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Author: froberholzer

  • Experience and young talent in Eastern Storm’s Khaya Majola team

    Experience and young talent in Eastern Storm’s Khaya Majola team

    The Eastern Storm u19 side for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week has been revealed, with four big names returning from last year’s team.

    Thus, it will be an exciting blend of experience and youth representing the region at the inter-provincial tournament.

    Dewan Marais and Tristan van Schalkwyk from Marais Viljoen will form the core of the group’s leadership, along with the St Benedict’s College duo of Simele Maye and Luphumlo Mhlongo, who were also members of the 2022 side.

    Another talent from Marais Viljoen, Juan Steyn will also attend his first week. The exciting fast bowler’s performances recently secured him a spot in the provisional SA squad for the 2024 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup alongside Marais, who’s been outstanding with the bat in hand.

    Aldre Huyzers and Sheldon van Wyk also cracked the nod to lift Marais Viljoen’s tally up to five representatives.

    St Benedict’s have four players in the line-up, with Parth Patel and Dean Hackner breaking through to earn their first call-ups.

    At the same time, Ephes Mamkedi School can boast their two representatives in Martin Khumalo and Sabelo Mabanga.

    Ahmed Imran, an exciting young talent, is in the team for the first time this year as the only representative from Springs Secondary School, while MOM Sebone Secondary School’s Nhlakanipho Ndaba completes the line-up after also receiving a tick from the selectors.

    The Eastern’s squad appears to be well balanced, with all bases covered. It’s a line-up that could cause some major upsets in Makhanda in December.

    Eastern Storm u19: Sabelo Mabanga (Ephes Mamkedi School), Dewan Marais (Marais Viljoen), Aldre Huyzers (Marais Viljoen), Tristan van Schalkwyk (Marais Viljoen), Simele Maye (St Benedict’s), Juan Steyn (Marais Viljoen), Ahmed Imran (Spring Secondary School), Luphumlo Mhlongo (St Benedict’s), Dean Hackner (St Benedict’s), Martin Khumalo (Ephes Mamkedi School), Part Patel (St Benedict’s), Nhlakanipho Ndaba (MOM Sebone Secondary School).

    Marais Viljoen 5; St Benedict’s 4; Ephes Mamkeli 2; Springs Secondary School 1; MOM Sebone Secondary School 1 

  • Titans’ Khaya Majola Week team announced

    Titans’ Khaya Majola Week team announced

    The Titans team for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week has been named, with four players from their 2022 side in the line-up for the event, which visits Makhanda this year from the 16th to the 20th of December.

    Tristan Luus and Hernus Marais, from Hoërskool Waterkloof, will head up the side from Pretoria’s bowling attack for the second time in as many years, while Menlopark’s exciting prodigy, Steve Stolk, and Garsfontein’s talisman Mohammed Aslam, will seek to spearhead their batting as two-time selections.

    Stolk’s performances with the bat not only earned him a call-up to the week but also secured him a spot in the Pretoria Capitals’ squad for next year’s SA20, while Luus made a couple of appearances for the SA Emerging side in the CSA Division Two One Day Cup before he was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

    Marcus Bakker, from Waterkloof, gets a call-up after an amazing season with both bat and ball, and he helps give the Klofies the largest contingent in the squad.

    Jorich van Schalkwyk and Lukas Janse van Rensburg are the only two representatives from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, while Cornwall Hill College saw Lethabo Phahlamohlaka and Jason Jansen named in the Titans’ squad.

    Lungile Mabuza (Atteridgeville) and William Tshoke (Mamelodi) represent the Atteridgeville Hub and Mamelodi Hub respectively, and Prestige College’s Modise Maloka completes the squad.

    Titans u19: Jorich van Schalkwyk (Affies), Dumisani Motshewene (Garsfontein), Mohammad Aslam (Garsfontein), Modise Maloka (Prestige College), Lukas Janse van Rensburg (Affies), Marcus Bakker (Waterkloof), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Cornwall Hill College), Jason Jansen (Cornwall Hill College), Lungile Mabuza (Atteridgeville Hub), Tristan Luus (Waterkloof), Hernus Marais (Waterkloof), William Tshoke (Mamelodi Hub), Steve Stolk (Menlopark).

  • Limpopo announce team for Khaya Majola Week

    Limpopo announce team for Khaya Majola Week

    The Limpopo Impala side for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola week has been named, with only three players returning from last year’s group. Thus, it will be an exciting time for the smaller province from up north as it sets out to prove its worth at the prestigious event, which takes place in Makhanda from the 16th to the 20th of December.

    The fiery quick from Ben Vorster in Tzaneen, Nsuku Mathye, will lead the attack for a second year in succession. At the same time, his counterpart Ruben Vosloo, also from Ben Vorster, will look to lead the way with the willow in hand, as the most experienced batsman in the side, along with Masilo Moremi, from the Mohodi Cricket Club, who was also part of the 2022 team.

    Victor Sehata, Mochau Molema and Kamogelo Morema take their place alongside Moremi, giving the Mohodi Cricket Club from Bochum the largest contingent in the squad.

    Enock Marima has graduated from last year’s Limpopo u16 team and is joined by his fellow Phalaborwa man Orasio Shillinda as the only representatives from the Phalaborwa Cricket Hub.

    Pietersburg Hoërskool has two players – Michael Nel and Driaan Hartslief – who cracked the nod.

    The impressive off-spinning all-rounder, Maan Mistry joins the team as the only representative from Merensky Landbou Akademie, while the exciting Jeandre Strydom breaks through as the only representative from Hoërskool Piet Potgieter. Nkowankowa Hub’s Nhalala Malungani will also be heading to the week for the first time.

    Limpopo u19: Mochau Molema (Mohodi CC), Victor Sehata (Mohodi CC), Enock Marima (Phalaborwa Hub), Maan Mistry (Merensky), Driaan Hartslief (Pietersburg), Ruben Vosloo (Ben Vorster), Jeandre Strydom (Piet Potgieter), Kamogelo Morema (Mohodi CC), Nhalala Malungani (Nkowankowa Hub), Orasio Shillinda (Phalaborwa Hub), Nsuku Mathye (Ben Vorster), Masilo Moremi (Mohodi CC), Michael Nel (Pietersburg).

  • Ruthless Ruthven and Magical Marais steer Waterkloof to third consecutive Noordvaal title

    Ruthless Ruthven and Magical Marais steer Waterkloof to third consecutive Noordvaal title

    Wian Ruthven‘s ruthless century and Hernus Marais‘ fantastic five-wicket hall steered Waterkloof to a third consecutive Fain Noordvaal title on Saturday.

    Having lost the toss, the Klofies were put in to bat first. Ruthven then took full advantage of what appeared to be batsmen-friendly conditions.

    Looking assertive from the first ball, he soon hit his straps. He punished anything loose from the Marais Viljoen bowlers and raced to a memorable century, scoring 117 from only 94 deliveries at a destructive run rate of 124.

    His innings included 12 fours and six sixes. Somewhat surprisingly, his opening partner, Divan Behrens, struggled for fluency.

    Behrens, though, obstinately looked after his wicket and knocked the ball around to feed the strike to the in-form Ruthven. When he was finally dismissed for 22, the opening pair had already shared a stand of 145 runs.

    The Alberton school’s bowlers stuck to their guns and were ultimately rewarded for their patience, with Juan Steyn bagging 3/64 and Tristan van Schalkwyk 2/44.

    The consistent Marcus Bakker contributed 37, while a sharp cameo of 36 from 24 balls from the talented Franco Cronje, and a well-played 31 from Alexander Volschenk, towards the end, proved pivotal to Waterkloof tallying a big 301/9 in their 50 overs.

    Unfortunately, for Marais Viljoen, their batsmen couldn’t replicate the Klofies’ success at the crease. Thanks to a wonderful display of fast bowling from the promising Hernus Marais, the underdogs were soon in deep trouble on 53/6.

    Marais claimed a decisive 5/13 in six overs, which included an outstanding 29 dot balls.

    Caiden Ramage fought valiantly for Marais Viljoen, making an impressive 35 from 42 balls, and he found good support from Juan Steyn, who counterattacked with a run-a-ball 28. Nathan Coleske did a solid job, too, making 27.

    However, another two wickets from Jaydon Blom put the final nail in the coffin as Marais Viljoen stumbled to a platry 130 all out, leaving Waterkloof the winners by a mammoth margin of 171 runs.

    The first-ever Noordvaal women’s final saw Noordheuwel come out on top against Potchefstroom Gimnasium.

    Magdaleen Ernst led the way for the Norries, top scoring with a wonderful 68 from 46 balls, which helped her side to an imposing 183/9 from their 20 overs. The talented 15-year-old Deidre van Rensburg was the mainstay with the ball in hand for Gim, bagging three wickets for 33 runs.

    She followed that up with a scintillating knock of 105 from 73 deliveries but, apart from Thlotlo Bogatso‘s 20 at the top of the order, none of the other Gimmie-batters had any answers to the high quality of the Noordheuwel bowling, and they came up 22 runs short of their required target.

    Summarised scorecards 

    Waterkloof 301/9 (Wian Ruthven 117, Marcus Bakker 37, Franco Cronje 36, Alexander Volschenk 31, Divan Behrens 22, Beukes van den Berg 22; Juan Steyn 3/64, Tristan van Schalkwyk 2/44); Marais Viljoen 130/10 (Cayden Ramage 35, Juan Steyn 28, Nathan Coleske 27; Hernus Marais 5/13, Jaydon Blom 2/18). Waterkloof won by 171 runs.

    Girls’ First XI 

    Noordheuwel 183/9 (Magdaleen Ernst 68, Kaylan Potgieter 26; Deidre van Rensburg 3/33); Potchefstroom Gimnasium 161/4 (Deidre van Rensburg 105, Thlotlo Bogatso 20; Magdaleen Ernst 2/22). Noordheuwel won by 22 runs.

  • Klofies out to defend Noordvaal title against strong Marais Viljoen

    Klofies out to defend Noordvaal title against strong Marais Viljoen

    Saturday will see a repeat of the 2019 Fain Noorvaal final, with Waterkloof taking on a strong Marais Viljoen side. Four years ago, it was very tight, with Klofies scraping a narrow two-wicket victory.

    Waterkloof will be the favourites to defend their title, with the Alberton boys seeking to play spoiler on St Alban’s TC Mitchell Oval.

    The Klofies have been the most successful team in the competition over the last ten years. Two of those years were lost to Covid-19, but Waterkloof made the final in seven of the eight remaining years, losing only to Garsfontein in the 2018 final.

    It has been a special year for the Klofies, who made history by becoming the first team to go back-to-back as champions of the prestigious Westvaal North-South T20 tournament. In another first, they followed that up with a third Titans A-League title in succession.

    Much of their success has been based off of a formidable top of the batting order, led by Wian Ruthven, Marcus Bakker, Divan Behrens and captain, Beukes van den Berg. Ruthven and Bakker have been especially destructive and very effective in getting the Pretoria side off to dominating starts.

    The Waterkloof bowling attack, spearhead by Jacques van Niekerk, who has taken six wickets in the Noorvaal playoffs, has delivered, too, with Franco Cronje proving especially effective during the middle overs.

    Marais Viljoen’s captain and SA u19 representative, Dewan Marais, leads from the front with both bat and ball. He heads into the final fresh off of a match-winning 47 against Potchefstroom Gimnasium in last week’s semi-final.

    Their opening batting pair of Sheldon van Wyk and Tristan van Schalkwyk has also been in fine form, and they will look to take the attack to the Klofies’ bowlers.

    Marais Viljoen might also be the only team in the competition with the bowling depth to be able to put Waterkloof under consistent pressure. Their new ball pairing of Juan Steyn and Tiaan Kuhn has been instrumental in the side’s success. If they can strike early, they’ll open up the way for Declan Botes to put pressure on Waterkloof’s less experienced middle order.

    Saturday is an opportunity for Marais Viljoen to rewrite the history books, while for Waterkloof it’s a further chance to enhance their overwhelming domination of the Noordvaal competition.

    The under-15 final will be decided between Garsfontein’s young Ysbere and Hoërskool Rustenburg, with their title-decider also taking place at St Alban’s College.

    First XI teams 

    Waterkloof vs Marais Viljoen at 09:30 at TC Mitchell Oval, St Alban’s: 

    Waterkloof 1st XI: Beukes van den Berg (Captain), Wian Ruthven, Marcus Bakker, Divan Behrens, Jayden Blom, Alexander Volschenk, Franco Cronje, Jacques van Niekerk, Riley Miller, Ruan van der Vyver, Hernus Marais.

    Marais Viljoen 1st XI: Dewan Marais (Captain), Sheldon van Wyk, Tristan van Schalkwyk, Aldre Huyzers, Tian du Toit, Jaden Govender, Caiden Ramage, Declan Botes, Nathan Coleske, Conner Meistre, Juan Steyn, Tiaan Kuhn, Tristan van Schalwyk.

  • Player Profile – Ross Boast (Hilton College)

    Player Profile – Ross Boast (Hilton College)

    On his family’s farm, in a cricket net, is where it all started for the talented Hilton College all-rounder Ross Boast.

    His cricketing journey began with tense backyard matches against his older brother Matthew Boast, who currently opens the bowling for the Pretoria-based Multiply Titans.

    Ross’s love for the game grew from listening to stories about his great-uncle Vincent van der Bijl, who was one of South Africa’s best seam bowlers in the ’70s and early ’80s.

    “Big Vince”, all six-foot-eight of him, claimed 899 wickets, first class and list A, in a 16-year career at Natal and Transvaal respectively, as well as during an off-season stint in the UK playing for Middlesex, so it’s easy to see why he became the reason that a young Ross Boast fell in love with the game.

    This planted the seed of a dream to play for South Africa one day and to apply his trade within the domestic structures of the country.

    Hilton College’s impact

    Boast is currently the captain of the Hilton College 1st XI, an all-rounder with match-winning ability with both bat and ball.

    He attributes his success to the professional coaching staff he’s worked with since he made his first appearance in the Hilton kit. “Hilton has allowed me to grow as a cricketer and as a person, thanks to its amazing coaching staff who’ve guided me along the many ups and downs over the last five years,” Boast said.

    When asked which of the three formats at high school level he favours, he had an interesting response, saying that he prefers the longest format, time cricket, as he feels it intensifies the battle between bat and ball.

    He added, however, that the shorter formats of 50-over cricket and T20s suit his playing style, too, because he likes to play an aggressive brand of cricket.

    Biggest inspiration

    Furthermore, there was no doubt in his mind that his brother has had the biggest influence on his cricketing career so far.

    “My brother, Matthew, has played a massive role in pushing me towards becoming the best player that I can be. We have a great relationship, and we have some huge aspirations for the future,” Ross said.

    Reflecting on the memories he’s made on the cricket field during his five years at Hilton, Boast fondly recalls the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Weeks, which bring many of the country’s top cricket-playing schools together to face one other in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands.

    One match that really stands out to him was played at this year’s event, when he produced a man-of-the-match performance against King Edward VII School on the Hart-Davis Oval.

    Boast top scored with the bat, contributing 69 from 83 deliveries. He then spearheaded the Hilton bowling attack, capturing a superb five for 33 during his nine-over spell to lead his side to a convincing 129-run victory.

    The future

    Looking to the future, after the coming weekend’s PinkDrive game against Michaelhouse, Boast’s attention will shift to the annual Khaya Majola Week, which takes place in Makhanda in December.

    He’s hoping to stack up the wickets and pile on the runs in the hope of securing himself a spot among the top cricketers in the country next year.

    He’s humble and down-to-earth, but the immense talent, along with excellent leadership capabilities, is undeniable. With hard work, Ross Boast is hoping those qualities will allow him to go all the way and realise his goal of playing at the highest level in the green and gold.

  • Marais Viljoen books Noordvaal final against Waterkloof

    Marais Viljoen books Noordvaal final against Waterkloof

    Marais Viljoen booked their place in the Fain Noordvaal final against Waterkloof next week after a four-wicket victory over Potchefstroom Gimnasium on Saturday.

    In a scintillating team performance, they chased down 186 in only the 29th over of their reply.

    Tristan van Schalkwyk stood out for the winners, leading the way with both ball and bat. He, firstly, snared two wickets for 43 runs and then added 42 from 45 deliveries with the bat.

    Tiaan Kuhn also impressed with a wonderful display of new-ball bowling, returning the best figures of the day of 2/19. Juan Steyn was equally impressive in his spell of 2/22 from 6.5 overs.

    Sheldon van Wyk lent Van Schalkwyk good support at the crease, making a vital 33 from 45 balls as the duo compiled a wonderfully constructed 84-run opening partnership to set their side on the path to victory.

    In a disappointing batting performance by the Gimmies, it was only their stalwart, Zavier van Rensburg, who looked comfortable at the crease. He hit eight fours and top scored with a fantastic 81 from 84 deliveries to dominate his team’s total of 186.

    Caiden Seleka caused Marais Viljoen trouble in their run chase, sending three batsmen packing as he claimed three wickets for 41 runs in nine overs, while Marnu Cronje chipped in with two wickets, but he was a touch expensive, conceding 51 runs from his seven overs.

    Dewan Marais rocketed Marais Viljoen to victory by striking a blistering 47 from just 25 balls as he and Aldre Huyzers (30, 35b*) combined for an important partnership of 59 runs. Their efforts carried the side from Alberton to the win with four wickets to spare.

    Their reward is a showdown with North-South T20 champions, Waterkloof, for the Noordvaal title.

    Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

    Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

    Summarised Scorecard 

    Potchefstroom Gimnasium 186/10 (Zavier van Rensburg 81: Tiaan Kuhn 2/19, Juan Steyn 2/22, Declan Botes 2/25, Tristan van Schalkwyk 2/43): Marais Viljoen 187/6 (Dewan Marais 47, Van Schalkwyk 42, Sheldon van Wyk 33, Aldre Huyzers 30*; Caiden Seleka 3/41, Marnu Cronje 2/51). Marais Viljoen won by four wickets. 

  • Botha leads Noordheuwel to historic victory despite Pretorius’ double-century

    Botha leads Noordheuwel to historic victory despite Pretorius’ double-century

    Noordheuwel‘s Corné Botha, with a sensational all-round performance, sealed an emphatic and historic victory for the Norries over the mighty St Stithians College on Saturday.

    He enjoyed a spectacular day with both bat and ball to lead his side to a convincing 54-run win, scoring a magnificent 136 from only 95 deliveries, which included a whopping 10 sixes and seven fours, before following that up with a superb five-for.

    In Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Saints had a player to counteract Botha’s brilliant all-round contribution. He demonstrated why he earned an SA20 contract at just 17, with a magnificent, even bigger, innings of 200 off only 125 balls.

    Pretorius powered the ball to all parts of the ground, smashing 20 fours and an astounding 12 sixes, which meant an incredible 152 of his runs, or 76%, came from boundaries.

    He was also the best of the Saints’ bowlers, snapping up 4/34 from 5.1 overs, and received good backing from Cayden Sunker and Joshua Meyer, who chipped in with two wickets apiece.

    Botha, meanwhile, followed up his cracking century with a match-winning return of 5/33 from 9.3 overs.

    At the crease, he received good support from Dian Taljaard, who struck a wonderful 65 from just 41 deliveries, while Marius Penning (41, 66b) and Ethan Smith (34, 19b) also made telling contributions to help the Norries to a mammoth 343/10.

    Unfortunately for Saints’ Pretorius, he wasn’t afforded similar backing when he was out in the middle. His 200 was masterful, but the next best St Stithians’ score was 21 from Joshua Meyer

    Following the star left-hander’s dismissal, the Johannesburg school suffered a batting collapse, resulting in Norries bowling them out for 289 in the 46th over to claim a convincing victory.

    Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

    Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

    Summarised scorecard

    Noordheuwel 343/10 (Corné Botha 136, Dian Taljaard 65, Marius Penning 41, Ethan Smith 34: Lhuan-dre Pretoius 4/34, Cayden Sunker 2/55, Joshua Meyer 2/49); St Stithians 289/10 (Pretorius 200, Joshua Meyer 21; Corné Botha 5/33, JJ Bason 2/46, Corne Olivier 2/50). Noordheuwel won by 55 runs. 

  • Waterkloof bowlers secure another Fain Noordvaal Final berth

    Waterkloof bowlers secure another Fain Noordvaal Final berth

    Waterkloof’s bowlers proved too strong for the Garsfontein Ysbere batting lineup on Saturday in the semifinals of the Fain Noordvaal competition. The Klofie attack, which was spearheaded by the consistent Jacques van Niekerk, managed to bundle Garsfontein out for a modest 137 on home soil.

    Van Niekerk made an indifferent start as he struggled to find his rhythm. However, after a couple of solid overs, he turned up the heat and captured 2/25.

    Alongside Van Niekerk, Hernus Marais impressed with a fiery new-ball spell, sending down eight overs and returning figures of 2/31.

    Franco Cronje continued his wicket-taking form, picking up 2/21 in five.

    It was a bleak day for the batsmen of the Ysbere who were placed under heavy pressure throughout their innings by the Waterkloof bowlers.

    Stefan van Staden looked promising, in a knock of 29 from 38 balls but, like his teammates, he found a way to get himself out.

    An untimely run out cut Gustav Beer’s innings short, just as he had started to look comfortable at the crease. Nonetheless, he contributed an entertaining 25 from 34 deliveries.

    The Klofie batsmen then made it clear that they wanted to attack the victory target of 138. Wian Ruthven got his side off to flyer, cracking a ruthless 20 from just 12 balls, while Marcus Bakker raced to 28 before losing his wicket.

    This, however, set the stage for Divan Behrens and Beukes van den Berg. Behrens settled into playing the anchor role and weighed in with 20 in an 82-run partnership with his captain.

    Van den Berg, who has a knack of performing well on the bigger stages, carved out a well-played unbeaten 58 from 59 deliveries to direct Waterkloof comfortably across the line in only the 26th over, thus securing another place in the Noordvaal competition’s final for his side.

    Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

    Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

    Summarised scorecard 

    Garsfontein 137/10 (Stefan van Staden 29, Gustav Beer 25; Jacques van Niekerk 2/25, Hernus Marais 2/31, Franco Cronje 2/21): Waterkloof 138/2 (Beukes van den Berg 58*, Marcus Bakker 28, Divan Behrens 20*, Wian Ruthven 20: Stefan van Staden 1/33). Waterkloof won by eight wickets. 

  • Garsie Ysbere set for titanic battle with Waterkloof in Noordvaal semis

    Garsie Ysbere set for titanic battle with Waterkloof in Noordvaal semis

    Garsfontein’s 1st XI, known as the Ysbere, have booked themselves a mouthwatering showdown against Waterkloof in the semifinals of the Noordvaal Gunn & Moore competition after comfortably beating Hoërskool Nelspruit on Saturday.

    Nelspruit won the toss and elected to make use of the batting-friendly Highveld conditions. However, the visitors were pegged back by the loss of two early wickets before Jaydon Meyer led a recovery with a fighting knock of 47 from 48 deliveries.

    John Duncan also played his part, providing much-needed support for Meyer, with a run-a-ball 30, while Branden Bouch contributed a vital 25 not out.

    Garsies’ Nayleo Sanna enjoyed a fine outing with the ball, capturing 4/34 from his nine overs. Sanna’s star turn, with good support from the rest of the attack, resulted in Nellies being bowled out in the 43rd over for 207.

    The strong Garsie batting line then dominated at the crease. Xander Venter led their charge with an unbeaten 61 from just 45 deliveries, while Gustav Beer made a telling 58 not out from 48 balls.

    They benefitted from a sturdy platform which had been laid by opening batsman Reuben van Zyl, who made 43. The trio’s consistent contributions were too much for the Nelspruit attack and Garsfontein cruised home, reaching the required target in only the 27th over.

    Potchefstroom Gimnasium also booked a place in the semi-finals after seeing off Hoërskool Monument.

    Gimmies, wielding the willow first, posted a respectable 240 all out. James Wood shone with a controlled 59 from 82 deliveries. In support of Wood, Caiden Seleka showcased his abilities with an important 43, while Zavier van Niekerk delivered a crucial cameo of 32, to set up a difficult chase for the side from Krugersdorp.

    Joshua McCoy was the pick of the Monnas’ bowlers, sending four batsmen packing for 43 runs.

    In pursuit of 241 to win, Monument’s run chase looked comfortably set at 53/2. However, they were soon in deep trouble as Philip du Plessis tore through their middle order, snatching four wickets.

    Ibrahim Haffejee, with a splendid 42 from 39, did a good job of stemming the tide, but rain then ended the contest, which resulted in Gimmies taking a win by 18 runs via the Duckworth Lewis Method.

    Summarised scorecards: 

    Nelspruit 201/10 (Jayden Meyer 47, John Duncan 30, Branden Bouch 25*, Davico Kruger 20; Nayleo Sanna 4/34); Garsfontein 209/3 (Ander Venter 61*, Gustav Beer 58*, Reuben van Zyl 43; Jayden Meyer 1/28). Garsfontein won by seven wickets.

    Potchefstroom Gimnasium 240/10 (James Wood 59, Caiden Seleka 43, Zavier van Rensburg 32, Marnu Cronje 28, Ruan Lotz 22; Joshua McCoy 4/43, Antoni van Niekerk 2/34); Monument 195/8 (Ibrahim Haffejee 42*, Thlowi Davies 27, Antoni van Niekerk 21; Philip du Plessis 4/46). Potchefstroom Gimnasium won by 18 runs via DLS.