Rod Lyall 20/05/24
One of the most significant aspects of this Topklasse season is that it brings a resumption of the Schiedam Derby, long one of the most notable features of the Dutch cricket season.
Promoted club Hermes-DVS started their T20 campaign at a gallop, thanks in large measure to their opening pair, Chris Klijnhans and Daniel Doyle, but apart from Doyle’s blazing second century of the season last weekend they have found life a bit more difficult since.
Skipper Sebastiaan Braat has been a tower of strength in the middle order as well as being a key member of the seam attack, but Aryan Dutt has had limited success with the bat.
Dutt’s bowling, though, is a key factor in the longer format, and his absence through national team commitments will have a big impact on Hermes’ chances of making it into the top six; realistically, staying well clear of the relegation zone and avoiding a quick return to the Hoofdklasse is likely to be the club’s main concern.
That said, Klijnhans, Doyle and Ashley Ostling may well find the 50-over format more to their liking, and if they can fire consistently the side will have a decent chance of reaching totals which are within the power of what is an honest but somewhat limited attack to defend.
Oliver Elenbaas has been their leading wicket-taker to date, and Hermes will need him, together with Braat, to put the generally powerful top order of opposing sides under early pressure if they are to succeed at this level, especially when the reliable Dutt is away.
Ravi Thapliyal has done enough to suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the attack, but generally speaking Hermes have given the impression of relying rather too heavily on a small core of players, and they may find the going tough as the Topklasse competition unfolds.
Neighbours Excelsior ’20 had a somewhat disappointing 2023, and they will be looking for significant improvement this year.
Having taken over the captaincy from Tom Heggelman, Roel Verhagen has been in good form with the bat, and he and established opening partner Tim Etman lead a top order in which Lorenzo Ingram remains a stalwart factor, reinforced by the arrival of the experienced Derek Mitchell, the return of Joost Kroesen from Sparta, and the continuing emergence of Stan van Troost.
The limitations of the T20 format mean that Kroesen has had few chances so far, especially because the top four have been in outstanding form, and the same applies to allrounder Victor Lubbers, whose contribution since his arrival from Salland has mainly been with the ball.
Australian overseas Jason Ralston is the new spearhead of the Excelsior attack, and he and Niels Etman, supported by Jens Blankestijn, will provide the cutting edge.
But under Heggelman’s captaincy Excelsior frequently proved themselves able to defend comparatively low totals, with Ingram’s control an important factor, and with Lubbers chipping in and wrist spinner Luuk Kroesen playing an increased role, they have the resources to maintain that tradition.
As things stand they are free from losses to the national team, and they will doubtless be delighted that their match against defending champions Voorburg is scheduled for 1 June.
TKcricket 