The title is a first for Northern Cape cricket in 22 years, and came in their first season back in top-flight cricket after a 20-year absence.

The Heat won three of their games, while they drew twice and only suffered a defeat to the runners-up, South Western Districts.

Charlton told OFM Sport that his players deserve the title, especially the batters who impressed during the campaign.

“Very happy with the win in the CSA 4-Day competition,” said Charlton.

“It was incredible from the whole squad over a two-month period. Particularly the batters who were unbelievable. We scored nine hundred throughout the six games.

“Also, I want to make a note of Isaac Dikgale who scored a double-hundred against the Mpumalanga Rhinos over the weekend. It went a long way in securing those points we needed to secure the win.

“We're moving into the 50-over competition which starts next Friday in Kimberley and we are hoping that we can continue with the progression and good performances.

“This is the first professional competition that Northern Cape cricket has won in the last 22 years.

“It's absolutely massive for the union and for the area. It's also massive for the players and the people of the area.

“That's what I always wanted to try to institute and bring in. Is that we were trying to upskill our area and community. That is massively important for us.”

The all-rounder, Evan Jones, was the leading run-scorer for the Heat in the competition with 415 runs in four games with a highest score of 157*. The captain, Aubrey Swanepoel, was the leading wicket-taker for the Heat with 17 scalps in his four matches.

The Heat will now turn their attention to the 2nd Division of the One-Day Cup and face the Eastern Storm next week Friday in Kimberley.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport