Although Ryan Klein was released from Dutch national team commitments, and Ollie White from New Zealand had joined the ranks, the absence of Gavin Kaplan, Noah Croes and Michael Levitt made itself felt.
Especially batting, the Voorburgers missed the runs of the South African, and the two Dutch internationals.
A total of 235 should have been catchable with a full team on the fast pitch, now the counter stopped at 145, a loss by 90 runs. Stand-in captain Ryan klein lost the toss and was asked to field first.
Amsterdam openers Prince and Rasool got off to a good start and seemed to put 43 runs in 4 overs on the board in no time without losing a wicket.
The last ball of the fourth over had to be bowled over (wide) and Michael Molenaar seized the opportunity to send Rasool aside with 21 runs (bowled).
Not much later he repeated the trick by tempting Prince (22 runs) to hit the ball to Gigani, who gratefully accepted the present.
VCC got a bit more in control and with a run rate around 5, the young brigade seemed to get things back on track.
Captain and dangerman Smal (39, caught by Laurens Boissevain on the bowling of brother Philip) and keeper Skully (30) contributed and Elijah Eales even managed 73 before he was caught by Michael Molenaar on the bowling of Mees van Vliet.
The first inning ended on 235, a certainly not unachievable total on a beautiful pitch that served as the setting for a trio of international matches earlier in the week.
Alejo Nota bowled economically with only 20 runs against in 6 overs, capturing 2 wickets.
Unfortunately, VCC had to miss out on opener Nehaan Gigani in the run chase early on.
New Zealander Olly White, who was allowed to act as a replacement for the missing internationals, did make a useful partnership of 45 runs with youngster Cedric de Lange, but once they were out the middle-order failed.
At 123/9 the end seemed imminent but Voorburg talents Alejo Nota (5*) and Tom de Leede (36*) bravely resisted, taking the total to 145 runs.
The latter may yet become important if decisions in the event of a tie are to be decided on run-rate (“goal difference”). HBS leaves the points to Punjab, HCC wins HBS faced leader Punjab in Rotterdam-Zuid.
Although opener Lucas del Bianco made 59 runs, the Hagenaars could not follow that up and with 152 runs all batters were back on the sidelines.
Punjab had no trouble with the total and within 22 overs they passed the target.
HCC did manage to win against Schiedam’s Hermes (Staal 75, Overdijk 38 v 4 in 10), so the standings are now as follows in the Top Class championship pool: 1.
Punjab and HCC 13-18, 3.
VRA 13-16, 4 VCC and HBS 13-15, 6.
Hermes DVS 13-11.
Next week is the final round in the second phase and then VCC (away at Punjab) and HBS (away at Hermes) will decide who settles into the top-4 to compete for the national title.
VCC has a better net run rate, but HBS the weaker opponent on paper.
HCC is already seeded for that top-4.