Author: hnienaber

If his performance during the annual Abrie van Staden-meeting hosted by Hoërskool Garsfontein is anything to go by – Tiisetso Malungane (Curro Hazeldean) will break a lot of middle-distance records during the 2026 season.

Malungane produced a full 1 000 points in the 1500m according to the Athletics South Africa (ASA) points system, winning the race in 3 minutes and 52.72 seconds. This bettered the previous meeting record by more than 22 seconds.

The previous record stood behind Quinton van Huysteen of Montana’s name since 2012 at 4 minutes and 15.21 seconds.

He was pushed to the end by Bulela Mganu (Tuks Sport School), who also dipped under the previous record with a time of 3:58.05 to secure a silver medal.

In the 800m, Malungane won the race in 1 minute and 52.70 seconds to also set a new meeting record. This record was bettered by almost five seconds as the previous record of 1:57.81 stood since 2005, behind M Koekemoer of EG Jansen.

Mganu won gold in the 3 000m in a new record time of 8 minutes and 44.69 seconds.

In the sprints, Curro Hazeldean’s Funo Nemakonde won the 100m for Boys u14 in a brilliant 11.56 seconds. This is also the new meeting record.

In the 200m, he won the race in 23.39 seconds.

The hosts, Marcelle Werner (u17), also secured gold in both short sprints as he won the 100m (10.91) and 200m (21.81) in quickfire times. In the 200m, Northcliff’s John Ndlovu (21.84) almost spoiled Werner’s party.

Werner ran his time in the first heat, while Ndlovu ran his in the third and final heat of the event.

Ndlovu bagged a gold medal in the 400m for Boys u17 as he crossed the finish line in 49.02 seconds.

Another athlete to keep an eye on is Chibunna Ehirim of Curro Aurora, who won the 200m for Boys u16 in 22.12 seconds while also bagging a silver medal in the 400m in 50.85 seconds.

He was beaten in the 400m by Matimba Baloyi of Curro Hazeldean, who took gold in a meeting record time of 49.37 seconds. Baloyi also secured a first place in the 400m-hurdles as he crossed the finish line in 55.50 seconds.

In the 400m for Boys u19 Adam Motlaung (Curro Hazeldean) left his opposition behind winning in an excellent time of 47.48 seconds.

Die atletiekseisoen skop in alle erns hierdie Vrydag in die Jakarandastad af met die jaarlikse Dreyer Campbell-byeenkoms asook die Abrie van Staden Prestige-byeekoms wat onderskeidelik deur die Hoërskool Waterkloof en Hoërskool Garsfontein aangebied word.

Vanjaar sal die 19de keer wees dat Klofies hul byeenkoms aanbied. Die byeenkoms dra sedert 2019 die naam van Dreyer Campbell wat die skool se atletiekdirekteur was.

Campbell het diep spore in atletiekkringe met veral sy spiesgooi-afrigting getrap. Hy is in 2018 oorlede waarna die byeenkoms na hom vernoem is. Hy het in sy loopbaan as afrigter 15 nasionale en twee wêreldkampioene afgerig.

Campbell was ook lid van die Hoërskool Garsfontein se personeel toe die skool in 1988 ontstaan het. Hy het hier ook met sy atletiekkundigheid diep spore getrap.

Vanjaar sal Eldoraigne, Monument, Hoërskool Randburg en die Hoërskool Rustenburg saam met die gasheer op dié uitnodigingsbyeenkoms in aksie wees.

Die byeenkoms begin om 13:30.

Die Garsies se byeenkoms is ook na ‘n voormalige hoof van atletiek, Abrie van Staden, genoem. Van Staden is in 1998 skielik na ‘n oefensessie oorlede.

Die Abrie van Staden Prestige-byeenkoms is die eerste keer in 1999 aangebied en word vanjaar vir die 27ste keer gehou. Dié byeenkoms is vanjaar weer ‘n volwaardige Prestige-byeenkoms deur dat dit weer op ‘n tartanbaan sal plaasvind. Die byeenkoms is van 2022 tot en met verlede jaar op Bere-park aangebied.

Hierdie Vrydag se byeenkoms sal vanjaar op die Tuks-stadion aangebied word. Die Garsies spog ook met ‘n nuwe atletiekdirekteur in Tobie Holtzhausen, wat ook ‘n bekende in spiesgooikringe is.

Die skole wat vanjaar aan die byeenkoms deur Garsies sal deelneem is, Hans Strijdom van Mookgophong, Northcliff, Wesvalia, Curro Hazeldean en Tuks Sportskool. Die naellopers van Curro Hazeldean sal waarskynlik vir ‘n hele paar hoogtepunte op vanjaar se byeenkoms sorg.

Die byeenkoms begin om 12:00.

Volg die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Na ‘n afwesigheid van drie jaar sal die versekeringsmaatskappy, Virseker, weer die titelborg van die grootste skolerugby-kompetisie ter wêreld wees.

Die Noordvaalbeker, wat ook onder die oudste skole-toernooie op die aardbôl tel, sal voortaan as die Virseker Noordvaal Cup of Virseker Noordvaalbeker bekend staan. Die toernooi het in 1920 ontstaan en het sedertdien vele baadjies gedra.

Die toernooi het voorheen ook as die Transvaalbeker (1920-21), AG Robertsonbeker (1922-1933), Administrateursbeker (1934-1981), Direkteurstrofee (1982-1994), Beeldtrofee (1994-2015), Virseker-Beeldtrofee (2016), Virsekerbeker (2017-2021), Noordvaaltrofee (2022) en SDC Noordvaal Cup (2023-25) bekend gestaan.

Virseker was dus voorheen vir ses jaar die titelborg. Die versekeringsmaatskappy se nuwe kontrak met die Noordvaal Skolerugby-vereniging (NVSRV) sal tot en met die einde van die 2028-seisoen loop.

Die kompetisie het sedert Virseker laas betrokke was reuse tree gegee op kommersiële gebied. Die bemarkingsmaatskappy, Provantage, sien na die kompetisie se kommersiële regte om.

Boonop met die ontstaan van SuperSport Schools in 2021 het die skolerugbylandskap reuse tree vorentoe gegee wat behels die sigbaarheid asook die bemarkingsgeleenthede wat beskikbaar is. Dit het ook aan die spelers ‘n platform gegee om hul talente op die rugbyveld aan ‘n wyer gehoor ten toon te stel.

Daar sal vanjaar weer regstreekse dekking van die toernooi op SuperSport Schools se toepassings aan meeste van die wedstryde gegee word, terwyl daar ook elke Saterdag tydens dié toernooi ‘n wedstryd op DStv Kanaal 216 uitgesaai sal word.

Die Virseker Noordvaalbeker word oor vyf groepe beslis met die Hoërskool Garsfontein van Pretoria wat die afgelope drie jaar as kampioen van die Beker-afdeling gekroon is. Meer as 200 skole neem jaarliks aan dié kompetisie deel.

Die ander verdedigende kampioene in Groep 1 is HTS Middelburg (Plaat-afdeling), Montana (Skild-afdeling) en Potchefstroom Volkskool (Bowl-afdeling). Vanjaar se eindstryde van die vier afdelings sal op 22 Augustus plaasvind.

Die NVSRV het ook reeds ‘n vergrootte Bowl-afdeling vir 2026 aangekondig.

Dié afdeling sal vanjaar in twee groepe, die Oostelike en die Westelike been, verdeel word. Elke been sal uit ses spanne bestaan wat mekaar die stryd aansê. Die top-twee spanne van elke been sal mekaar, oorkruis, in die halfeindronde pak, waarna ‘n algehele wenner in die eindstryd gekroon sal word.

Dit bied ook die geleentheid aan drie nuwelinge, vanuit Afdeling 2, om hul strukture op ‘n hoër vlak te toets. Hoërskool Brandwag van Benoni is, saam met Hoërskool Die Anker en Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs, die nuwe gesigte in die Oostelike been. Die Anker en Hugenote is albei aan die einde van vanjaar se seisoen na die Bowl gerelegeer.

In die Westelike been, is Hoërskool Centurion en ‘n gevaarlike Midstream College die nuwelinge in ‘n uiters mededingende groep. Die kampioen van vanjaar se reeks, Potchefstroom Volkskool, asook die naaswenner, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, is ook albei hier in aksie.

In Groep 2 het Midstream College die kroon gedra, maar sal vanjaar in die vergrootte Bowl-afdeling van Groep 1 in aksie wees. In Groep 3 was Hoërskool Vryburg die kampioen, terwyl Carletonville met die Groep 4-titel weggestap het.

In Groep 5 se twee afdelings het die Hoërskool Vryburger en Jabulani Secondary onderskeidelik die trofee omhoog gehou.

STELLENBOSCH. – It may have already been old news that the Northern Champions had secured this year’s title as champions of Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week by the start of the final day’s play.

However, the Champions did not take their foot off the accelerator in their last clash against the Southern Superstars at the Coetzenburg Oval. The champions finished this year’s tournament unbeaten after defeating the Superstars by six wickets.

The Superstars were bowled out for just 72 runs, with only Luca Plekker (28) offering any notable resistance. The Champions’ Kamogelo Matlala (3/13), Rivoningo Chauke (2/9), Jalen Mannikam (2/10), and Xander Venter (2/18) applied relentless pressure with the ball.

Vihan Pretorius (18*) and Riley Muller (14*) guided the Champions past the target in only the 17th over.

Venter finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 12 scalps at an average of 17.2 runs per dismissal.

Rowen Rajah (Coastal Conquerors), Sulaymaan Gangat (Eastern Warriors), and Kyle Butler (Central Gladiators) each took ten wickets during the tournament. Rajah was his team’s strike bowler, while Gangat and Butler are both spinners.

The Eastern Warriors ensured they avoided the wooden spoon with a 73-run victory over the Coastal Conquerors. Randy Syce (41), Samuel Scheckter (41), Corbin Tidbury (33), and Cayden Wilson (29) all made valuable contributions to their team’s total of 237 runs.

The Conquerors’ Seth Simpson (70) led his team’s charge on the final day. Joshua van Biljon (28) also chipped in, securing his position as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Van Biljon finished with 219 runs from his team’s five matches at an average of 54.8. His 28 runs narrowly pushed him past teammate Ben Hockly, who ended the tournament on 214 runs, including three half-centuries.

Hockly, who opened the batting for the first time this week, unfortunately fell for a duck after just three deliveries.

The Central Gladiators claimed their first win of the tournament by beating the Western Legends by five wickets.

The victors’ Troy Gordon (61) and Tahseen Hanslo (38*) played significant roles in the triumph.

Summarised Scorecards:

Southern Superstars 72 (Luca Plekker 28; Kamogelo Matlala 3/13, Rivoningo Chauke 2/9, Jalen Mannikam 2/10, Xander Venter 2/18); Northern Champions 76/4 (Vihan Pretorius 18*, Riley Muller 14*; Timothy Short 2/20). Northern Champions won by six wickets.

Eastern Warriors 237 (Randy Syce 41, Samuel Scheckter 41, Corbin Tidbury 33, Cayden Wilson 29, William Beamish 26, Sulaymaan Gangat 21; Roxton Payne 3/32, Rowen Rajah 2/29, Bonga Mapanga 2/35); Coastal Conquerors 164 (Seth Simpson 70, Joshua van Biljon 28; Luphelo Mdyesha 3/10, Samuel Scheckter 2/26, William Beamish 2/30, Cayden Wilson 2/30). Eastern Warriors won by 73 runs.

Western Legends 196/9 (Caiden Seleka 47, FG Botha 46, Eduard Dreyer 25, Naudé Botha 22, Olebogeng Scott 21; Kyle Butler 3/34, Munib Ayob 2/36); Central Gladiators 197/5 (Troy Gordon 61, Tahseen Hanslo 38*, Kamogelo Phiri 31, Extras 27; Cullen Kakora 1/20). Central Gladiators won by five wickets.

STELLENBOSCH. – The Northern Champions have once again lived up to their name.

After the fourth day of Cricket South Africa‘s Cubs Week (for u19 teams), the Champions are already assured of lifting the trophy again this year. On Wednesday, the final day of the tournament, they will face the Southern Superstars at the Coetzenburg Oval.

All the matches on the fourth day in Stellenbosch were shortened due to light morning rain. The Champions’ clash against the Western Legends at Maties’ C Field was reduced to just 24 overs per side.

The Legends batted first and were restricted to 118 runs, with FG Botha (37) and Eduard Dreyer (31) offering the most resistance. Mohammad Rasool (2/16), Nico Loggerenberg (2/25), and Kamogelo Matlala (2/26) were the key bowlers for the Champions.

The Champions secured a bonus-point victory by eight wickets, with Sheldon Kruger (39*) leading the charge. Moeketsi Beya (34) and Reuben van Zyl (26) also impressed with the bat.

This marks the third time since 2022, when the new franchise names were introduced, that the Champions have been crowned the winners. Last year, the United States of America u19 team claimed the title, while the Coastal Conquerors took the inaugural crown in 2022.

The Conquerors defeated the Superstars by 40 runs on Tuesday in a match shortened to 38 overs per side.

Ben Hockly (59) scored another half-century for The Conquerors, taking his tournament tally to 214 runs at an average of 71.3.

There is no doubt that the Conquerors’ opening bowlers, Rowen Rajah (2/23) and Dayalan Boyce (2/31), have been the best new ball bowling duo at this year’s tournament.

The Central Gladiators claimed their first victory of the tournament by beating the Eastern Warriors by 78 runs. The team’s opening batsman, Bafana Mthunzi (63), was in destructive form.

His innings powered the team to 272/6 in their allotted 43 overs. Troy Gordon (45) and Morteza Manack (41) also made valuable contributions with the bat.

Summarised Scorecards:

Coastal Conquerors 195/7 (Ben Hockly 59, Joshua van Biljon 39, Kyle White 29*, Thandolwethu Zama 29; Taywin Adams 3/37); Southern Superstars 155/9 (Luca Plekker 45, Taywin Adams 25*; Rowen Rajah 2/23, Dayalan Boyce 2/31, Roxton Payne 2/36). Coastal Conquerors won by 40 runs.

Central Gladiators 272/6 (Bafana Mthunzi 63, Troy Gordon 45, Morteza Manack 41, Cole Francis 28*, Extras, Tahseen Hanslo 22; Corbin Tidbury 2/32); Eastern Warriors 194 (Dawid Vermaak 44, Daveric Petersen 33, Randy Syce 31, Corbin Tidbury 24, Extras 20; Kyle Butler 4/19, Cole Francis 2/24, Morteza Manack 2/45). Central Gladiators won by 78 runs.

Western Legends 118 (FG Botha 37, Eduard Dreyer 31; Mohammad Rasool 2/16, Nioco Loggenberg 2/25, Kamogelo Matlala 2/26); Northern Champions 119/2 (Sheldon Kruger 39*, Moeketsi Beya 34, Reuben van Zyl 26; FG Botha 1/30). Northern Champions won by eight wickets.

STELLENBOSCH. – The Northern Champions will enter the penultimate day of Cricket South Africa‘s Cubs Week (for u19 teams) as the only unbeaten side.

On Monday, it was once again the team’s tail-enders, Mohammed Rasool (75) and Xander Venter (51), who played a decisive role in a victory over the Central Gladiators. The pair shared a partnership of 93 runs for the seventh wicket to help their team finish on 207/8.

On Sunday, the duo steered their team to a win over the Coastal Conquerors with a partnership of 105 runs for the eighth wicket.

The Gladiators are still searching for a first victory after the first three days of the event. Despite the defeat, the team’s Christian Sabela (3/20) and Kyle Butler (2/29) can be satisfied with their bowling performances.

Chasing 208 to win, The Gladiators were restricted to just 127 all out, with Wade McQuinn (55*) providing lonely resistance. The Champions’ Kamogelo Matlala (2/22), Xander Venter (2/24), and Nico Loggenberg (2/24) did most of the damage.

The Coastal Conquerors got back onto the winning track, handing the Western Legends a six-wicket loss. The heroes for the KwaZulu-Natal team were Joshua van Biljon (95*) and Bonga Mapanga (72*), who shared an unbeaten partnership of 149 runs for the fifth wicket.

The Legends scored 224/9 in their 50 overs, with Eduard Dreyer (54), Caiden Seleka (35), and Christian Kind (31) doing most of the talking with the bat.

South Africa u19 fast bowler Dayalan Boyce (3/30) and leg spinner Shiraz Perumal (3/45) each dismissed three Legends’ batsmen.

The Eastern Warriors caused a bit of an upset when they ended the Southern Superstars‘ unbeaten run, winning by 19 runs.

The Warriors batted first at Tassies Oval and posted 207/8 thanks to solid contributions from Cayden Wilson (71*), Dawid Vermaak (43), and Samuel Scheckter (31).

The team from the Eastern Cape then tightened the screws with their spinner Sulaymaan Gangat (5/35) claiming a five-for.

The Superstars were bowled out for just 188. Gangat received good support from Luphelo Mdyesha (3/26).

Summarised scorecards

Northern Champions 207/8 (Mohammed Rasool 75, Xander Venter 51, Christian Sabela 3/20, Kyle Butler 2/29); Central Gladiators 127/10 (Wade McQuinn 55, Kamogelo Matlala 2/22, Xander Venter 2/24, Nico Loggenberg 2/24). Northern Champions won by 80 runs.

Western Legends 224/9 (Eduardo Dreyer 54, Caiden Seleka 35, Christian Kind 31, Dayalan Boyce 3/30, Shiraz Perumal 3/45); Coastal Conquerors 227/4 (Joshua van Biljon 95*, Bonga Mapanga 72, Thandolwethu Zama 22, Faizaan Kajee 2/30). Coastal Conquerors won by six wickets.

Eastern Warriors 207/8 (Cayden Wilson 71*, Dawid Vermaak 43, Samuel Scheckter 31, Timothy Short 3/20, Sherwin Plaatjies 2/33, Taywin Adams 2/41); Southern Superstars 188/10 (Gideon du Toit 34, Taywin Adams 23, Timothy Short 22, Michail Tarentaal 22, Daniel Cooke 21, Sulaymaan Gangat 5/35Luphelo Mdyesha 3/26). Eastern Warriors won by 19 runs.

STELLENBOSCH – The Northern Champions‘ tailenders Mohammad Rasool (60) and Xander Venter (52) pulled their team out of trouble on Sunday, the second day of Cricket South Africa‘s (CSA) Cubs Week against the Coastal Conquerors.

The Champions’ target was a mere 179 runs, but when the Conquerors’ pacers Rowen Rajah (2/42) and Dayalan Boyce (2/42) reduced them to 38/4 in the first nine overs, matters looked dire.

Their other fast bowler, Bonga Mapanga (2/29), tightened the screws further by dismissing Vihan Pretorius (15) and Riley Miller (1), leaving the Champions struggling on 46/6 in the 12th over.

However, Rasool and Venter had other plans and, after a brave fight, guided their team to a vital victory. Their partnership for the eighth wicket was worth 105 runs.

Venter also impressed with the ball, claiming the best figures for his team with four wickets for just 36 runs. The Conquerors’ Ben Hockly (89*) recorded his second consecutive half-century but unfortunately ran out of partners before he could raise his bat for a second time in his knock.

The Southern Superstars’ tailenders Michail Tarentaal (62*) and Unathi Magoloza (40*) were also their team’s heroes in a three-wicket win over the Central Gladiators on Maties’ C Field.

This means only two teams remain unbeaten remain after the first two days of matches, with the Champions and Superstars setting the pace.

Tarentaal and Magoloza joined forces after their team lost its seventh wicket on 161 runs – still 102 runs short of victory. Their unbeaten 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket will be talked about for a long time.

The Gladiators’ openers, Bafana Mthunzi (71) and Nkosana Sibiya (43), laid a solid foundation with a 120-run stand. Added to that were solid contributions from Kamogelo Phiri (40) and Troy Gordon (36), which helped the Gladiators post a strong total of 262 runs.

Daniel Cooke (4/23), the Superstars’ fast bowler, wrapped up the tail of the losing side.

The best performance of the day, however, belonged to leg spinner Olefa Padi of the Western Legends. He dismissed six Eastern Warriors’ batsmen for only 36 runs.

When the Warriors’ last wicket, Samuel Scheckter (51), fell at 194 runs, it was just two runs short of denying the Legends a bonus point. That wicket, taken by Otto Krause (2/27), could yet prove to be golden for the team.

Summarised Scorecards:

Western Legends 246/8 (Olebogeng Scott 58, Faizaan Kajee 46, FG Botha 38, Aiden Dodd 28, Naudé Botha 23; Sulaymaan Gangat 3/29, Rhys Wiblin 2/51); Eastern Warriors 194 (Samuel Scheckter 51, William Beamish 50, Rhys Wiblin 29; Olefa Padi 6/36, Otto Krause 2/27). Western Legends won by 52 runs.

Coastal Conquerors 178 (Ben Hockly 89*, Seth Simpson 21; Xander Venter 4/36, Vihan Pretorius 2/14, Nico Loggenberg 2/47); Northern Champions 179/8 (Mohammad Rasool 60*, Xander Venter 52; Bonga Mapanga 2/29, Rowen Rajah 2/42, Dayalan Boyce 2/42). Northern Champions won by two wickets.

Central Gladiators 262 (Bafana Mthunzi 71, Nkosana Sibiya 43, Kamogelo Phiri 40, Troy Gordon 36; Daniel Cooke 4/23, Timothy Short 2/31, Francois Prins 2/39); Southern Superstars 265/7 (Michail Tarentaal 62*, Unathi Magoloza 40*, Francois Prins 42, Sibahle Sigabi 33, Inam Bula 30, Extras 27, Luca Plekker 22; Morteza Manack 2/43). Southern Superstars won by three wickets.

STELLENBOSCH – Coastal Conquerors‘ fast bowler Rowen Rajah (4/42) spearheaded his team’s victory over the Central Gladiators during the opening match of Cricket South Africa‘s annual Cubs Week at the Coetzenburg Oval on Saturday.

Rajah struck early in the second over, dismissing Nkosana Sibiya (2) and Troy Gordon (0). He later removed Morteza Manack (1) and Kamogelo Phiri (3), leaving the Gladiators reeling at 22/4.

The Gladiators’ versatile Wade McQuinn (65) and opener Ombesa Matsha (62) steadied the innings with half-centuries, helping the team to reach a respectable total of 232/7 in their 50 overs.

The Conquerors’ Ben Hockly (65) and Semal Pillay (51) laid a solid foundation with a 114-run partnership for the second wicket. Hockly eventually fell to an excellent slip catch by Tahseen Hanslo off Manack’s bowling (2/39).

Riley Miller (86*) continued his fine batting form, guiding the Northern Champions to a five-wicket win over the Eastern Warriors on Maties’ C Field with his unbeaten knock.

Miller was among the top scorers at last year’s Khaya Majola Week in Bloemfontein. He and Kamogelo Matlala (28) shared a 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Matlala fell just before the end, caught by Lisekho Zinyane off Rhys Wiblin (1/4).

Titans‘ strike bowler Xander Venter (3/14) and leg spin bowler Jalen Mannikam (3/48) inflicted the most damage to restrict the Warriors to 172. Venter dismissed Jordan Damons (5) and Zinyane (0) with consecutive deliveries to wrap up the innings.

The home team, the Southern Superstars, kicked off their title bid with an 85-run win over the Western Legends.

They posted 270/9 in their 50 overs thanks to a half-century from Francois Prins (77) and valuable contributions from Qaeed Shaik (33), Gideon du Toit (28), Unathi Magaloza (27), Michail Tarentaal (21), Luca Plekker (20), and Waco Bassick (20).

The Legends’ batting faltered apart from an 88-run second-wicket stand between Aiden Dodd (60) and Eduard Dreyer (25), who fell in consecutive overs.

Luca Plekker starred with the ball, capturing four wickets for just 41 runs, while Waco Bassick (3/20) also caused havoc. Bassick claimed the last two wickets – Carl Fryer (5) and Olefa Pedi (0)—with consecutive deliveries.

Summarised Scorecards:

Central Gladiators 232/7 (Wade McQuinn 65, Ombesa Matsha 62, Alec Loveland 38*, Tahseen Hanslo 32; Rowen Rajah 4/42); Coastal Conquerors 233/8 (Ben Hockly 65, Joshua van Biljon 56, Semal Pillay 51, Extras 20; Tahseen Hanslo 3/39, Morteza Manack 2/39, Munib Ayob 2/41). Coastal Conquerors won by two wickets.

Southern Superstars 270/9 (Francois Prins 77, Extras 34, Qaeed Shaik 33, Gideon du Toit 28, Unathi Magaloza 27, Michail Tarentaal 21, Luca Plekker 20, Waco Bassick 20; Otto Krause 3/42); Western Legends 185 (Aiden Dodd 60, Eduard Dreyer 25; Luca Plekker 4/41, Waco Bassick 3/20, Taywin Adams 2/29). Southern Superstars won by 85 runs.

Eastern Warriors 172 (Samuel Scheckter 39*, Randy Syce 35, Dawid Vermaak 27, Ingathi Mafanga 20; Xander Venter 3/14, Jalen Mannikam 3/48); Northern Champions 175/5 (Riley Miller 86*, Kamogelo Matlala 28, Moeketsi Beya 24; Rhys Wiblin 1/4). Northern Champions won by five wickets.

BLOEMFONTEIN. – Vir die eerste keer in die geskiedenis van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skole-span, sal die span deur ‘n speler van die Garden Route Badgers (voorheen Suidwestelike Distrikte aangevoer word.

Die Suid-Afrikaanse o.19-draaibouler Enathi Kitshini van Thembalethu High sal die span Sondag teen die SA Colt-span op die Mangaung-ovaal in die Rosestad aanvoer. Hy het verlede jaar ook die nasionale skolespan gehaal.

Hy was vanjaar weer een van die voorste boulers op die toernooi en het 12 paaltjies teen ‘n gemiddeld van 23.5 lopies laat kantel. Hy is boonop ook die eerste speler vanuit Krieket Suid-Afrika se Hub-sisteem wat die SA Skole-span sal aanvoer.

Die enigste ander speler wat vanjaar weer die span kon haal is Gauteng se Armaan Manack. Sy skoolmaat van St David’s Marist Inanda Jason Rowles wat verlede jaar in die uitsoekspan was, kon nie vanjaar die span haal nie.

Die twee SA o.19-spelers het wel op die laaste dag met ‘n onoorwonne vennootskap van 114 lopies vir Gauteng gehelp om as kampioen gekroon te word.

Die keurders kon ook nie vir Rowles ‘n plek in die SA Colt-span vind nie.

Die voorste kolwer van die toernooi, Reuben van Zyl van die Titans, is ook as die Speler van die Toernooi aangewys. Van Zyl is met sy insluiting ook die eerste speler van die Hoërskool Garsfontein om die nasionale skolespan te haal.

Die voormalige Protea Stiaan van Zyl (Westelike Provinsie) en Itumeleng Mjoli (Noord-Kaap) sal die skeidsregters wees vir die vertoonwedstryd tussen die SA Skole- en SA Colt-spanne op die Mangaung-ovaal wat om 09:30 sal begin.

Die spanne is:

SA Skole: Enathi Kitshini – kaptein (Thembalethu High, Garden Route Badgers), Taywin Adams (Klein Nederberg, Boland), JJ Basson (Noordheuwel, Gauteng), Daniel Bosman (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Westlike Provinsie), Dayalan Boyce (Westville Boys’ High, Dolphins), Ben Hockley (Hilton College, Tuskers), Paul James (Wynberg Boys’ High, Westlike Provinsie), Bayanda Majola (Durban High School, Dolphins), Armaan Manack (St David’s Marist, Gauteng), Ombesa Matsha (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Francois Prins (Boland Landbou, Boland), Reuben van Zyl (Garsfontein, Titans).

SA Colts: Riley Muller – kaptein (Waterkloof, CSA Uitnodigingspan), Corné Botha (Noordheuwel, Gauteng), Xavier Coetzee (Hans Moore, Oostelikes), Sulaymaan Gangat (Pearson, OP), Tahseen Hanslo (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Kamogelo Matlala (Elandspark, Oostelikes), Bandile Mbatha (Glenwood, Dolphins), Wade McQuinn (King Edward VII, Gauteng), Seth Simpson (Westville Boys’ High, Dolphins), Randy Syce (Woodridge College, OP), Corbin Tidbury (Graeme College, CSA Uitnodigingspan), Thandolwethu Zama (St Charles College, Tuskers).

BLOEMFONTEIN – In the end, Gauteng simply had too much firepower for the Tuskers in the final of the annual Khaya Majola Cricket Week (for u19 teams) here.

Gauteng secured a convincing nine-wicket victory, ensuring that the union walked away with the honours for the sixth time in the past ten years.

Two of the champions’ South African u19 players, Jason Rowles (76*) and Armaan Manack (38*), guided their team over the final hurdle with an unbeaten 114-run partnership for the second wicket.

The two St David’s Marist Inanda learners are expected to be key players for the national team at next year’s u19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Rowles was particularly destructive at the Johan Volsteedt Oval. He faced only 34 deliveries in his innings, smashing 14 boundaries, including four sixes over the ropes for the first time.

The Tuskers, who batted first, were in deep trouble at 68/6 after just 21.1 overs. SA u19 fast bowler Corné Botha removed three batsmen for only 24 runs.

Four of the matches on the final day ended without a result, as all games were interrupted several times after lunch due to weather.

The Titans‘ opening batsman, Reuben van Zyl, finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 352 runs. He recorded two centuries during the week – 110 against Western Province and 166 against Free State.

Van Zyl scored his runs at an average of 70.4 per innings.

This year again saw a large number of centuries in the City of Roses. In total, there were 12 centuries, while the record for the most centuries in a Khaya Majola Week was set in 2016 in this very city with 15.

The Garden Route Badgers defeated Limpopo by six wickets. The winning team’s Liviwe Bawulie (5/36) led the charge with only the second five-wicket haul of the tournament.

Easterns’ spinner Abdullah Tadwala was the most successful bowler, claiming 13 wickets at an average of 16.6 runs per dismissal.

Two other spinners, Enathi Kitshini (Garden Route Badgers) and Nathan Baird (Northern Cape), as well as seam bowler Taywin Adams (Boland), each took 12 wickets in the City of Roses.

Summarised Scorecards: 

Tuskers 165 (Thandanani Zuma 44, Thandolwethu Zama 33, Extras 30, Samuel Hughes 21; Corné Botha 3/24, Wade McQuinn 2/17, Morteza Manack 2/20); Central Gauteng Lions 130/1 (Jason Rowles 76*, Armaan Manack 38*; Reece Wilson 1/26). Central Gauteng Lions won by nine wickets (DLS-method).

Western Province 216 (Michael Kruiskamp 76, Adnaan Lagadien 48, Joshua Prince 34, Daniel Cooke 20; Xander Venter 3/13, Mahommed Borabat 2/17); Titans 116/3 (Timothy Gordon 57*; Hlumelo Mgweba 2/10). No Result.

Boland 254 (Liam Basson 98, Francois Prins 32, Extras 32; Otto Krause 2/29, Cullen Kakora 2/38); Free State 114/7 (Christian Kind 41, FG Botha 30; Inam Bula 3/21, Aden Batt 2/31). Boland won by 51 runs (DLS-method).

Dolphins 240/8 (Josh van Biljon 92*, Ethan Cooper 30, Bandile Mbatha 29, Kyle White 28, Extras 21; Gomo Sibi 3/33, Jalen Mannikam 2/47); CSA Invitational XI 58/6 (JP Botha 20; Timothy Saulez 3/10, Dayalan Boyce 2/14). No Result.

Eastern Province 255/8 (Dawid Vermaak 64, Randy Syce 57, Myles Sansom 53, William Beamish 51; Olefa Padi 4/46, Carl Fryer 2/37); North West 98/8 (Christivan Coetzer 33; Lisekho Zinyane 3/25, Cayden Wilson 2/15). Eastern Province won by 105 runs (DLS-method).

Mpumalanga 139 (Umar Badat 40, Herman Potgieter 20; Stephan Vermaak 2/13, Kenan Shaw 2/20, Abdullah Tadwala 2/23, Kristian du Plessis 2/29); Easterns 107/3 (Xavier Coetzee 48, Jaden Govender 26; Gavin Genis 1/16). No Result.

Limpopo 97 (Rayyan Malji 35, Stephan Swanepoel 21; Liviwe Bawulie 5/36, Enathi Kitshini 2/6, Shirwin Plaaitjies 2/25); Garden Route Badgers 100/4 (Kurt Botha 35; Luka Heinlein 2/16. Garden Route Badgers won by six wickets.

Eastern Cape Iinyathi 230 (Awonke Mgini 94, Lukhanyo Hlathuka 37, Iminathi Jumba 28, Extras 26, Linda Ambesa 23; Kopano Mosenyane 4/16, Hanru Rademeyer 2/38, Nathan Baird 2/51); Northern Cape 128/4 (Garren Stonestreet 39, Faizaan Kajee 28, Noah Breyl 20*; Lihlumile Ncukana 4/35). No result.