournament held in Potchefstroom.

The Maties were top of the log after the round-robin stage, but lost in the semi-final against the University of Pretoria. Home-team Pukke won the title and Maties ended third in the competition.

"The standard of play was very good. All the teams were very competitive and there were no games where one team trounced the other. The tournament has definitely grown in stature," said Wylie.

"A number of things stood out for me. Firstly, the way in which each player played his individual role to the benefit of the team. The character they showed in the moments when we had our backs against the wall, is not something you can teach players. I can't take credit for that. It says something about the team. Their body language in both the hard and the good times was impressive too."

A number of players competed in their first Varsity Cricket tournament. One of them was the captain, Gerhard Erasmus.

"The youngsters learned and grew a lot. Our captain also grew in stature and in his role. His confidence increased with each match and the players clearly accepted his leadership," added Wylie.

"I also have to mention the intensity with which the players trained and played – in the build-up to the competition and at the tournament. It was amazing to see."

• Maties bowler Mihlali May was included in the USSA team that will compete in the Futures Cup later this year. Fenito Mehl was selected as non-travelling reserve.
• Photo credit: SASPA