UCBSA: News round-up from the South African Leagues

In a first for South African cricket, two club teams from the previously disadvantaged sector have won their provincial Premier leagues. Since unification in 1991, this is the first time a predominantly black club has won a premier league championship.

The 2000 Premier league in Griqualand West was won this weekend by the Yorkshire Cricket Club of Galeshewe in Kimberley. Strong pre-season preparation and focus ensured the club were always in the running. The club, which has been going for some 20 years, focused on 15 players as a core squad for their first team and concentrated on winning 90% of their first-round fixtures. Importantly, six of the YCC's First XI are schoolboys, which indicates the success of a strong link between school cricket and club level. The boys have trained through the provincial academy and are looking ahead to the MTN National Club Championship in Pretoria in September.

In the Border region, the United Cricket Club overtook Old Selbornians at the top of the points table halfway through the season and never looked back. The club was formed five years ago with the amalgamation of four clubs in the Buffalo Flats area in central East London and focuses on the strength of a large following in the traditionally coloured area. Three players from the club are training at the Border Academy with one, Laden Gamiet (22), selected for duty at the prestigious national Plascon Academy this year. United will also head to the MTN National Club Championship in September for the first time.

UCBSA managing director Dr Ali Bacher said: "The achievements of these two clubs are significant to South African cricket. The development of cricket is truly taking root in clubs around the country and we are now seeing its benefits."