Tuskers Women show resilience and growth at CSA Division 2 Week

Moothee Ram Tuskers star Jessica Candler (left) is presented with a Coffee Box voucher by coach Adele van Wyk (right) after another strong performance at the recent CSA Division 2 Week.

The Moothee Ram Tuskers Women’s team returned from Bloemfontein with renewed confidence following a competitive showing at the CSA Women’s Division 2 cross-pool week, held from 29 March-4 April.

The tournament, a key component of South Africa’s women’s cricket structure, continues to play an important role in advancing access, strengthening the development pipeline and preparing players for progression into elite domestic and national programmes. For the Tuskers, the week delivered a mix of early challenges and strong finishes, underpinned by notable individual performances.

Tuskers opened their campaign against Goldrush Boland, where they were put under pressure early. Boland posted 231/9 despite a solid bowling effort led by Pretty Molefe (3/35) and Hannah Warner (2/32). In reply, Tuskers were bowled out for 54, resulting in a 177-run defeat.

The second match against Eastern Province showed clear improvement. Tuskers posted 138, with Kiandri Bierbaum (27) and Mbali Mkhize (23) making key contributions. Bierbaum also impressed with the ball, claiming 2/13 as Tuskers pushed Eastern Province deep into the chase.

However, Eastern Province reached 139/6 to secure a four-wicket win.

Tuskers turned their campaign around in their third fixture against Kei, producing a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss their opponents for 63. Jessica Candler led the attack with 4/16, supported by Micaela Edwards (2/13). In a tense chase, Gugu Ngcoba’s 21 proved crucial

as Tuskers reached 64/8 to secure a two-wicket victory.

Momentum continued in the fourth match against Eastern Cape Iinyathi. Tuskers delivered a dominant all-round display, bowling their opponents out for 54, with Candler claiming 5/14 and Warner contributing 2/24. The chase was controlled, with Habeebah Shaik’s 19 guiding Tuskers to 55/2 and an eight-wicket win.

The team closed out the week with a comprehensive victory over Northern Cape. Batting first, Tuskers posted 194, highlighted by a standout innings from Candler (62), with Megan Wessels adding 24. Candler completed an exceptional all-round performance by taking 5/10 as Northern Cape were bowled out for 48, securing a 146-run win.

Candler emerged as the leading performer for Tuskers during the week, delivering consistently with both bat and ball, including two five-wicket hauls and a half-century. Bierbaum contributed effectively in both disciplines, while Warner and Molefe provided valuable support with the ball. Ngcoba and Shaik also played important roles in key run chases.

After a difficult start to the tournament, Tuskers showed resilience to secure three consecutive victories, reflecting the growth and potential within the squad. The week in Bloemfontein provided valuable experience and reinforced the team’s upward trajectory within South Africa’s women’s cricket pathway.