Author: hnienaber

Die Hoërskool Fichardtpark vier vanjaar sy 40ste bestaansjaar en dié feesvieringe skop volgende week in Bloemfontein af met die Kovsies Smash-krieketfees. Die toernooi beskik boonop oor die moontlikheid om ‘n jaarlikse instelling te word.

Dié toernooi kan ‘n belangrike rol vertolk om te verseker dat die spel groei in minder tradisionele krieketskole. In totaal sal 16 skole aan die T20-toernooi vanaf 7 tot 11 Januarie in die Rosestad sake uitspook.

Boonop is daar sprake dat die nasionale T20-reeks deur Krieket Suid-Afrika weer in die nabye toekoms geloots sal word. Vir die groei van die spel is toernooie soos hierdie uiters belangrik.

Sedert hertoelating in 1991 het daar minder as ‘n handvol kolwers die Proteas verteenwoordig wat nie hul skoolloopbane aan tradisionele krieketskole voltooi het nie.

Die uittredende Dean Elgar wat die Proteas in sy laaste toets van sy loopbaan teen Indië in Kaapstad aanvoer is een só kolwer. Elgar is ‘n produk van St Dominic’s College in Welkom.

Nog ‘n Protea-kolwer sedert 1991 wie se roete nie vanuit ‘n tradisionele krieketskool was nie, is Jimmy Cook (Hyde Park).

Die organiseerders het ook ‘n belangrike uitnodiging aan die Hoërskool Despatch gestuur. En nie omdat die Springbok-afrigter, Rassie Erasmus, daar op skool was nie, maar die skool se skoolhoof, Colin Bartle, is die voorsitter van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolekrieket-vereniging.

Die gasheer sal teen Overvaal van Vereeniging in sy eerste kragmeting van die toernooi te staan kom. HTS Middelburg en Goudveld-Hoërskool van Welkom is ook saam met Fichies in Groep A geloot.

Jim Fouché sal meeste van sy kragmetings op sy tuisveld, Joe Malherbe-veld, speel en is saam met Hoërskool Middelburg, Voortrekker van Bethlehem en Wesvalia van Klerksdorp geloot. Hierdie is waarskynlik die moeilikste groep van die toernooi.

Groepe: 

Groep A: Fichardtpark, HTS Middelburg, Goudveld-Hoërskool, Overvaal.
Groep B: Jim Fouché, Hoërskool Middelburg, Voortrekker (Bethlehem), Wesvalia.
Groep C: Sentraal, Oos-Moot, Hoërskool Sasolburg, Despatch.
Groep D: Hoërskool Pietersburg, Kalahari (Kuruman), Witteberg, Hoërskool Trio.

Bepalings: 

Dag 1 | 8 Januarie 2024 | 10:00 

Hoërskool Sasolburg vs Oos-Moot (Fichardtpark)
Sentraal vs Despatch (Bobbies)
Kalahari vs Trio (Kovsies I)
Witteberg vs Hoërskool Pietersburg (Kovsies II)
HTS Middelburg vs Goudveld-Hoërskool (Kovsies III)
Fichardtpark vs Overvaal (Kovsies IV)
Jim Fouché vs Wesvalia (Joe Malherbe)
Voortrekker vs Hoërskool Middelburg (Kovsies Oval)

Dag 1 | 8 Januarie 2024 | 15:00 

Hoërskool Sasolburg vs Despatch (Fichardtpark)
Sentraal vs Oos-Moot (Bobbies)
Witteberg vs Kalahari (Kovsies I)
Hoërskool Pietersburg vs Hoërskool Trio (Kovsies II)
Goudveld-Hoërskool vs Overvaal (Kovsies III)
Fichardtpark vs HTS Middelburg (Kovsies IV)
Jim Fouché vs Hoërskool Middelburg (Joe Malherbe)
Voortrekker vs Wesvalia (Kovsies Oval)

Dag 2 | 9 Januarie 2024 | 10:00 

Fichardtpark vs Goudveld-Hoërskool (Fichardtpark)
Overvaal vs HTS Middelburg (Bobbies)
Jim Fouché vs Voortrekker (Kovsies I)
Wesvalia vs Hoërskool Middelburg (Kovsies II)
Witteberg vs Hoërskool Trio (Kovsies III)
Hoërskool Pietersburg vs Kalahari (Kovsies IV)
Sentraal vs Hoërskool Sasolburg (Joe Malherbe)
Despatch vs Oos-Moot (Kovsies Oval)

 

 

MAKHANDA. – The South African Schools‘ cricket side will be led by a pupil from Wynberg Boys’ High in Benni Hansen.

Hansen was rewarded after an excellent Khaya Majola Week with the bat for Western Province. Last year Juan James became the first-ever player from Wynberg Boys’ High to captain the SA Schools’ side.

The first SA Schools team was chosen back in 1940 and only 80 players have had the honour since then to lead the national schools’ side.

Hansen was also named as the Cricketer of the Week.

St Stithians College from Johannesburg has the most representatives in the team with three -with Richard Seletswane, Kwena Maphaka, and Esosa Aihevba – all getting a nod from the selectors.

Their provincial side, Gauteng, was crowned champions of the Khaya Majola Week earlier in the day.

It was Seletswane’s third SA Schools’ cap. The last player to represent the national schools’ side for three years was Thulani Ngxoweni (Selborne College) of Border back in 1996.

Another rare occurrence is with the selection of Boland’s captain, Riley Norton who joins an elite group of sportsmen. Norton is the 15^th sportsman to achieve the feat of being selected for the SA Schools’ rugby and cricket sides.

The list includes sportsmen like Herschelle Gibbs, Conrad Jantjies, Helgard Muller, Gerbrand Grobler, and Ruan de Swardt.

The selectors also sent a clear message with their selection that players’ performances during the Khaya Majola Week take precedence over reputation.

Nine of the South African U19-side who will represent the country at the ICC u19 World Cup did not make the SA Schools or SA Colts sides.

The national SA u19 captain, David Teeger, Nqobani Mokoena, Oliver Whitehead, Romashan Pillay, Martin Khumalo, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Steve Stolk, and Ntando Zuma were not selected for either of the two schools’ sides.

Maphaka, Norton, Seletswane, Dewan Marais (Easterns), Esosa Aihevba (Gauteng) of the national u19-group did make the SA Schools’ side, while Sipho Potsane (Gauteng) received an SA Colts’ cap.

The SA Colts’ side will be captained by North West‘s opening batsman Muhammed Bulbulia.

The SA Schools and Colts sides will face each other in the SA Schools Challenge on St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The teams:

SA Schools: Benni Hansen (Wynberg Boys’ High, WP – captain), Hayden Bishop (Kearsney College, KZN), Esosa Aihevba (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Tristan Luus (Waterkloof, Titans), Kwena Maphaka (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Dewan Marais (Marais Viljoen, Easterns), Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Boland), Parth Patel (St Benedict’s College, Easterns), Ludwich Shuld (Potchefstroom Volkskool, North West), Richard Seletswane (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Ntando Soni (Glenwood, KZN), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Affies, Titans).

SA Colts: Muhammed Bulbulia (Fields College, North West – captain), Ross Boast (Hilton College, KZN Inland), Raeeq Daniels (Rondebosch Boys’ High, WP), Riyaad Davids (SACS, WP), Luke Francis (St John’s College, Gauteng), Enathi Kitshini (Thembalethu, Garden Route Badgers), Simon Liversage (Diamantveld, Northern Cape), Ivan Lockem (Hilton College, KZN Inland), Sabelo Mabanga (Ephes Mamkela, Easterns), Hernus Marais (Waterkloof, Titans), Thabiso Ndlela (St Charles College, KZN Inland), Sipho Potsane (Jeppe, Gauteng).

Cricketer of the Week: Benni Hansen (Western Province)
Batsman of the Week: Dewan Marais (Easterns)
Bowler of the Week: Esosa Aihevba (Central Gauteng Lions)
Fielder of the Week: Dewan Marais (Easterns)
All-rounder of the Week: Simon Liversage (Northern Cape)

The various teams for Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week in Stellenbosch have been announced. The annual tournament will take place from 4 until 9 January 2024.

The Northern Champions is the defending champions of the tournament.

More to follow…

The teams: 

Central Gladiators: Tahseen Hanslo (), Corné Botha (), Cole Francis (), Tjaart Mentz (Helpmekaar, Central Gauteng Lions), Fayaaz Vawda (), Luke Francis (), Gomolemo Phiri (), Thebe Gazide (), Siya Radebe (), Callum Ritchie (), Henricus Meyer (), Jaydon Brooker (Jeppe High School for Boys, Central Gauteng Lions), Boago Gaorelwa ().

Coastal Conquerors: Thabiso Ndlela, Ross Boast (Hilton College, KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Blake Simpson (), Murray Baker (Michaelhouse, KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Hayden Bishop (Kearsney College, KwaZulu-Natal), Ross Coetzee (), Mfanafuthi Shange (), Shazaad Perumal (), Bandile Mbatha (), Ntando Soni (), Semal Pillay (), Roxton Payne (), Buyanda Majola ().

Eastern Warriors: Ben van der Merwe (Selborne College, Border), Sibusiso Mxube (), Jean Upman (Eastern Province), Tré Gilbert (Border), Esa Gangat (Pearson, Eastern Province), Amahle Masiko (), Jacques van der Merwe (Selborne College, Border), Hamza Khan (), Lithemba Nomoyi (), Hlumelo Ntlola (), Ryan Denston (Queen’s College, Border), Randy Syce (), Luphelo Mdyesha ().

Northern Champions: Dewan de Villiers (), Mohammad Aslam (Garsfontein, Titans), Marcus Bakker (Waterkloof, Titans), Tristan Luus (Waterkloof, Titans), Lungile Mabuza (), Modise Maloka (), Dumisani Motshwene (Garsfontein, Titans), Parth Patel (St Benedict’s College, Easterns), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (), Juan Steyn (Marais Viljoen, Easterns), William Tshoke (), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Affies, Titans), Lukas van Rensburg (Affies, Titans).

Southern Superstars: Josh Jordaan (), Mbulelo Dube (), Sibunzana Sibulele (), Siyabonga Venge (), Fayyaad Davids (), Charl-Francois Marais (), Kashief Joseph (), Johan Wege (Paarl Boys’ High, Boland), Benni Hansen (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Callum Appollis (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Boland), Enathi Kitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Paul James (Western Province), Raeeq Daniels (Western Province).

Western Legends: Johnathan Muller (Grey College, Free State), Ludwich Schuld (Potchefstroom Volkskool, North West), Juan Viljoen (Grey College, Free State), Sicelo Matayi (), Darion Rabie (), Simon Liversage (Diamantveld, Northern Cape), Malan Lubbe (Kalahari, Northern Cape), Thuto Matjoi (), Muhammed Bulbulia (Fields College, North West), Dakalo Leketa (St Andrew’s School, Free State), Caiden Seleka (), Dayalan Boyce (), Padi Olefa ().

 

 

MAKHANDA. – The Central Gauteng Lions are the undisputed champions of the annual Khaya Majola Week (u19) that was hosted here.

The team defeated KwaZulu-Natal by 78 runs in the final of the tournament on Graeme College’s Somerset Field. It was the first time in years that an official champion was crowned.

Gauteng was the only side that managed to conclude the week with an unbeaten record intact.

They were made to work hard to reach 176 before being bowled out. Their South African u19-player Richard Seletswane (24) with some help from the middle order batsman Henricus Meyer (26) and tailender Kwena Maphaka (24) managed to give their team total a much-needed boost.

KwaZulu-Natal would’ve felt confident in their run-chase until Romashan Pillay (28) was run out. The team struggled since he left the crease and was bowled out for 98 runs.

The seam bowler Tjaart Mentz (3/22) and left-handed spin bowler Sipho Potsane (2/8) caused most of the damage. Potsane was named Man-of-the-Match well deservedly after the game.

North West’s left-handed batsman Ludwich Schuld (17) was not able to help his province into the Platinum-section of the Khaya Majola Week but he did manage to add his name to an elite group of batsmen.

Schuld has equaled the record of centuries during a Khaya Majola Week career. He has scored two during this edition against Border and Kei to take his tally to three centuries.

The other three batsmen who managed to score three centuries during their careers are AB de Villiers (North Gauteng), Pieter Malan (Northerns/Mpumalanga), and Andrea Agathagelou (North West).

Eastern Province and Free State managed to evade relegation to the Gold-section with respective victories over North West (31 runs) and Mpumalanga (148 runs).

Northern Cape’s Simon Liversage (159) managed to end a superb week for himself on a high note. His century helped his side to a comfortable 111-run victory over the Garden Route Badgers.

His innings are the highest ever by a player from the Northern Cape (also previously Griqualand West) at the week and the fifth highest of any batsman at the Khaya Majola Week.

South African u19 batsman Dewan Marais (142) also joined the party on the last day with a century against Border.

Kei didn’t experience the best of tournaments, but their spin bowler Esam Mpafi (6/36) has produced a brilliant bowling performance to restrict Limpopo to 110 runs. It was the only five-wicket haul on the closing day.

Kei however still lost after Masoli Moremi (4/13) and Nsuku Mathye (3/7) played a major role in bowling them out for a mere 33 runs.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs): 

Central Gauteng Lions 176 (Henricus Meyer 26, Richard Seletswane 24, Kwena Mapakha 24; Buyanda Majola 3/19, Romashan Pillay 2/30, Ntando Soni 2/32); KwaZulu-Natal 98 (Romashan Pillay 28; Tjaart Mentz 3/22, Sipho Potsane 2/8, Cole Francis 2/12). Central Gauteng Lions won by 78 runs.

Titans 184 (Modise Maloka 57*, Tristan Luus 43, Steve Stolk 24; Thabiso Ndlela 3/21, Natanzi Denega 2/30, Cameron Strudwick 2/62); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 169 (Caleb Thomas 50, Ivan Lockem 44, Hernus Marais 4/40, Mohammad Aslam 2/4, Tristan Luus 2/22, William Tshoke 2/51). Titans won by 15 runs.

Boland 133 (Khaya Miselo 39, JJ van der Sandt 20; Raeeq Daniels 3/22); Western Province 136/2 (Joshua Wyngaard 57*, Paul James 43*, Kashief Joseph 20; Cormey van der Watt 1/15). Western Province won by eight wickets.

Eastern Province 232 (Nolan di Poalo 60, Jean Upman 43, Harry van Heerden 37, Sibusiso Mxube 30, Kian Cambier 20; Lung May 2/22, Thuto Matjoi 2/29, Tumelo Makume 2/43); North West 201 (Berno de Klerk 54, Muhammed Bulbalia 45, Marnu Cronjé 21; Hamza Khan 3/34, Matthew Beamish 2/25, Esa Gangat 2/54). Eastern Province won by 31 runs.  

Free State 263/9 (Khanyisile Nondwangu 83, Connor Nel 35, Samokelo Lepheto 35*, Juan Viljoen 23; Jayden Meyer 2/13, Dian Eicker 2/44, Davico Kruger 2/46); Mpumalanga 115(Luke Poisson 33, Davico Kruger 22, Bruce Nel 22; Dakalo Leketa 3/30, Juan Viljoen 2/0, Johnathan Muller 2/18, Samokelo Lepheto 2/25). Free State won by 148 runs.

Easterns 332/9 (Dewan Marais 142, Sheldon van Wyk 68, Tristan van Schalkwyk 37; Hlumelo Ntlola 2/58, Amahle Masiko 2/65, Ryan Denston 2/75); Border 210 (Ben van der Merwe 52, Chad Clark-Evans 42*, Extras 27, Amahle Masiko 20*; Tshegofatso Nthare 4/29, Parth Patel 2/46, Dean Hackner 2/48). Easterns won by 131 runs.   

Northern Cape 257/8 (Simon Liversage 159, Yazeed Kajee 26*; Sibabalwe Msi 2/17, Charl-Francois Marais 2/29); Garden Route Badgers 147/8 (Stefan May 30, Charl-Francois Marais 22*, Corné Kennedy 22*; Monnapule Jansen 4/26, Yazeed Kajee 2/19). Northern Cape won by 111 runs (D/L-method).

Limpopo 110 (Ruben Vosloo 25; Esam Mpafa 6/36, Melusi Mqabashe 2/13); Kei 33(Masoli Moremi 4/13, Nsuku Mathye 3/7). Limpopo won by 77 runs.

MAKHANDA. – Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will face each other in the main match of this year’s edition of the Khaya Majola Week here.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

These sides are two of the three unbeaten sides left after the fourth day. All the matches on the fourth day were affected by rain with only three matches delivering results.

The main match will be played at Graeme College’s Somerset Field. The school is celebrating its 150^th anniversary this year and this match will be the conclusion of a memorable year.

Both semi-finals didn’t deliver a result.

Gauteng’s match against the Titans was restricted to 26 overs per team. When the match was called off after rain interrupted play in the afternoon the Titans were on 19 without loss after only five deliveries.

The other semi-final between KwaZulu-Natal and KZN Inland was restricted to 36 overs per side. The latter was on 59/3 after 14 overs when play was called off.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Hayden Bishop (108*) helped his side earlier to reach 208/4 in their allotted overs.

The Free State and the hosts, Eastern Province, will be fighting for survival in the Platinum-section on the final day of the tournament.

Free State will face the only other unbeaten side, Mpumalanga, in their promotion/relegation clash, while Eastern Province will take on North West for a spot in next year’s Platinum-section.

North West’s Muhammad Bulbulia (84) and Marneau Dreyer (82) shared an opening partnership of 165 runs to help their side to 1985/5 in their allotted 35 overs.

Northern Cape’s Simon Liversage (59) was, without a doubt, with Malan Lubbe, their side’s stalwarts in Makhanda. North West, however, won the clash by 56 runs according to the Duckworth/Lewis-method.

It was one of only three matches where a result was produced.

Easterns were in a devastating mood against Kei. Their opening batsmen, Aldré Huyzer (164) and Sabelo Mabanga (142) shared a partnership of 311 runs to get their side to a massive 412/2 in 37 overs.

Huyzer’s innings is the third highest ever at the Khaya Majola Week. Only outdone by Free State’s Rilee Rossouw’s 182 versus Kei back in 2006, as well as Jaco Booysen of Easterns’ 179 against the Free State in 2002.

Huyzer only faced 105 deliveries and struck 14 fours and eight sixes in his innings. His opening partner, Mabanga, only needed 84 deliveries to amass his runs hitting 23 boundaries of which six were maximums.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs):

Central Gauteng Lions 208/5 (Richard Seletswane 56, David Teeger 48, Luke Francis 48, Lhuan-dré Pretorius 30; Tristan Luus 3/45); Titans 19/0 (Steve Stolk 11*). No Result.

KwaZulu-Natal 208/4 (Hayden Bishop 108*, Romashan Pillay 38; Caleb Thomas 1/5); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 59/3 (Bryn Brokensha 18*; Ntando Soni 2/12). No Result.

Eastern Province 226/9 (Matthew Beamish 42, Russel Peterson 38, Matthew Poole 30*, Jean Upman 28, Esa Gangat 21; Juanrico Vorster 2/39); Boland 82/3 (Cormey van der Watt 43*, Riley Norton 21*; Matthew Beamish 2/29). No Result.

Western Province 201/7 (Kashief Joseph 72, Oliver Whitehead 29, Benjamin Whitehead 22; Connor Nel 3/37, Dakalo Leketa 2/19, Juan Viljoen 2/42); Free State 18/1 (André du Preez 10; Fayaad Davids 1/6). No Result.

Mpumalanga 184/9 (Luke Poisson 42, Davico Kruger 39, Jayden Meyer 31, Rovonne Singh 25: Jessie Lewis 3/31, Stefan May 2/33); Garden Route Badgers 177 (Zane Greyling 69, Stefan May 33; Davico Kruger 3/28, Dian Eicker 3/38). Mpumalanga won by seven runs (D/L-method).

North West 198/5 (Muhammed Bulbulia 84, Marneau Dreyer 82; Simon Liversage 3/12, Gift Seane 2/21); Northern Cape 124/8 (Simon Liversage 59, Junaid Jacobs 22; Kai Trumpleman 4/12, Tumelo Makume 2/33). North West won by 56 runs (D/L-method).

Border 185/8 (Tre Gilbert 59, Ryan Denston 31, Osiphesona Mbekwa 26; Michael Nel 2/21); Limpopo 89 (Jeandré Strydom 19; Hlumelo Ntlola 3/8, Adam Rogers 3/18, Ryan Debston 2/10, Chad Clark-Evans 2/11). Border won by 96 runs (D/L-method).

Easterns 412/2 (Aldré Huyzer 164, Sabelo Mabanga 142, Tristan van Schalkwyk 51*, Dewan Marais 35*, Extras 20; Melusi Mqabashe 1/71); Kei 39/4 (Aphiwe Magagamela 10; Ndaba Nhlakanipa 4/12). No Result.

MAKHANDA. – Last year’s unofficial champions of the Khaya Majola Week, Western Province, is out of the race to claim the first official title in years.

The Titans defeated Western Province by 16 runs in a closely contested match on the third day of the tournament. Not even a century by Benni Hansen (114*) could save their day and tournament.

Hansen has had a superb week thus far and without a doubt would’ve made the SA Schools selectors take notice.

The Titans’ pace merchants, Hernus Marais (4/18) and Tristan Luus (2/41) caused Western Province’s batsmen some problems.

The Titans will face the early favourites to be crowned champions, the Central Gauteng Lions, in the semi-final on the fourth day. KwaZulu-Natal and KZN Inland will battle it out in the other semi-final for a spot in the final.

Western Province will face Free State in their next match. The loser will play in a promotion/relegation match on the final day of the tournament.

The Free State and the hosts, Eastern Province, will be searching for their first victory in Makhanda.

The Central Gauteng Lions had to work hard to defeat KZN Inland by 29 runs to top their pool. Ross Boast (2/30) showed his class and had the Lions with their backs against the wall at 35/3 after his first spell.

Luke Francis (73) and Henricus Meyer (41) had to bat their team out of trouble.

North West’s Ludwich Schuld (117*) also made sure with his second century of the week that the selectors didn’t forget about him. He steered his side to a victory of four wickets over Border.

This victory means that North West is in the running to gain promotion. Border’s duo of brothers, Jacques (70) and Ben van der Merwe (59) contributed half-centuries in the defeat.

South African u19 allrounder Riley Norton (84*) was the star for Boland as they beat Free State by 74 runs. This performance has kept Norton’s hopes to do the double – SA Schools cricket and rugby, alive.

Johan Wege (52) and Josh Jordaan (52) also weighed in with half-centuries for Boland.

KwaZulu-Natal topped their pool after a convincing 131-run victory over Eastern Province. Ross Coetzee (66*) and Hayden Bishop (50) led the batting effort, while Ntando Soni (3/11) continued his excellent performances with the ball in hand.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs):

Central Gauteng Lions 196/8 (Luke Francis 73, Henricus Meyer 41, Tjaart Mentz 34; Cameron Strudwick 2/24, Ross Boast 2/30); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 167 (Natanzi Denega 30, Ross Boast 29, Nathan Beaumont 27; Fayaaz Vawda 4/31, Esosa Aihevba 2/25, Tjaart Mentz 2/30). Central Gauteng Lions won by 29 runs.

KwaZulu-Natal 226/7 (Ross Coetzee 66*, Hayden Bishop 50, Bandile Mbatha 47, Evan Fouché 25, Extras 20; Jean Upman 3/21); Eastern Province 95 (Matthew Poole 36; Ntando Soni 3/11, Ross Coetzee 2/15). KwaZulu-Natal won by 131 runs.

Titans 230/9 (Lethabo Phahlamohlaka 52, Lukas van Rensburg 43, Mohammad Aslam 32, Hernus Marais 24, Modise Maloka 21, Marcus Bakker 21; Alexander Combrink 4/42, Raeeq Daniels 2/49); Western Province 214 (Benjamin Hansen 114*, Ethan Kotze 43, Paul James 28; Hernus Marais 4/18, Tristan Luus 2/41). Titans won by 16 runs.

Boland 246/6 (Riley Norton 84*, Johan Wege 52, Josh Jordaan 52; Kamohelo Mokoena 1/6); Free State 172 (Connor Nel 50, Juan Viljoen 45, Samakelo Lepetho 26; Juanrico Vorster 4/28). Boland won by 74 runs.

Border 214 (Jacques van der Merwe 70, Ben van der Merwe 59; Zavier van Rensburg 3/45; Berno de Klerk 2/37, Kalego Moloto 2/41); North West 217/6 (Ludwich Schuld 117*, Caiden Seleka 42, Extras 25; Lithemba Noyomi 3/62, Hlumelo Ntlola 2/35). North West won by four wickets.

Garden Route Badgers 273/6 (Zane Greyling 66, Elro Spies 61, Thurston Murphy 48, Extras 36, Devino Koen 21*; Tshegofatso Nthare 2/48, Parth Patel 2/54); Easterns 225 (Sabelo Mabanga 65, Tristan van Schalkwyk 57, Aldré Huyzers 43, Dean Hackner 23; Stefan May 4/48, Jessie Lewis 2/23, Charl-Francois Marais 2/54). Garden Route Badgers won by 48 runs.

Limpopo 89 (Victor Sehata 27, Michael Nel 21*; Malan Lubbe 3/14, Luan de la Rey 3/26, Tumiso Seetelo 2/11); Northern Cape 95/1 (Simon Liversage 41, Gift Seane 21*; Nsuku Mathye 1/26). Northern Cape won by nine wickets.

Kei 66 (Esam Mpafa 25*; Dian Eicker 4/16, Luke Poisson 3/19, Curtleigh Koetzee 2/9); Mpumalanga 67/1 (Rovonne Singh 31*; Qika Nika 1/4). Mpumalanga won by nine wickets.

It is fitting that Graeme College’s 150th celebrations will conclude with the annual Khaya Majola Week that is being hosted in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) from 16 to 20 December.

Cricket has been an integral part of extra-curricular activities at the school since its establishment back in 1873. The school was founded as Grahamstown Undenominational Public School until it was renamed Victoria High School for Boys in 1910.

During the process of registering the school’s crest in 1938 at the College of Heraldry, the school needed a new crest as it had been using the Grahamstown Municipality’s crest since its inception.

It was then decided that the time was right for the school to be renamed Graeme College.

Back to cricket – the school has only produced one Protea in Jon-Jon Smuts but it has been producing first-class cricketers for many years. First-class players who went to Graeme include Lorrie Wilmot (Eastern Province and Border), Peter Emslie (Border), Wayne Wiblin (Border), and Kelly Smuts (Warriors).

Currently, the school’s cricket program under the leadership of Greg von Molendorff plays a pivotal role in Cricket South Africa’s pipeline as they are a Focus School with CSA Blue Chip Status. This status was awarded back in 2019 and it underlines the important role the school plays in the development of cricketers.

Schools are measured against the Schools Quality Index (SQI); schools that achieve 90 percent on the SQI assessment are awarded the official CSA Blue Chip Status for that year. An annual assessment is done of all schools to monitor their progress against the Index and schools will be incentivised in various ways to encourage them to improve their score on the SQI.

Von Mollendorff has coached the First XI at Graene since 2016 replacing the legendary Graemian Ian Suttie (1982-2016). Former Griqualand West cricketer Titch Searle coached the First XI from 1950 until 1972. He made a major contribution to building the legacy of Graeme College’s cricketing program.

The highest recorded innings by a player at the school belongs to Lorrie Wilmot who scored a double-century (204*) against Victoria Park in 1959. Jon-Jon Smuts has scored the most centuries for the First XI with 14, between 2004 and 2006.

The best bowling figures belong to a certain D Kearney during the 1926 season when he grabbed all of St Aiden’s College’s wickets at the cost of 118 runs. The Victoria High School for Boys surprisingly still lost the match.

Makhanda has become known to be a haven for feral donkeys. The president of the Eastern Province Cricket Union, Leon Coetzee, even welcomed the boys and coaches during the opening function of the Khaya Majola Week with the words “Welcome to Makhanda, the home of potholes and donkeys,”. There is even a restaurant in town called The Pothole & Donkey.

Legend has it that some of the donkeys carry the genes of a mule named Moscow – that was responsible for pulling the pitch mower at Graeme. Moscow was an important member of the school’s cricket staff in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Unlike today’s mowers and rollers used on the school’s modern facilities, the famous mule was also known to fertilize the pitch while mowing.

Graeme College’s motto is Virtute et Opera which means “through courage and hard work”. The school has truly embraced and lived its motto during the first 150 years of the school’s existence.

Additional Sources: 

*Graeme College: an illustrated history through 15 decades by Peter Breetzke & Erne van Hille
*Graeme College’s official website

MAKHANDA. – A historic moment on a historic cricket field.

Easterns’ legbreak bowler Parth Patel recorded the best-ever bowling figures at the annual Khaya Majola Week when he took Northern Cape‘s batting line-up apart on the Salem Cricket Ground just outside Makhanda.

Patel grabbed seven wickets for only 15 runs in his ten overs. This included a hat-trick as he removed Luan de la Rey (1), Kaiden van Wyk (0), and Oratile Jubeni (0) from the crease in successive deliveries.

The Salem Cricket Ground claims to be the oldest ground and club in South Africa which still calls its original ground its home. The first match on this ground was played in 1844.

The previous record for the best bowling figures at the week belonged to Daryn du Pavillon (KwaZulu-Natal Inland) who set the record back in 2012 against North West (7/18) in Potchefstroom.

Three batsmen Ivan Lockem (KZN Inland), Blake Simpson (KwaZulu-Natal), and Tre Gilbert (Border) also recorded centuries on the second day of the tournament.

Simpson produced an all-round performance as he helped KZN to a 22-run victory over Western Province. He scored 103 runs to help his side reach 207 runs before also being the pick of his side’s bowling attack with bowling figures of 2/17.

Lockem (100) partnered with Murray Baker (78) to help KZN Inland to reach 262/7 in their allotted 50 overs against Boland. The team from the Winelands suffered their second defeat as only Josh Jordaan (45) and Riley Norton (33*) managed to provide some resistance with the bat in hand.

Border‘s captain Gilbert (107) faced a mere 83 deliveries in his innings hitting 19 boundaries as his side smashed Kei by 252 runs. He received valuable support from Wayden Plaatjies (76*), who scored an unbeaten half-century.

Border’s Amahle Masiko (5/18) also picked up a five-wicket haul to help restrict Kei to 72 runs.

The Central Gauteng Lions made another statement on the second day as they put the Free State to shame by ten wickets. The South African u19 fast bowler Esosa Aihevba (6/26) asked many questions the Free Staters cooldn’t answer.

Tshepo Stafa (47*) and Thebe Gazide (23*) got Gauteng over the line with their opening partnership in the 11^th over.

The Titans broke Eastern Province‘s hearts as they defeated them by seven wickets. The hosts are still looking to bag their first victory at this year’s tournament.

Steve Stolk (69) was in devastating form as he faced only 40 deliveries. Jorich van Schalkwyk (53*) also weighed in with an unbeaten half-century.

North West had no answer to the poison or rather Luke Poisson that Mpumalanga had in their arsenal. Poisson removed four batsmen for only 29 runs before getting his side across the line with an unbeaten 65 runs.

Enathi Kitshini of the Garden Route Badgers also produced an all-round performance to help his side to a 122-run victory over Limpopo. He top-scored with 86 runs as Zane Greyling (81) and Zander Nel (58) also scored half-centuries.

Kitshini then also grabbed four wickets at the cost of 37 runs to give his side reason to celebrate.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs):

Eastern Province 226/7 (Harry van Heerden 50, Jean Upman 41*, Matthew Poole 36, Matthew Beamish 33; Lungile Mabuza 2/43); Titans 227/3 (Steve Stolk 69, Jorich van Schalkwyk 53*, Dumisane Motshwene 51, Lukas van Rensburg 33) Titans won by seven wickets.

KwaZulu-Natal 207 (Blake Simpson 103, Ross Coetzee 28; Raeeq Daniels 4/41, Mbuleko Dube 3/35); Western Province 185 (Benni Hansen 42, Raeeq Daniels 32, Sibulele Sibunzana 31, Extras 20; Blake Simpson 2/17, Sandiswa Yeni 2/23, Nqobani Mokoena 2/36, Ross Coetzee 2/44). KwaZulu-Natal won by 22 runs.

Free State 70 (Khanyisile Nondwangu 36; Esosa Aihevba 6/26, Sipho Potsane 2/2, Cole Francis 2/20); Central Gauteng Lions 73/0 (Tshepo Stafa 47*, Thebe Gazibe 23*). Gauteng Lions won by ten wickets.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland 262/7 (Ivan Lockem 100, Murray Baker 78, Bryn Brokensha 22*, Extras 20; Callum Appollis 2/27); Boland 137 (Josh Jordaan 45, Riley Norton 33*; Caleb Thomas 2/12, Ross Boast 2/18). KwaZulu-Natal Inland won by 125 runs.

Easterns 213 (Dewan Marais 88, Sheldon van Wyk 54; Simon Liversage 2/2, Oratile Jubeni 2/60); Northern Cape 119 (Extras 29, Malan Lubbe 26, Simon Liversage 21; Parth Patel 7/15). Easterns won by 94 runs.

North West 165 (Ludwich Schuld 50, Thuto Matjoi 44, Extras 34; Luke Poisson 4/29, Davico Kruger 2/26, Dian Eicker 2/34); Mpumalanga 166/6 (Luke Poisson 65*, Ruben Bodemer 22; Berno de Klerk 2/25). Mpumalanga won by four wickets.

Border 324/5 (Tre Gilbert 107, Wayden Plaatjies 76*, Chulumanco Macozomu 44, Extras 35, Bevaneo Mayham 33; Mamve Mditswa 2/68); Kei 72 (Qiqa Nika 24*, Extras 20; Amahle Masiko 5/18, Chad Evans 2/11, Ryan Denston 2/14). Border won by 252 runs.

Garden Route Badgers 321/5 (Enathi Kitshini 86, Zane Greyling 81, Zander Nel 58, Extras 49, Devino Koert 24*; Nsuku Mathye 2/39, Masilo Moremi 2/42); Limpopo 199 (Ruben Vosloo 77, Maan Mistry 38, Extras 20; Enathi Kitshini 4/37, Josh Karelse 2/25, Corné Kennedy 2/50). Garden Route Badgers won by 122 runs.

 

MAKHANDA. – For the second successive year it was Ludwich Schuld from North West who scored the first century of the annual u19 Khaya Majola Week here.

Schuld (117) struck 16 fours in his side’s massive victory of 292 runs overs Kei. During last year’s edition in Stellenbosch he scored an unbeaten 119 runs during the opening day against Eastern Province.

The lefthanded batsman also shared a 237-run partnership with Muhammed Bulbulia (115) for the second wicket. Bulbulia reached his milestone shortly after Schuld and found the boundary ten times, of which two were maximums.

Kei got bundled out for a mere 25 runs thanks to some good bowling by Tumelo Makume (3/3) and Zavier van Rensburg (2/12).

The hosts, Eastern Province, suffered a 76-run defeat in the main match of the first day on the Somerset field against last year’s unofficial champions, Western Province.

WP reached 264 thanks to valuable contributions by Benni Hansen (58), Siyabonga Venge (46), Oliver Whitehead (30), and Raeeq Daniels (29). The latter had the tail wagging, hitting three sixes in his innings.

Hamza Khan (4/39) troubled Western Province’s batsmen and came very close to bagging a hat-trick. He removed Declan Gillespie (2) and Fayvaad Davids (0) with the first two deliveries of the forty-second over.

Olwakhe Goqoza (66) put up a valiant effort with the bat for the home side, but in the end, it was not enough.

The favourites to be crowned champions, the Central Gauteng Lions, bagged an easy eight-wicket victory over Boland.

Their SA u19 fast bowler Kwena Maphaka took four wickets for only 37 runs. He also picked up a wicket with his first delivery of the match to remove Josh Jordaan (0) to set the tone.

Cole Francis (3/13) and Tjaart Mentz (2/11) supported Maphaka well in the bowling department as Boland was bowled out for only 122 runs.

Hayden Bishop (88) and Evan Fouché (68) led the way for KwaZulu-Natal with half-centuries as they defeated the Titans by 25 runs.

The Titans’ Steve Stolk (3/43) and Hernus Marais (3/46) caused the team from KZN some trouble.

Their teammate Jorich van Schalkwyk (96) just missed out on his century. Ntando Soni (4/39) was the pick of the KwaZulu-Natal bowling attack.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland also proved too strong for Free State as they secured a 53-run victory. Ross Boast (83) and Caleb Thomas (61) weighed in with half-centuries to get their side to 222/8 in their 50 overs.

Free State’s Juan Viljoen tried his best with ball and bat in hand as he scored 60 runs and boasted bowling figures of 2/59.

Mpumalanga’s Davico Kruger (5/28) bagged a five-wicket haul to help his side secure a four-wicket victory over Border. He also contributed with the bat as his 23 runs were only outshone by Jayden Meyer’s (51) half-century.

Limpopo’s Michael Nel (5/24) also got a fiver. However, it was not enough to take his side to a victory over Easterns.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs): 

Western Province 264 (Benni Hansen 58, Siyabonga Venge 46, Oliver Whitehead 30, Kashief Joseph 29, Raeeq Daniels 29, Mbulelo Dube 21*, Paul James 20; Hamza Khan 4/39, Simnikiwe Soyaya 2/23, Jean Upman 2/37); Eastern Province 188 (Olwakhe Goqoza 66, Matthew Poole 39, Harry van Heerden 21, Extras 21; Sibulele Sibunzana 3/32, Fayvaad Davids 3/42, Raeeq Daniels 2/31). Western Province won by 76 runs. 

KwaZulu-Natal 254/9 (Hayden Bishop 88, Evan Fouché 68, Blake Simpson 27; Steve Stolk 3/43, Hernus Marais 3/46, Marcus Bakker 2/61); Titans 229 (Jorich van Schalkwyk 96, Dumisane Motshwene 32, Extras 22, Modise Maloka 21; Ntando Soni 4/39, Bandile Mbatha 2/32). KwaZulu-Natal won by 25 runs.  

Boland 122 (Johan Wege 31, Extras 23; Kwena Maphaka 4/37, Cole Francis 3/13, Tjaart Mentz 2/11); Central Gauteng Lions 123/2 (Lhuan-dré Pretorius 37, David Teeger 31, Extras 28, Thebe Gazide 20; Thando Prusent 1/10). Central Gauteng Lions won by eight wickets.  

KwaZulu-Natal Inland 222/8 (Ross Boast 83, Caleb Thomas 61, Ivan Lockem 20; Johnathan Muller 3/20, Juan Viljoen 2/59); Free State 169 (Juan Viljoen 60, Connor Nel 38; Thabiso Ndlela 4/31, Ivan Lockem 3/20). KwaZulu-Natal Inland won by 53 runs. 

Border 137 (Bevaneo Mayham 32, Extras 25, Ben van der Merwe 24, Osiphesona Mbekwa 21; Davico Kruger 5/28, Kamogelo Sebola 2/14); Mpumalanga 139/6 (Jayden Meyer 51, Davico Kruger 23; Hlumelo Ntlola 2/15). Mpumalanga won by four wickets. 

North West 317/4 (Ludwich Schuld 117, Muhammed Bulbulia 115, Extras 27, Tumelo Makume 20*; Chulumanco Soyizwhaphi 2/77); Kei 25 (Tumelo Makume 3/3, Zavier van Rensburg 2/12). North West won by 292 runs. 

Easterns 157 (Sabelo Mabanga 59, Ahmed Imran 20; Michael Nel 5/24, Jeandré Strydom 2/35, Masilo Moremi 2/37); Limpopo 128 (Maan Mistry 29, Extras 23; Parth Partel 2/16, Juan Steyn 2/17, Simele Maye 2/22). Easterns won by 29 runs. 

Garden Route Badgers 119 (Charl-Francois Marais 33*, Extras 26; Malan Lubbe 3/6, Oratile Jubeni 2/17, Monnapule Jansen 2/22); Northern Cape 120/9 (Simon Liversage 48, Malan Lubbe 47; Sibabalwe Msi 3/5, Enathi Khitshini 3/35, Charl-Francois Marais 2/38). Northern Cape won by one wicket.  

 

The main match of the opening day between Eastern Province and Western Province will be broadcasted live on SuperSport Schools – Channel 216.

All of the other matches will be live-streamed via the SuperSport Schools app.

Fixtures | Day 1

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