Author: froberholzer

The newly branded Wildeklawer T20 tournament has released its fixtures for 2025, and Day One already promises some exciting match-ups.

Read and follow all the Wildeklawer T20 action right here on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

The week of the Wildeklawer T20 caps an exciting period, as the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Week and Cape Schools Festival precede the action set to take place in Pretoria. The tournament commences on Thursday, 16 October, with the final set to take place on Sunday, 19 October, at Camp Discovery.

Of the eight venues, two new venues have been introduced to host the top-quality cricket promised by 16 of South Africa’s top schoolboy cricket sides, with the Gijima and Groenkloof Ovals replacing Harlequins and CBC Old Boys in this year’s tournament. These are also the fields hosting some of the highly anticipated matches on the first day.

Groenkloof sees Menlopark, one of the three hosts, face newcomers, Paul Roos. At the same time, the Gijima Oval will feature, quite possibly, the highlight of the first round when Hoërskool Waterkloof and Rondebosch Boys’ High School‘s paths cross early in the competition.

The third of the hosting schools, and defending champions, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, meet Grey High School at the Camp Discovery Oval. Last year’s runners-up, Grey College, face a tough challenge in Northwood at the André van der Walt Oval, the home of Waterkloof cricket. The matches on Thursday are all scheduled to start at 13:30.

The Saturday promises to be another cracker of a day. Wynberg Boys’ High School clash with Durban High School at the Pretoria Old Boys Club. The Horseflies from Durban, although it’s their first appearance at the tournament, arrive as one of the favourites, looking at T20 form across 2025.

This, alongside the meeting between Rondebosch and Westville Boys’ High School, headlines the second day’s morning. The match between Waterkloof and newcomers, St David’s Marist Inanda, will be watched closely nonetheless, with an impending duel between Jason Rowles and Riley Miller looming at the Camp Discovery Oval.

The CSA Hub Invitational XI kick off a tough Day 2, having to first negotiate Grey High School, whereafter they have the defending champions standing in their way. The Free State Schools SA20 Champions, St Andrew’s School from Bloemfontein, will battle it out against an unpredictable King Edward VII School, before crossing paths with the Horseflies from Durban.

Another possible highlight of the second day is the encounter between Paul Roos and Grey College at Pretoria Old Boys in the afternoon. These two sides had already met earlier in September, in a two-day match ultimately decided by the Bloemfontein weather.

The playoff rounds will commence with the quarter-finals on Saturday morning, with the action once again starting at 09:00, whereafter the semi-finals await the same afternoon, starting at 14:00.

The Fixtures

Day 1 – Thursday (16 October) at 13:30 

Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool vs Grey High School – Camp Discovery
King Edward VII School vs Durban High School – Sinoville Oval
Waterkloof vs Rondebosch Boys’ High School – Gijima Oval
Jeppe High School for Boys vs CSA Hub Invitational XI – Affies Oval
Paul Roos vs Menlopark – Groenkloof Oval
Grey College vs Northwood – Waterkloof
St David’s Marist vs Westville Boys’ High School – Pretoria Old Boys Club
St Andrew’s School vs Wynberg Boys’ High School – Menlopark

Day 2 – Friday (17 October) at 09:00 

Waterkloof vs St David’s Marist Inanda – Camp Discovery
Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool vse Jeppe High School for Boys – Sinoville Oval
Grey High Schools vs CSA Hub Invitational XI – Gijima Oval
Menlopark vs Grey College – Affies Oval
St Andrew’s School vs King Edward VII School – Groenkloof Oval
Rondebosch Boys’ High School vs Westville Boys’ High School – Waterkloof
Wynberg Boys’ High School vs Durban High School – Pretoria Old Boys Club
Paul Roos vs Northwood – Menlopark

Day 2 – Friday (17 October) at 14:00 

Menlopark vs Northwood – Camp Discovery
Waterkloof vs Westville Boys’ High School – Sinoville Oval
St David’s Marist Inanda vs Rondebosch Boys’ High School – Gijima Oval
St Andrew’s School vs Durban High School – Affies Oval
Grey High School vs Jeppe High School for Boys – Groenkloof Oval
Wynberg Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII School – Waterkloof
Paul Roos vs Grey College – Pretoria Old Boys Club
Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool vs CSA Hub Invitational XI

The Venues

Camp Discovery Oval
Affies Oval
André van der Walt Oval (Hoërskool Waterkloof)
Pretoria Old Boys Cricket Club
Gijima Oval
Groenkloof Oval
Sinoville Cricket Club

A patient half-century by top-order batsman, Dian Boucher, and an incisive bowling attack enabled Hoërskool Nelspruit to upset the unbeaten Hoërskool Middelburg on Saturday in Nelspruit.

Read and relive all the Mpumalanga Schools Premier League right here on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Boucher stood firm against the aggressive bowling from the Middies, selecting his shots meticulously. His patience over 102 deliveries was rewarded with a well-played 51 runs, which included five fours.

Boucher was eventually dismissed by Gavin Genis, who picked up another two wickets (2/67) in this year’s league. The Nellies’ sole Khaya Majola Week representative, Janco Breyl, was among the runs too with 31, while Vaughn van Zyl, upon his return to the side, managed 24.

This helped the Nellies to a fairly modest 199 before the last wicket fell in the 45th over, but still something to bowl at. JP Nel was the Middies’ standout with the ball, boasting figures of 4/33, while fast bowler Hendré Nel also shared in the spoils with 2/25.

The Nellies bowlers obliged indeed. Gerdu van Eeden led the way with a noteworthy outing of 3/20, picking up the big scalps of Herman Potgieter (14) and the Middies’ top scorer, Zubair Desai, albeit after he had made his way to a positive looking 52 runs. At one stage, Desai and Genis (48) appeared as if they would reach the target quite comfortably, but Desai’s dismissal swung the momentum completely.

Safwaan Muller (2/32) and Samual Day (2/42) helped Van Eeden wrap up the Middies innings, restricting them to only 181 and thereby claiming an 18-run victory.

In Secunda, Hoërskool Hoogenhout‘s Viljoen duo produced a batting blitzkrieg to help secure a comfortable 76-run victory over Hoërskool Secunda. Johan Viljoen top-scored with a blistering 64 runs, coming from only 58 balls. Pieter Viljoen, also Hoogenhout’s captain, thereafter set the stage alight with a 16-ball 40, smashing three fours and four sixes. Wyatt Johnson also got in on the act with an unbeaten 54 runs, a crucial contribution to the target of 250 set by Hoogies.

Nathan Erasmus made his way to a half-century for Secunda, but he didn’t enjoy the same level of support as Viljoen. Umar Badat was the only other Secunda batsman to cross the 30-mark, losing his wicket to Johnson for 33.

From thereon, Johnson went on to hurt the home side even more. Following his 10 overs, he boasted a match-winning return of 5/43, to add to his 54* from earlier. Logan Schutte provided support with 3/29 as the last Secunda wicket fell with the score on only 174.

Summarised scorecards

Hoërskool Nelspruit 199 (Dian Boucher 51, Extras 36, Janco Breyl 31, Vaughn van Zyl 24, Waldemar Graham 21; JP Nel 4/44, Hendré Nel 2/25, Gavin Genis 2/67); Hoërskool Middelburg 181 (Zubair Desai 52, Gavin Genis 48, Extras 25; Gerdu van Eeden 3/20, Safwaan Muller 2/32, Samual Day 2/42). Hoërskool Nelspruit won by 18 runs. 

Hoërskool Hoogenhout 250 (Johan Viljoen 64, Wyatt Johnson 54*, Pieter Viljoen 40, Extras 32; Nathan Erasmus 3/47, Jayden Scholtz 2/50); Hoërskool Secunda 174 (Nathan Erasmus 51, Umar Badat 33, Andries Coetzer 23, Extras 23; Wyatt Johnson 5/43, Logan Schutte 3/29). Hoërskool Hoogenhout won by 76 runs. 

Despite persistent rain over the weekend, Limpopo was the arena on Saturday for two humdingers as both Hoërskool Ben Vorster and Merensky Landbou Akademie bagged victories in a round that could put the cat amongst the pigeons in the Limpopo Super League.

Read and relive all the Limpopo Super League action right here on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Ben Vorster’s Black Caps achieved a 69-run victory over Hoërskool Pietersburg, which put a big dent in the Pieties’ title defence. It means that the side from Polokwane will have to win their four remaining matches, preferably with a bonus point each, to get back in the race.

The Black Caps’ redemption after a telling defeat against Merensky the previous week sees them move to third place on the log, tied with Merensky. Both sides sit on 20 league points, four behind frontrunners, Hoërskool Piet Potgieter.

Due to the rain, both the matches at Ben Vorster and Merensky had to be restricted to 30-over encounters.

The Black Caps had the opportunity to bat first. Knowing it won’t be easy, opening batsman Ruben Pohl had to work to get his side off to a decent start. Pohl waited patiently for anything loose, hitting five fours and two sixes in his contribution of 37 runs.

Rivoningo Chauke (29) and Kuhlani Mnisi (20) also found it quite tough to score, but managed to grind out valuable contributions. The Black Caps did not bat their full 30 overs, with the last wicket going down in the 27th over.

Willem Viljoen did most of the damage with his 3/36 in five overs. He was supported by Hardus Schoeman (2/27) and captain Dian Gouws (2/14) in their 6.4 overs.

The Black Caps captain, Njabulo Maseko, might have failed with the bat, but did his part with the ball as his spell ultimately swung the game in favour of the side from Tzaneen. In just two overs, he caused a collapse, picking up four wickets for a mere eight runs. Chauke followed up his useful effort with the bat, contributing three wickets (3/32) in the four overs he bowled, thereby assisting in restricting the Pieties to only 86 to secure the victory.

Merensky, also batting first, could only manage a total of 61 in testing conditions against Mohodi Hub‘s strong bowling lineup. Randy Mosefowa had the Plasies sweating as he demolished their top order with unbelievable figures of 6/13, with Dumisani Manyama not far behind, picking up 3/8 as the Plasies lost nine wickets for a mere 21 runs. This trend, however, would continue into the Mohodi innings. They could eventually only manage a total of 39 runs.

Ian Meyer emerged as an unlikely hero, bowling accurately and fast to claim his maiden first XI five-wicket haul in a match-winning spell of 5/9. Rinaldo Bornman supported Meyer by spinning a web around the Modi batters, picking up 3/14 as Merensky won a very low-scoring affair by 22 runs.

Hoërskool Piet Potgieter kept their unbeaten run alive by thumping Nkowankowa Hub with nine wickets. A combined bowling effort, led by Ruben Oosthuizen (3/4), had Nkowankowa stumbling to 77 all out. The total was chased down with ease thanks to the efforts of Ridhwan Patel (32) and Zaid Vohra (31*).

Phalaborwa Hub beat Hoërskool Louis Trichardt by 34 runs to usurp the fourth spot on the league table, surpassing Hoërskool Pietersburg. Benjie Mathebula scored the bulk of his side’s 145 with his knock of 79. Rito Rikotso scored an additional 33, meaning that the pair contributed 112, or 77%, of Phalaborwa’s runs. Nduvho Muumba was exceptional for the Triegies, picking up 5/13, including the important wicket of Rikotso.

Xadrian Snyman (37) tried hard to get his side over the line, but the strong bowling attack from Phalaborwa proved to be just too much. Marcus Ngobeni led the charge with his 3/4, playing a massive role in restricting the Triegies to only 111 runs.

Summarised scorecards

Ben Vorster 155 (Ruben Pohl 37, Rivoningo Chauke 29, Kuhlani Mnisi 20; Willem Viljoen 3/36, Dian Gouws 2/14, Hardus Schoeman 2/27); Hoërskool Pietersburg 86 (Celliers van der Merwe 31; Njabulo Maseko 4/8, Rivoningo Chauke 3/32, Dumisani Manyama 2/1). Ben Vorster won by 69 runs. 

Merensky Landbou Akademie 61 (Luka Heinlein 19; Randy Mosefowa 6/13, Mahlodi Sekuba 3/8); Mohodi Hub 39 (Ian Meyer 5/9, Rinaldo Bornman 3/14). Merensky Landbou Akademy won by 22 runs.

Nkowankowa Hub 77 (Ntsako Makaringe 23, Extras 22; Ruben Oosthuizen 3/4, Frederik Botes 3/5, Joshua Claasen 2/14); Hoërskool Piet Potgieter 81/1 (Ridhwan Patel 32, Zaid Vhora 31*; Alen Shiviri 1/21). Hoërskool Piet Potgieter won by nine wickets. 

Phalaborwa Hub 145 (Benjie Mathebula 79, Rito Rikotso 33; Nduvho Muumba 5/13, Francois Nel 3/46); Hoërskool Louis Trichardt 111 (Xadrian Snyman 37; Marcus Ngobeni 3/4, Ripfumelo Nabunda 2/12, Hlulani Ngomane 2/14). Phalaborwa Hub won by 34 runs.

Sheldon Kruger stepped up to the plate for Hoërskool Kempton Park with a century in their victory over Hoërskool Hans Moore on Saturday, which could spell the end of the Moories’ Fain Noordvaal title defence.

Read and relive all the 2025 Schools Cricket action right here on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

After being sent in to bat first by the Moories, the hosts for the day, the Kempies, made full use of their home facilities. Wian Pieters (4) went cheaply from the bowling of Jake Bevolo (1/35), but Kruger and Hanré van Deventer recovered nicely.

As often in the past, the pair combined magnificently. The 143-run partnership between them was finally broken when Moories’ captain, Adrian Watson, took matters into his own hands, creating the run out of Van Deventer for 45 runs.

Kruger, though, kept going. He was involved in another hefty partnership of 62 runs with Shaun Nash (34), before he lost his wicket for 124, off 123 deliveries. His innings included 16 boundaries, of which seven landed on the other side of the rope. His 124 runs were exactly half of his side’s total as the Kempies managed a total of 248/9 in the allotted 50 overs.

Kearan Weyers (2/35) and Zander Swart (2/44) did the most damage with the ball, sharing four of the nine wickets between them.

The Moories’ batting card would look quite different. Like Kruger, Kempies’ quickie, Kristian du Plessis, also came to the party. Although he snapped up only two wickets, he made sure it was the two biggest fish. He first dismissed Xavier Coetzee (10) in the fourth over and then Adrian Watson (15) in the eighth to turn the screws really tight.

Ethan Kotze (5/20) fed off the momentum and energy, and would become the hero with the ball. In the 6.1 overs he bowled, he picked up five wickets, two of which swung the game completely in favour of the home side. They were the prized scalps of the Shaw Brothers, who had seemed as if they might just get the visitors over the line.

It was especially Aiden Shaw‘s 80 runs that caused concern. Along with his brother, Kenan Shaw (45), they stuck it out for a 96-run partnership. Unfortunately, when it was broken, so were the hearts of Hans Moore as the wickets tumbled and they could only manage a meagre 203 runs before the last wicket fell.

Summarised scorecard

Hoërskool Kempton Park 248/9 (Sheldon Kruger 124, Hanré van Deventer 45, Shaun Nash 34; Kearan Weyers 2/35, Zander Swart 2/44); Hans Moore 203 (Aiden Shaw 80, Kenan Shaw 45; Ethan Kotze 5/20, Kristian du Plessis 3/24, Shaun Nash 2/37). Hoërskool Kempton Park won by 45 runs. 

A large part of the Noordaal may have experienced showers over the course of Saturday, but the only rain the Titans Platinum League saw was that of runs.

Read and relive all the Titans Premier League action right here on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Reuben van Zyl of Hoërskool Garsfontein and Timothy Gordon from Pretoria Boys High School were mostly responsible for the downpour of runs.

Van Zyl struck his third century in this year’s league as Garsfontein smashed Die Hoërskool Menlopark out of the “big-four”, thumping the Parkies by 176 runs.

Gordon’s innings, on the other hand, helped Boys High force their way into the “big-four” with a memorable 102-run victory over Cornwall Hill College.

The Ysbere and Van Zyl were once again exceptional. The Garsie opening batsman exhibited sheer class with the biggest of his three centuries thus far. Facing only 119 deliveries and striking at 121, he smashed 18 fours and two sixes for his 144 before Parkie’s offspinner, Murray Hofmeyr, finally managed to get rid of him.

Hofmeyr, upon his return to the side, was his team’s best bowler on the day. Bowling his full quota of 10 overs, he snapped up two wickets and conceded only 55 runs. However, not even that could put a stop to the onslaught that followed from Xander Venter.

The all-rounder, coming in at five, also batted briskly. Venter scored at a run a ball and accelerated towards the end to achieve an unbeaten 92 runs. Together with Van Zyl, he took the Ysbere to a total of 361/5 in the allotted 50 overs.

The Parkies weren’t quite up to the challenge. Only Dian van Zyl managed to pass the 50 mark, having had to rebuild following two quick wickets upfront from Venter (2/27). Van Zyl worked hard at the crease and had Morné Koekemoer (33) and Jacques de Villiers (32) in support.

It wasn’t enough to counter Wikus du Preez, though. Du Preez finished the innings with figures of 3/15 in five overs, putting an end to the Parkies’ efforts of chasing the big total.

Gordon’s innings on home turf, at the Hofmeyr Oval, was similar to that of Van Zyl, and he even passed the 150-mark. He seemed in a hurry, smashing 13 fours and 12 sixes in his mammoth innings of 159 runs. Ethan Nel (56) was next best, with every other batter chipping in for the total of 364/8 by the end of 50 overs.

Boys High could not bowl the resilient Cornwall out, but managed to restrict them to 262/7. Joshua Hall (2/39) and Euan Gottfried (2/45) did the bulk of the damage, while Cornwall captain Ab Rasool was his side’s best performer. Not only did Rasool take four wickets (4/53), but he also scored an important 78 runs. Zander Davel scored 49, but in the end, it was not enough.

Hoërskool Eldoraigne persevered for a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Prestige College, at home in Centurion. Left-arm spinner, Benyael Morkel, led the way, collecting three wickets and costing only 29 runs in 10 overs. Mohau Mahalngu (53) and Omphile Maredi (47) did the hard yards to get Prestige to a modest total of 197/8, something to bowl at.

However, 54 from Ryno Mulder, alongside 40s from Jean du Randt (42) and Marinus Langerman (40), proved enough to get the side from Centurion over the line, albeit only just.

Summarised scorecards 

Garsfontein 361/5 (Reuben van Zyl 144, Xander Venter 92, Arrie Verster 29, Charl van Staden 26, Extras 25; Murray Hofmeyr 2/55, James Bronkhorst 2/67); Menlopark 185 (Dian van Zyl 51, Morné Koekemoer 33, Jacques de Villiers 32; Wikus du Preez 3/15, Xander Venter 2/27). Garsfontein won by 176 runs. 

Pretoria Boys High School 364/8 (Timothy Gordon 159, Ethan Nel 56, Pieter Steyn 30, Louis Kruyshaar 25, Extras 22, Tinashe Mbingo 21; Ab Rasool 4/53); Cornwall Hill College 262/7 (Ab Rasool 78, Zander Davel 49, Keagan van Wyk 39, Rourke de Lange 27, Layton Pullen 25, Extras 23; Joshua Hall 2/39, Euan Gottfried 2/45). Pretoria Boys High School won by 102 runs. 

Prestige College 197/8 (Mohau Mahlangu 53, Omphile Maredi 47, Extras 31, Thabang Kutumela 21, Gift Mahlasedi 21; Benyael Morkel 3/29, Angus Myers 2/26, Cornell Cousins 2/48); Eldoraigne 198/8 (Ryno Mulder 54, Jean du Randt 42, Marinus Langerman 40, Rowan McClaren 21*; Lesedi Mabena 3/17, Omphile Maredi 3/43, Keamogetswe Semenya 2/43). Eldoraigne won by two wickets. 

Ruben Groenewald van Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se oes van vyf paaltjies Saterdag in Pretoria is sy derde groot oomblik van die jaar.

Lees en herleef al die Titans Platinum Liga-aksie net hier op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Groenewald se vorige twee uithaaloomblikke vanjaar het albei op die rugbyveld plaasgevind, naamlik ‘n doelskop teen Paarl Gimnasium om ‘n gelykopuitslag af te dwing en toe ‘n strafdoel teen Jeppe High School for Boys vir ‘n naelskraapse sege in die doodsnikke.

Die veelsydige Groenewald het die afgelope Saterdag soos dit ‘n kaptein betaam, in die grootste stryd tot dusver vanjaar in die Titans-liga, van voor gelei. Hy het uiteindelik ‘n merkwaardige boulskof van 8.1 beurte afgesluit met syfers van 5/27 wat vir Affies ‘n sege van 51 lopies oor Hoërskool Waterkloof verseker het. Dit neem sy se bydrae met die bal, oor die laaste twee wedstryde, na ‘n allemintige nege paaltjies.

Dié nederlaag was slegs Klofies, die krieketreus van Pretoria, se tweede in soveel jaar in die Titans-liga, nadat Affies in 2023, ook op hul tuisveld, met vyf paaltjies koning gekraai het. Dit beteken natuurlik dat Affies nou die enigste onoorwonne span onder die groot Titans is.

Die jongeling, Christian Linde, wat slegs in Graad 9 is vanjaar, was die voorbok op die Affies se kolflys. Die groentjie het met 79 lopies gespog, waarvan hy 46 met grenshoue aangeteken het.

Vier van die ander Affie-kolwers het elk meer as 40 lopies bygedra. Paaltjiewagter, Daniel Murray, self nog jonk, het voet in die hoek gesit vir 56 lopies van 51 aflewerings. Die gesamentlike poging van die tuisspan het vir ‘n totaal van 297/7 in sy toegelate 50 beurte gesorg.

Klofies se Darius Maritz het sy staal tydens die laaste gedeelte van die beurt tentoongestel en met syfers van 3/57 in agt beurte afgesluit. Sy span se kolfbeurt het egter nie na wense begin nie. Zian Labuschagne (1/41) en Vihan Pretorius (1/45) het vroeg toegeslaan om die Klofies onder druk te plaas.

Dit was Franco Schmidt (48) en Rico van der Walt (41) wat die orde herstel het. Die twee het netjies saam gekolf vir ‘n belangrike venootskap van 72 lopies. Toe Johan Feuth boonop 85 lopies van net 57 balle gemoker het, in ‘n beurt wat sewe viere en ses sesse ingesluit het, was Klofies nog op koers na ‘n stewige totaal.

Die draaipunt het egter gekom toe Feuth deur Labuschagne uitgehardloop is. Dit was toe Groenewald die druk dramaties verplaas het. Sy knaende boulwerk het ‘n ineenstorting tot gevolg gehad, met vier paaltjies wat vir slegs 23 lopies gekantel het.

Hierdie uitslag maak die wedloop vir die trofee weer wawyd oop. Affies het nog drie wedstryde oor, waarvan een teen Hoërskool Garsfontein. Die Ysbere het na hul sege oor Die Hoërskool Menlopark vroeër die dag, na eerste op die puntelys opgeskuif.

Die onlangse twee uitslae maak die ontmoeting tussen Affies en Garsfontein van kardinale belang. Die Klofies sal ook hul twee oorblywende wedstryde met bonuspunte moet wen indien hulle ‘n kans wil staan om hul titel van die afgelope vier jaar suksesvol te verdedig.

Beknopte telkaart

Affies 297/7 (Christian Linde 79, Daniel Murray 57, Adriaan Nel 42, Vihan Pretorius 41, JP Botha 37; Darius Maritz 3/57); Waterkloof 246 (Johan Feuth 85, Franco Schmidt 48, Rico van der Walt 41, Ekstras 23; Ruben Groenewald 5/27). Affies wen met 51 lopies. 

When Hoërskool Kempton Park and defending Easterns champions, Hoërskool Hans Moore, meet on Saturday in Kempton Park, there will be a hint of a final atmosphere in the air.

Read and follow all the 2025 Schools Cricket action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

The reason is that everything, more or less, comes down to the encounter between these two sides to determine who will represent the Easterns region in the Fain Noordvaal Competition, which follows the respective leagues. Both sides are still unbeaten.

There is a snag, however, in that both teams still need to catch up on matches in arrears from the previous round. Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen had prior arrangements prohibiting the scheduled fixture against the Moories, while Benoni High School still need to play against the Kempies, which could yet put a damper on Noordvaal qualification, if an upset happens.

That said, Saturday’s action between the two frontrunners of the league promises nothing less than exhilarating cricket. Exceptional batting lineups await to put each other to the test, while the bowling attacks, possessing some serious pace, could be a highlight from both sides.

Leading the fast bowling scene will be Khaya Majola opening bowler, Kristiaan du Plessis. It seemed as if Du Plessis had held back on his pace throughout the duration of the Kempies’ previous games, with what appears like a light toe injury hindering him. However, in the previous meeting between the two sides in the Finsbury League earlier this year, Du Plessis was lightning quick and had the Moorie batters at sixes and sevens.

Achieving this with the likes of Xavier Coetzee, Adrian Watson and the Shaw brothers at the crease was no mean feat and illustrated exactly what the Easterns selectors had noticed too. Danger.

The Moories, on the other hand, will be hoping that their quickie, Stephan Vermaak, will be able to charge onto the attack when he gets the opportunity. Vermaak’s back has been somewhat of a problem, but he will, without a doubt, be raring to go when he gets the green light to take the ball.

As mentioned, the Moories have their big four all in top form and batting in the top six, with Vermaak also boasting a century in recent outings. His contribution with the bat could play a major role if the back problems prohibit him from bowling.

For the Kempies, double centurion, Sheldon Kruger, and Shaun Nash hold the key in die middle order. They also have captain Marko Richter waiting in the wings, alongside wicketkeeper/batsman Stian de Villiers, who are neither shy of scoring runs when the need arises.

Another name looms, too, in the form of the experienced Wian Pieters, who will be a factor with both bat and ball, especially after he recently found form with the ball. This makes his battle with the Moories’ three-pronged spin attack an exciting one. Pieters will, in all likelihood, also open the batting and lay the necessary platform for the rest of his highly talented middle order.

The road to the final of the North West Schools SA20 comes down to a Potchefstroom derby to determine who will face defending champions Hoërskool Rustenburg in the final at the JB Marks Oval.

Read and relive all the Schools SA action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Potchefstroom Gimnasium and Potchefstroom Volkskool will meet on the morning of 24 September at the Witrand Oval, with the winner to take on Rusties that same afternoon at the JB Marks Oval, home of the North West Dragons.

Both Gimmies and Volkies won their respective matches comfortably, thanks to some exceptional batting performances.

Gimmies’ in-form opener, Christivan Coetzer, smashed his second century of the round. Having already recorded a 150 earlier, Coetzer blasted his way to an unbeaten 109 from a mere 36 deliveries as Gimmies demolished Hoërskool Klerksdorp by 10 wickets on their home turf in Klerksdorp.

Thanks to Coetzer’s extraordinary innings, the side from Potchefstroom chased down the target of 170 runs in just 12.3 overs. With a breathtaking strike rate of 302,8, Coetzer’s innings included 14 fours and seven sixes. This meant that 89%, or 98 of his 109 runs, came via boundaries.

Coetzer’s partner in crime in achieving the 10-wicket feat was the experienced Ulrich Botha, who, although batting slightly slower, still managed a knock of 51 not out off just 40 balls, including seven fours and one six.

The target of 170 was mostly thanks to Klerksdorp’s Gerrit Koen. A natural attacking batsman, he scored 169 not out in the 50-over league recently and continued his good form to give the Gimmie bowlers some headaches of their own. Koen, too, wasted no time for an unbeaten 85 from just 40 deliveries, smashing a staggering 11 sixes and a solitary four at a strike rate of 212.

In Lichtenburg, Riekert Kruger hit 80 not out from only 48 balls to lead the Volkies to an eight-wicket victory over Hoërskool Lichtenburg. Needing only 133 for victory, thanks to great bowling spells from Johandré Jacobs (2/8) and Handré de Beer (2/15), Kruger smashed 14 boundaries, which included 12 fours and two sixes. He was well supported by fellow opening batsmen, AW van der Merwe, who scored 26 in the pair’s partnership of 66 runs.

Jürgern Hesse was the Liggies’ best performer on the day. Firstly, he scored a valuable 31 runs, alongside the top scorer, Oratile Masa (33), and then snapped up 2/28 in his allotted four overs, with the new ball, in the powerplay, to boot.

Summarised scorecards: 

Hoërskool Klerksdorp 170/5 (Gerrit Koen 85*, Extras 23, TD Gruyvensteyn 21; Damian Kruger 2/15); Potchefstroom Gimnasium 174/0 (Christivan Coetzer 109*, Ulrich Botha 51*). Potchefstroom Gimnasium won by 10 wickets. 

Hoërskool Lichtenburg 132/8 (Oratile Masa 33, Jürgen Hesse 31; Johandré Jacobs 2/8, Handré de Beer 2/15); Potchefstroom Volkskool 133/2 (Riekert Kruger 80*, AW van der Merwe 26; Jürgen Hesse 2/28). Potchefstroom Volkskool won by eight wickets. 

In round two of the Titans Platinum League‘s “big-four” clashes, both the wounded Hoërskool Garsfontein and Die Hoërskool Menlopark are fizzing to return to winning ways.

Follow and read all about the Titans Platinum League action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Facing off on Saturday at Hoërskool Menlopark certainly doesn’t make matters any easier for either of the two sides. It promises to be a perfectly balanced encounter.

Garsfontein suffered a meltdown in the batting department, hence their 199-run defeat at the hands of Hoërskool Waterkloof, although Rico van der Walt’s sublime innings also played a major role.

That said, the Ysbere remain a dangerous side, especially when they’re looking to bounce back after a disappointment. They still possess the prowess of the in-form Reuben van Zyl, who boasts two centuries during the earlier stages of the league, as well as the all-round capabilities of captain Xander Venter. They also suffered the recent loss after having won both their opening matches of the league.

The Parkies, however, need to up the ante to earn their standing alongside the other three. They’ve only been on the winning side once in three outings, placing themselves under certain pressure. The young star with the bat, Jan-Willem Pienaar, has been a shining light, stringing together some innings that suggest he might be due for a big contribution soon. Whether it is this weekend remains to be seen, and, if so, it could spell trouble for the Ysbere.

Another team that can be thrown into the mix, making it the “big five”, Pretoria Boys High School, faces Cornwall Hill College at Pretoria Boys High’s Hofmeyr Oval. Boys High enjoyed a wonderful outing against Menlopark, handing them one of their two defeats in the opening three encounters, as well as a thumping victory over Trinity Grammar School, by 182 runs. The latter, a T20 on 16 September, saw Timothy Gordon‘s return to form with a mammoth 159 from only 52 balls.

It certainly renders him, alongside Dylan Kruger, Boys High centurion in the match against the Parkies (123*), and Tinashe Mbingo, one of the prized wickets come Saturday. On the side of Cornwall, Oliver Richards and captain Ab Rasool will be the danger men.

Newcomers, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, kick off a tough seven days against Lesedi Mabena and a dangerous Prestige College. Mabena returned from the recent u17 Tap Camp hosted at Irene Country Club last weekend.

The Eldos play four matches within the seven days, from Saturday, to catch up on outstanding matches, including Boys High (Wednesday), Garsfontein (the following Saturday) and Menlopark in a Day/Night match on the Monday thereafter, leaving a string of possibilities for shifts on the log before the end of the 2025 league.

Matthew Sampson, the first player to accomplish a five-wicket haul for the Eldos in this year’s league, will again be a threat throughout the four matches.

Die tweede ronde van kragmetings tussen die Titans Platinum Liga se “groot vier” behoort eerskomende Saterdag nogmaals skouspelagtige aksie op te lewer.

Lees en volg alles oor die Titans Platinum Liga op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Dit is juis die ronde waarin twee van die Jakarandastad se tradisionele aartsvyande mekaar die stryd aansê, met Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool wat vanjaar tuisveldvoordeel geniet teen Hoërskool Waterkloof op die Affie-ovaal.

Dit is terloops waar Waterkloof die laaste keer, oor die laaste twee seisoene, ‘n nederlaag in die Titans Liga gely het. Affies het by die geleentheid, in 2023, met vyf paaltjies koning gekraai.

Vanjaar behoort dit oudergewoonte weer ‘n stryd tussen die langstele af te gee.

Die Affies-blad is alombekend as een wat gunstig is teenoor kolwers, en iets wat die Klofies se lopievraat, AJ de Villiers, ten volle sal wil benut. De Villiers, wat die beurt vir sy span open, het in sy vorige vyf ligawedstryde reeds 224 lopies opgestapel, teen ‘n gemiddeld van 44.8 per beurt, wat onderskeidelik ‘n honderdtal en ‘n vyftigtal ingesluit het.

Paaltjiewagter, Rico van der Walt, is self nie te versmaai nie en het net verlede week ‘n puik honderdtal teen Hoërskool Garsfontein aangeteken.

Aan Affies se kant het die veelsydige Ruben Groenewald egter ook sy ritme met die kolf gevind. Affies is tradisioneel bekend vir eerstespan-losskakels wat ook uitstekende krieketspelers uitmaak, met Groenewald se voorganger, Ruan de Swardt, wat in sowel rugby as krieket die SA Skole gehaal het. Groenewald het self reeds vanjaar vir die SA Skolerugbyspan verteenwoordig en kan, indien hy sy onlangse goeie spelpeil voortsit, die eerste tree na die SA Skolekrieketspan gee deur vir die Titans se Khaya Majola-span gekies te word.

Met die twee geleenthede wat hy reeds gekry het om te kolf, het hy 109 lopies aangeteken sonder om sy paaltjie te verloor, en dit teen ‘n indrukwekkende treftempo van 155.71. Dit beteken dat hy, volgens die syfers, 155 lopies behoort aan te teken vir elke 100 balle wat hy trotseer. Groenewald hou boonop ‘n gevaar in met sy slim boulwerk tydens die middelperiode van die beurt.

Boulwerk was juis, volgens Klofies-afrigter, Cobus Pienaar, ‘n deurslaggewende faktor in sy span se yslike 32 50-beurt wedstryde wat hulle reeds gespeel het. Rivan Booysen was tot dusver voor in die koor. Dié linkerhandse draaier het in sy vyf ligawedstryde reeds 14 paaltjies laat kantel, teen ‘n besonderse boulgemiddeld van 6,36. Die boulgemiddeld verteenwoordig die hoeveelheid lopies wat ‘n bouler afstaan vir elke paaltjie wat hy neem, wat Booysen s’n, van hoogstaande gehalte maak.

Ricardo Crous en De Villiers, nie slegs ‘n gevaar met die kolf nie, volg kort op sy hakke. Crous en de Villiers pronk elk met 11 paaltjies oor vyf wedstryde, albei met gemiddelde van 10 of minder.

Vir Affies sal sy voorslagbouler, Vihan Pretorius, ‘n beduidende rol hê om te speel. Pretorius is sy span se voorste paaltjievraat, met agt slagoffers in sy drie ligawedstryde, terwyl Nico Logenberg se akkurate swaaiboulwerk aan hom reeds sewe paaltjies besorg het teen ‘n uitstekende gemiddeld van net sewe. Groenewald het self ‘n week gelede vier paaltjies laat spat in Affies se gemaklike vyf-paaltjie sege oor Die Hoërskool Menlopark.

Die uitslag in enige krieketwedstryd tussen ‘n liga se voorlopers is nooit maklik om te voorspel nie, maar een ding is seker, die vonke gaan Saterdag op die Affie-ovaal spat.