The Top and Main Division teams in the Hague region have started the 2025 cricket season in a mixed manner. VCC won the meeting with Sparta in Capelle, but HCC, HBS and Quick had to leave victory to their opponents.
With an unfamiliar pitch in a new season, VCC captain Noah Croes opted to bowl first. At an interval of 150 runs and seven Capellenarians out (Kyle Klesse 41), VCC seemed to be able to keep Sparta under 200 runs. However, Umar Baker (26) had other plans and set the final score at 210 runs. Spinbowler Udit Nashier had a fine debut for VCC with three wickets for 40 runs. Professional Bas de Leede, normally active in England but now temporarily available for his old club, and Cedric de Lange each took two catches in the outfield.
After a moderate start (31/2), Gavin Kaplan and Bas de Leede showed how to build a runchase. Very calmly and without taking any risks, the two batsmen worked their way to a fantastic partnership of 124 runs for the third wicket. Sam Ferguson claimed the catch off Bas de Leede (57), but Kaplan remained unapproachable with 85 runs. VCC reached the target well before the end.
Hague clubs lose
HCC had a rough start to the season. Visiting Hermes DVS won by 99 runs, thanks in part to many runs by opener Aryan Dutt.
HBS got right to visit Punjab. The Crows put up a reasonable 238, with half centuries for Walbrugh, Kyle Klein and Elmar Boendermaker. Thanks to 111 runs from Mohsin Riaz and 71 not out from Sikander Zulfiqar, the reigning champion surpassed this score in 38.4 overs.
In the big league, Quick had a run-rich start to the season. VVV made 401 runs (Balwinder Singh 159) on the small field in Amsterdam. Jeroen Brand took 2-11, but had to drop out with an injury and did not bat. Still, Quick put up 374 runs through Ahmadzai 76, Bevilaqua 72 and Dekeling 89.
Photo: VCC’s winning team (photo: Richard de Lange)
