Author: froberholzer

Die opgewondenheid in Bloemfontein, en vernaam by Hoërskool Fichardtpark, is tasbaar op die vooraand van die skool se tweede aanbieding van die Kovsie Smash T20-toernooi.

Die toernooi vind van 6 tot 10 Januarie in die Rosestad plaas.

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

Die eerste toernooi in 2024 het vir hope aksie gesorg en was verál ‘n spesiale geleentheid vir Hoërskool Wesvalia van Klerksdorp. Die Wessies het die oorhand in al hul wedstryde geniet en is uiteindelik, na ‘n sege met 10 paaltjies oor Hoërskool Middelburg in die eindstryd, as kampioen gekroon.

Die 20 deelnemende skole is in vier groepe ingedeel en meet voor die uitspeelrondes elkeen een keer teen mekaar kragte. Elke dag bied twee rondes aksie wat krieketliefhebbers en die onderskeie skole se ondersteuners op die punte van hul stoele sal hou. Die wedstryde begin daagliks onderskeidelik om 09:00 en 14:00.

Die Wessies loods vanjaar die verdediging van hul titel teen die nuwelinge van agter Limpopo se Sitrusgordyn, Merensky Landbou Akademie. Die span van Tzaneen durf die lang pad na die Vrystaat aan in die plek van Middelburg Hoërskool, wat nie aan vanjaar se toernooi deelneem nie.

Die groot uitdaging vir die Plasies is om verlede jaar se speler van die toernooi, Eduard Dreyer, so vroeg as moontlik terug pawiljoen toe te stuur. Dreyer het in die eerste aanbieding van die Kovsie Smash met ‘n totaal van 281 lopies en 15 paaltjies deur die week gespog, maar dit was verál met die kolf dat hy menige teenstanders gekasty het.

Sy ouer broer en Khaya Majola speler, Marneau Dreyer en Ethan Walker, die ander twee van die drie Wessies wat verlede jaar in die toernooi se span van die week aangewys is, keer vanjaar saam met Dreyer terug.

Fichardtpark as gasheer sal sy staal teen Hoërskool Driehoek toets in ‘n wedstryd wat heelwat opwinding beloof, terwyl die ander Bloemfonteinse vertoonwoordigers, Hoërskool Jim Fouché, sy week op ‘n hoë noot wil afskop teen Hoërskool Upington. Daar is wel verteenwoordiging vanuit Middelburg, met Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg wat teen Hoërskool Sentraal te staan kom.

Hoërskool Pietersburg keer terug met die doel om vanjaar die eindstryd te haal, maar Witteberg behoort die lewe vir die Pieties moeilik te maak, terwyl Hoërskool Kalahari en Goudveld ook sal sorg vir ‘n naelbytstryd op die Universiteit van die Vrystaat se C-veld.

Duineveld sê vir Oos-Moot die stryd aan, terwyl daar ‘n reuse derby wag op die Tommix Ovaal wanneer Hoërskool Trio en Bethlehem Voortrekker se paaie om 09.00 kruis.

Hoërskool Despatch, Transvalia, Hoërskool Rustenburg en Overvaal moet ‘n bietje langer wag om hul veldtogte aan die gang te kry. Witteberg is Despatch se eerste hekkie, terwyl die manne van Vanderbijlpark kan uitsien na ‘n liplekker-stryd teen HTS Middelburg.

Die Rusties, wat in 2024 as die Noordwes Schools SA20-kampioen gekroon is, rig hul visier op die Oosies, terwyl Overvaal die gevaar uit Kroonstad, Hoërskool Trio, moet aandurf.

Die Groepe

Groep A: Wesvalia, Voortrekker, Merensky, Overvaal, Hoërskool Trio.
Groep B: Fichardtpark, Duineveld, Hoërskool Rustenburg, Oos-Moot, Driehoek.
Groep C: HTS Middelburg, Sentraal, Goudveld-Hoërskool, Kalahari, Transvalia.
Groep D: Hoërskool Pietersburg, Jim Fouché, Witteberg, Hoërskool Upington, Despatch.

Die bepalings: 

Dag 1 | Maandag, 6 Januarie 2025 

09:00 

Jim Fouché t. Hoërskool Upington
Witteberg t. Hoërskool Pietersburg
Kalahari (Kuruman) t. Goudveld-Hoërskool
HTS Middelburg t. Sentraal
Fichardtpark t. Driehoek
Oos-Moot t. Duineveld
Wesvalia t. Merensky
Hoërskool Trio t. Voortrekker

14:00 

Hoërskool Pietersburg t. Hoërskool Upington
Witteberg t. Despatch
Sentraal t. Goudveld-Hoërskool
HTS Middelburg t. Transvalia
Duineveld t. Driehoek
Oos-Moot t. Hoërskool Rustenburg
Voortrekker t. Merensky
Hoërskool Trio t. Overvaal

Dag 2 | Dinsdag, 7 Januarie 2025 

09:00 

Transvalia t. Goudveld-Hoërskool
Sentraal t. Kalahari (Kuruman)
Duineveld t. Fichardtpark
Hoërskool Rustenburg t. Driehoek
Overvaal t. Merensky
Voortrekker t. Wesvalia
Despatch t. Hoërskool Upington
Jim Fouché t. Hoërskool Pietersburg

14:00 

HTS Middelburg t. Goudveld-Hoërskool
Transvalia t. Kalahari (Kuruman)
Fichardtpark t. Hoërskool Rustenburg
Driehoek t. Oos-Moot
Hoërskool Trio t. Merensky
Wesvalia t. Overvaal
Despatch t. Jim Fouché
Witteberg t. Hoërskool Upington

Dag 3 | Woensdag, 8 Januarie 2025 

09:00 

Hoërskool Trio t. Wesvalia
Overvaal t. Voortrekker
Witteberg t. Jim Fouché
Despatch t. Hoërskool Pietersburg
Hoërskool Rustenburg t. Duineveld
Oos-Moot t. Fichardtpark
HTS Middelburg t. Kalahari (Kuruman)
Transvalia t. Sentraal

After a record-breaking 2024, the young fast bowling prospect from St Stithians College, Kwena Maphaka, is set to break yet another South African record.

Maphaka will make his test debut in the second test of South Africa’s two-match series against Pakistan at Newlands on 3 January. When he does, he will become the Proteas’ youngest-ever debutant in all three international formats.

Maphaka replaces the veteran swing bowler Dane Paterson, who enjoyed great success at SuperSport Park in Centurion where he picked up a second consecutive five-wicket test haul in South Africa’s first test win.

Maphaka’s test debut arrives a mere three weeks after he made his ODI debut at the same venue against the Pakistanis on 19 December.

During an impressive 2024, Maphaka, in his grade 12 year, also made his T20 debut against the West Indies in September, which made him the youngest debutant for his country in the shorter format, too.

The young fast-bowling prodigy’s test debut will establish another record for the Proteas. At the age of 18 years and 271 days, he will break Paul “Gogga” Adams‘ record as South Africa’s youngest test player, at 69 days younger than the left-arm chinaman spinner when he debuted in 1995 at the age of 18 years and 340 days.

Some other changes have been made to coach Shukri Conrad‘s line-up, including a return for the Proteas’ most successful spin bowler of all time, Keshav Maharaj. He replaces seamer Corbin Bosch, who made a superb debut in the test at SuperSport Park.

Opener Toni de Zorzi misses out due to a left thigh strain. In his absence, Ryan Rickelton moves up the order to open the batting alongside Aiden Markram. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will be tested by a promotion to third in the batting order. It will be his first outing in the test side since he suffered a broken finger against Sri Lanka in November.

The Proteas have already qualified for the World Test Championship Final at Lords in England later this year, but their opponent in the final has not yet been decided. They will, however, be focused on claiming a seventh successive test victory, following a narrow two-wicket win in the first test. Another victory would be a welcome result after Pakistan scored a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI Series.

South Africa playing XI: Aiden Makram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.

There was a sense of déjà vu when the South African Schools and South African Schools Colts sides met at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday in the last match of the school season for 2024.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Just like in 2018, when Proteas’ teammates, Tristan Stubbs (SA Schools), Gerald Coetzee (SA Schools), and Marco Jansen (SA Schools Colts), met at one of the most scenic cricketing venues in the world, the SA Colts came out on top.

After being sent in to bat first by the SA Schools’ captain, Beni Hansen, Adnaan Lagadien got his side off to a flyer with a quickfire 20 before he lost his off-stump to the bowling of Khaya Majola bowler and player of the tournament, Raeeq Daniels.

Left-arm offspinner, Enathi Kitshini (2/12), did the same shortly after, bowling opener Sabelo Mabanga, for the first of his two wickets.

The Colts’ captain, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, quickly settled in at the crease, however, and combined nicely with Pranav Raichetti as the pair compiled a sensible and constructive 50-run partnership.

It came to an end when Maritzburg College‘s star legspinner, Chad Mason, provided a timely breakthrough by picking up the scalp of Raichetti after he tried to accelerate the run rate towards the back end of the innings.

Phahlamohloka kept up his rapid strike rate, which was well north of 100, with a couple of entertaining shots before he tried to be a little too cheeky, which led to him being caught off the bowling of Nqobani Mokoena. The Cornwall College man fell just four runs short of a half-century, out for 46. His knock, though, boosted the Colts to a competitive 145/8 after their 20 overs.

Daniels captured two more wickets in the final over to finish with a memorable return of 3/15.

The SA Schools innings got off to a rollicking start, with St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Jason Rowles blasting 14 off the first over. However, he and his opening partner, Christian Kind, were soon sent packing, which put the SA Schools side under pressure.

Armaan Manack and Dekalo Leketa fought back with a solid 54-run partnership, but, Steve Stolk, who had already removed the dangerous Ross Coetzee, struck again to send Manack on his way for 48, the top score of the day.

Stolk, then, landed another massive blow for the Colts, claiming the scalp of Hansen for a duck in the same over. He finished with a crucial haul of 3/19 from his four-over spell.

With the writing on the wall, Leketa kept fighting but he became one of three victims of Sandiswa Yeni, who had Leketa caught by Dayalan Boyce for 28.

Boyce supported his fellow quick, Yeni, well, knocking over 2/21 to help steer the Colts towards a memorable victory. Yeni finished with an outstanding 3/15 to match Raeeq Daniels’ effort for the SA Schools’ side.

Summarised scorecard

SA Colts 145/8 (Lethabo Phahlamohlaka 47, Pranav Raichetti 36, Adnaan Lagadien 20; Raeeq Daniels 3/15, Enathi Kitshini 2/12, Nqobani Mokoena 2/37); SA Schools 120/10 (Armaan Manack 48, Dakalo Leketa 28; Steve Stolk 3/19, Sandiswa Yeni 3/15, Dayalan Boyce 2/21).

SA Colts won by 25 runs.

After successive defeats, The Titans bounced back and secured a comprehensive victory over the Garden Route Badgers at the CSA u16 Boys Week in Pretoria on Friday.

Relive all the action on SupersSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Entertaining innings, by Keamogetswe Semenya and Righardt Joubert, saw the hosts thump the Badgers by a whopping 173 runs.

Semenya, who is enjoying a good week, batted patiently once again, laying a solid foundation for those to follow with a well-played 81 runs.

Joubert, a shining star in the middle order, dialled up the pressure with aggressive running between the wickets to notch his first half-century of the week, contributing 75.

Vihan Pretorius was also in the runs again, making 33, to help his side to a healthy 269/9 in their 50 overs.

The Titans’ bowlers found their rhythm quickly, too. Rehaan Patel and Neoentle Makwela were equally impressive, with both snapping up figures of 4/21, as the Badgers slid to a disappointing 77 all out.

Daylenn Williams was the shining light for the side from the South Western Districts, enjoying a good outing with the ball as he picked up four wickets while conceding 55 runs in their losing effort.

The Tuskers, after a defeat against Western Province, got back to winning ways with a narrow eight-run victory by the DLS Method over the high-flying Central Gauteng Lions.

Akhil Bharath came to the party by tearing through the heart of the Lions’ batting line-up to finish with a sparkling 5/20. He played a key role in keeping the Gauteng batsmen in check after Ombesa Matsha had given them a solid start by scoring 53.

The Tuskers’ Obakeng Motsepa also deserves a pat on the back for his batting effort. In tough conditions, he stuck manfully to his task to record a crucial 51 runs, which helped his side place a tick in the win column.

The other team from KwaZulu-Natal, the Dolphins, rolled to a five-wicket victory over Boland.

The Western Cape side batted first but found the going tough, tallying 134 all out. Abriam Jacobs played well for 43, but leg-spinner Shiraz Perumal snared 3/34, while David de Bruyn, Tristan Delvin, and Bonga Maphanga bagged two wickets apiece cheaply.

In the Dolphins’ reply, Kyle McGough played the anchor innings, 57 not out, while his Westville Boys’ High team-mate, Tristan Delvin, finished on 34 not out, as the Dolphins recorded a convincing win.

Ronan Meintjies, with 2/8, and Dion Slabber, with 2/20, were the pick of the Boland bowlers.

Eastern Province’s Connor Parry, with a second half-century on the trot, was at the forefront of another EP victory, this time by a comfortable 53 runs on the DLS Method over Western Province.

Michael Kruiskamp, the spearhead of the Western Province bowling attack, was on song once more, knocking over 5/31. His outstanding effort was well counter-balanced by Sulaymaan Gangat‘s off-spin, however, which brought him a decisive return of 4/24.

In the Gold Pool, Easterns were too strong for a fired-up North West side. The talented all-rounder from Kempton Park, Stephan Vermaak led the way, striking an unbeaten 79 to see his side to a big eight-wicket victory via the DLS Method.

The Eastern Cape Iinyathi celebrated a comprehensive win over a wounded Mpumalanga team.

Ambese Linda took it to the Mpumalanga bowlers and was rewarded with his team’s highest score of 58 as the Iinyathi totalled 201/8. In the bowling department, Awonke Mgini led the Eastern Cape side, capturing 4/18 to restrict Mpumalanga to a meagre 77 runs.

Free State‘s Daniel Hattingh terrorised the Limpopo Impalas’ batsmen, claiming four scalps for only 23 runs as the Impalas struggled their way to only 90 all out. FG Botha was once again the main contributor with the bat for Free State, scoring 27,  as his side bounded to an easy victory.

Summarised Scorecards

Platinum Pool

Titans 269/9 (Keamogetswe Semenya 81, Righardt Joubert 75, Vihan Pretorius 33; Daylenn Willimas 4/55, Hanno Swart 2/41); Garden Route Badgers 96/10 (Keaton Lambaatjeen 16; Rehaan Patel 4/21, Neoentle Makwela 4/21). Titans won by 173 runs.

Tuskers 166/10 (Obakeng Motsepa 51, Reece Wilson 34, Ryan Clarke 25; Connor Kuijers 4/18); Central Gauteng Lions 116/6 (Ombesa Matsha 53, Nkosana Sibiya 30; Akhil Bharath 5/20). Tuskers won by eight runs (DLS method).

Eastern Province 200/10 (Connor Parry 67, Corbin Tidbury 39, Frederick Jansen 36; Michael Kruiskamp 5/31, Lona Pitoli 3/16); Western Province 108/7 (Schalk Fourie 30, Muhammad Aemeen Shroeder 26; Sulaymaan Gangat 4/24). Eastern Province won by 53 runs (DLS method).

Boland 134/10 (Abriam Jacobs 43; Shiraz Perumal 3/34, David de Bruyn 2/4, Tristan Delvin 2/ 10, Bonga Maphanga 2/22); Dolphins 135/5 (Kyle McGough 57*, Tristan Delvin 34*; Ronan Meintjies 2/8, Dion Slabber 2/20). Dolphins won by five wickets.

Gold Pool

North West 210/10 (Jahndre Coetzee 53, Sihle Dume 37, Carl Fryer 30; Rieshaeel Hashim 3/26); Easterns 189/2 (Stephan Vermaak 79*, Sheldon Kruger 44*, Ethan Kotze 39; Olefa Padi 1/44). Easterns won by eight wickets (DLS method).

Eastern Cape Iinyathi 201/8 (Ambese Linda 58, Matt Hendry 41, Merrick Collins 31*; Adil Larya 3/30, Ziyad Patel 3/35); Mpumalanga 77/10 (Luan Sibrits 10; Awonke Mgini 4/18). Eastern Cape Iinyathi won by 124 runs.

Limpopo Impalas 90/10 (Tiaan Haasbroek 29; Daniel Hattingh 4/23, Jano Venter 2/18, Heindre Serfontein 2/22); Free State 91/3 (FG Botha 27, Aiden Dodd 26; Limni Lu Heswick 1/18). Free State won by eight wickets.

Northern Cape 152/10 (Hanru Rademeyer 38, Faizaan Kajee 32, Rulo van der Merwe 25; Sibahle Bingo 2/14, Akhumzi Ntkleki 2/27, Sanele Mphathelwa 2/32); Kei 93/10 (Sipumeze Nonwana 23; Kieran Adams 3/10, Rekaone Seikaneng 3/24, Christiaan Botha 2/2, Carl Thole 2/26). Northern Cape won by 59 runs.

Lukas Kotze‘s innings for North West against the Eastern Cape Iinyathi had a lot of sweetness but also a touch of bitterness.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Going at an impressive rate of nearly a run-a-ball, Kotze punished the Iinyathi bowlers, smashing nine fours and one six as he made his way to a very entertaining 93 runs before he became Yonelisa Mkhohliswa‘s first and only victim, falling just seven runs short of a deserved century.

Sihle Dume took a leaf from Kotze’s book. The opening batsman occupied the crease with intent to bring up a well-deserved half-century, his first of the week, to help North West to a competitive 254/7 in the allotted 50 overs.

Unfortunately for Iinyathi, only Connor Folwes was able to make a noteworthy contribution. Fowles, just like Kotze and Dume, batted suberbly, hitting seven fours and two sixes for his 62 runs, but it would not be enough as he watched on as his side suffered a comprehensive 95-run loss.

The Limpopo Impalas‘ Benjie Mathebula also let his bat do the talking, leading the side from the north to their first victory at this year’s week, over Northern Cape. Having to work hard, with the Northern Cape bowlers fighting to defend a below-par score of 147, Mathebula faced 93 deliveries for his match-winning 75 runs, which included 10 glorious fours.

His innings kept the Impala ship afloat after Carl Thole‘s good effort of 3/28, steering it home with just three wickets to spare.

Luan Sibrits also came agonisingly close to scoring the first century of the week, smashing Kei to all corners of the ground as Mpumalanga got back to winning ways, beating their Eastern Cape counterparts by a whopping 170 runs.

Facing an impressive 120 deliveries, Sibrits accumulated 97 runs. Making his innings even more impressive is the fact that he only hit five boundaries, as he delivered a masterclass of running between the wickets. Herman Potgieter seemingly enjoyed batting with Sibrits, as he, too, notched a well-played 56, while Wian van Heerden followed suit with an unbeaten 50 of his own.

Daniel Hattingh and FG Botha continued their purple patch with the willow, leading Free State to victory over the high-flying Easterns. In reply, the talented Easterns all-rounder Stephan Vermaak showcased his batting prowess with a proper innings of 53, yet, his side had to settle for a 47-run defeat.

Summarised scorecards: 

North West 254/7 (Lukas Kotze 93, Sihle Dume 53, Andre Dreyer 25, Christivan Coetzer 20; Ambese Linda 2/57, Matt Hendry 2/27); Eastern Cape Iinyathi 159 (Connor Fowles 62, Ambese Linda 22; Omphile Rangwaga 2/16, Olefa Padi 2/27, Thloni Thabatha 2/32). North West won by 95 runs.

Northern Cape 147 (Kieran Adams 31, Extras 31; Stephan Swanepoel 2/5, Ripfumelo Mabunda 2/27, Limni Lu Heswick 2/31); Limpopo Impalas 151/7 (Benjie Mathebula 75, Jaco van der Westhuyzen 28*; Carl Thole 3/28, Faizaan Kajee 2/26). Limpopo Impalas won by three wickets.

Mpumalanga 276/7 (Luan Sibrits 97, Herman Potgieter 56, Wian van Heerden 50*, Extras 29; Lukhanyo Nkomonye 3/43, Sanele Mphathelwa 2/54); Kei 106 (Extras 36, Siphumeze Nonwana 34, Lukhanyo Nkomonye 22; Adil Larya 3/37, Eduan Strydom 2/5, Ashley Khumalo 2/11, Nayhasa Gwaraba 2/29). Mpumalanga won by 170 runs.

Free State 192 (Daniel Hattingh 55, FG Botha 45, Eddie Mabena 30; Sohil Jagnath 2/5, Rieshaeel Hashim 2/18, Oluhle Sibali 2/48); Easterns 145 (Stephan Vermaak 53, Aiden Shaw 34, Extras 25; Jano Venter 3/26, FG Botha 2/26, Daniel Hattigh 2/28). Free State won by 47 runs.

The Central Gauteng Lions would’ve slept well after coming out on top in one of the biggest games at this year’s CSA u16 Boys Week in Pretoria.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Playing in a Jukskei derby is always special but it’s even more special playing a match-winning innings to get your side across the line, which is exactly what Bafana Muthunzi did against the Titans on the third day.

Coming off the back of a solid bowling performance led by Zaakir Hanslo, with 3/40, and support from Luke Clark (2/25) and Kyle Butler (2/43), Muthunzi led the way with the bat to top score with a well-played 52 not out. Nkosana Sibiya provided a supporting knock of 46, while Ombesa Matsha chipped in with a valuable 31 to secure a convincing five-wicket victory.

At one stage, the Titans were on top, when opening batsman, Timothy Gordon, got going, before he was eventually sent back to the pavilion for an impressive 78. Vihan Pretorius continued to show his class, but still couldn’t kick on for a first half-century of the week, losing his wicket for 42 as the Titans could only reach 194 when the last wicket fell.

Francois Prins ruled with the bat for Boland against an unbeaten and confident Eastern Province side. His innings of 86 set the tone for the side from down south. The talented Wian Munnik followed suit with an equally impressive innings of 60, as the pair prepared the way for their bowling attack.

The bowlers obliged with a dominant performance. Aiden Batt wasted no time tearing down the EP top order with a return of four wickets for only 26 runs. Munnik, full of confidence after his innings with the willow, contributed once more, snapping up two wickets as EP slumped to a 103-run defeat.

Shiraz Perumal (3/4), Litha Gonya (3/14) and Kressan Pillai (3/20) thumped the Garden Route Badgers, sharing nine wickets between them to seal a massive 183-run victory for the Dolphins.

Pillay also found himself amongst the runs, sharing the spoils of good effort with the likes of David de Bruyn, who top scored with 40 runs, and Kyle McGough‘s 37, as they posted a useful score of 260. It proved a bridge too far for the Badgers, who could only manage 77 all out.

A bowling masterclass by Benjamin Blackburn helped Western Province dismantle the Tuskers‘ batting, making life a lot easier for his batsmen. Bowling his full quota of 10 overs, Blackburn conceded a mere 12 runs for his five wickets, restricting the side from the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal to a meagre 68 – a total his batters would chase down with comfort, reaching the required target in the 25th over.

Summarised scorecards:

Titans 194 (Timothy Gordon 78, Vihan Pretorius 42, Righardt Joubert 31; Zaakir Hanslo 3/40, Luke Clark 2/25, Kyle Butler 2/43); Central Gauteng Lions 195/5 (Bafana Muthunzi 52*, Nkosana Sibiya 46, Ombesa Matsha 31; Rehaan Patel 2/39). Central Gauteng Lions won by five wickets.

Boland 225/9 (Francois Prins 86, Wian Munnik 60; James Badenhorst 3/24, Rhys Wiblin 3/48, Sulaymaan Gangat 2/36); Eastern Province 122 (Frederick Jansen 27, Muhammad Kazi 23; Aden Batt 4/26, Wian Munnik 2/17). Boland won by 103 runs.

Dolphins 260 (David de Bruyn 40, Kyle Mcgough 37, Kressan Pillai 34, Shiraz Perumal 32, Tristan Delvin 24; Matthew Coleman 3/55, Qhamani Veiwer 2/34, Hanni Swart 2/47); Garden Route Badgers 77 (Daylenn Williams 21*, Jordan Ross 20; Shiraz Perumal 3/4, Litha Gonya 3/14, Kressan Pillai 3/20). Dolphins won by 183 runs.

Tuskers 68 (Thandowelthu Zama 25; Benjamin Blackburn 5/12, Unathi Magoloza 2/9, Joseph-John Rothman 2/9); Western Province 69/3 (Tyler Heyns 27; Kaiyuran Naidoo 3/24). Western Province won by seven wickets.

Eastern Province‘s spinners toppled the Titans, thereby downing one of the tournament favourites on the second day of the CSA u16 Boys Week in Pretoria on Wednesday.

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

Connor Parry launched the victorious proceedings, batting his side out of a hole after the Affies duo of Armin Snyman and Vihan Pretorius had inflicted considerable damage on the Eastern Cape team’s top order.

Snyman bowled a good, hard length with a testing line outside off, which yielded him another solid return of 4/22. Pretorius, from the opposite end, delivered a very skilful display of seam bowling for his figures of 3/18.

Parry, however, occupied the crease expertly, accelerating during the latter part of his innings, but it was his intent and running between the wickets that summed up his entertaining knock of 80 from 90 deliveries. Sulaymaan Gangat supported him well with an important 34 runs, which helped EP to a defendable 192.

The Titans’ batsmen started in fine fettle and picked up momentum when Pretorius and Ricko van der Walt came together in the middle. Their downfall, however, came when Gangat (3/30) got in on the action once more, to claim the wickets of Pretorius and, soon thereafter, Van der Walt.

Day one’s six-wicket hero, Rhys Wiblin (2/43) bowled well, in tandem with Gangat, to turn the screws on the opposition batsmen. This resulted in the run out of the Titans’ top scorer, Righardt Joubert (42), and with that a sweet victory was secured.

The Tuskers became the “tyrants” of KwaZulu-Natal with a hard-fought victory of four wickets over The Dolphins. Kaiyuran Naidoo was the first Tusker to land a telling blow with his solid outing of 4/16 with the ball.

The Dolphins’ Tristin Delvin led the way with the bat, accumulating a useful 31, while Keegan de Jager chipped in with 28 to get their side 127.

Tuskers’ opening batsman, Ben Wilson, enjoyed a marathon innings that lasted 142 balls and produced an unbeaten and match-winning 65. Wilson found support from Thandanani Zuma (22), who stuck it out lower down the order for a four-wicket win.

Six wickets between the Central Gauteng Lions‘  Zakir Hanslo (3/23) and Connor Kuijers (3/9) led to the downfall of Boland. Only Abriam Jacobs managed to pass the 20-run mark, contributing 26 as his team slumped to a disappointing 91 all out.

The Lions, on the other hand, made batting look easy. Ombesa Matsha was in good nick for his 35, while Abdullah Mohammed also performed admirably on the eve of their clash with the Titans on Day 3, finishing Boland off with an unbeaten 30.

Western Province saw off the Garden Route Badgers with relative ease, too, thumping the side from the South Western Districts by nine wickets. Michael Kruiskamp (2/10), Benjamin Blackburn (2/14) and Michail Tarentaal (2/27) restricted the Badgers to a meagre 93 all out.

Qaeed Shaik (45*) and Schalk Fourie (27*) swiftly sealed the win in the 20th over.

Summarised scorecards 

Eastern Province 192/10 (Connor Parry 80, Sulayman Gangat 34; Armin Snyman 4/22, Vihan Pretorius 3/18, Obakeng Mokonyane 2/27); Titans 170/10 (Righardt Joubert 42, Rico van der Walt 32, Vihan Pretorius 23; Sulaymaan Gangat 3/30, James Badenhorst 2/16, Rhys Wiblin 2/43). Eastern Province won by 22 runs.

Dolphins 127/10 (Tristin Delvin 31, Keegan de Jager 28; Kaiyuran Naidoo 4/16, Sechaba Gube 2/12, Reece Wilson 2/15); Tuskers 128/6 (Ben Wilson 63*, Thandani Zuma 22; Tristan Delvin 3/22, Bonga Maphanga 2/23). Tuskers won by four wickets.

Boland 91/10 (Abriam Jacobs 26; Zaakir Hanslo 3/23, Connor Kuijers 3/9, Kyle Butler 2/19); Central Gauteng Lions 92/1 (Ombesa Matsha 35, Abdullah Mohammed 30*). Central Gauteng Lions won by nine wickets.

Garden Route Badgers 93/10 (Daylenn Williams 24, Hanno Swart 22; Michael Kruiskamp 2/10, Benjamin Blackburn 2/14, Michail Tarentaal 2/27); Western Province 94/1 (Qaeed Shaik 45*, Schalk Fourie 27*; Lastio Williams 1/24). Western Province won by nine wickets.

When thinking about six in an over one tends to remember Herschelle Gibbs‘ six sixes in an over against The Netherlands at St Kitts in the West Indies during the 2007 World Cup.

Or Yuvraj Singh‘s six sixes in a row against England at Kingsmead in the first-ever T20 World Cup later that year.

However, what Easterns‘ Jaco Engelbrecht accomplished, with the ball, on the second day of the CSA u16 Boys Week has possibly never been achieved in South African cricket.

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Bowling the second over against Kei, in Easterns’ second match, Engelbrecht was about to do something that he wouldn’t have anticipated in his wildest dreams.

The opening bowler landed his first ball right on the spot and, from there, the carnage took off. By the end of the over his bowling figures showed 6/0, having claimed six wickets with each ball and a double hat-trick.

Thereafter, there was no salvation for the Kei team, as Engelbrecht claimed another victim in his next over and looked on while the other bowlers chipped in with a wicket each to restrict Kei to a mere 58 all out. Engelbrecht tipped his cap to the spectators, boasting sensational figures of 7/3 in the five overs he delivered.

Ethan Kotze went on to top score with a well-played 24, which guided his side home comfortably in the 12th over, securing a memorable seven-wicket victory before lunch.

Free State‘s potent batting lineup was once again the deciding factor in their outing against Mpumalanga. A combined effort by the top order, led by Aiden Dott‘s 43, meant that the Free Staters reigned superior also by seven wickets. FG Botha continued his fine form at the week, adding another unbeaten 34 to his tally, while Divan Bezuidenhout did his bit with 29.

Tamim Alem (3/19) was the pick of the Free State bowlers, with solid support from Jano Venter who also picked up 3/42. Gavin Genis finally got his name in the wickets column, as Mpumalanga’s best bowler achieved a return of 2/38 in his allotted 10 overs. Mfundo Mthimunye (38) and Herman Potgieter (36) led the way with the willow, contributing more than half their side’s total.

Eastern Cape Linyathi fought bravely against Northern Cape, thanks to a lengthy innings from Awonke Mgini (65), but Carl Thole and Faizaan Kajee were just too good in the end. Thole stood out with a return of 5/18, while Kajee picked four of his own to help secure an important 42-run victory.

The Limpopo Impalas and North West provided the cliffhanger of the day, taking their confrontation right down to the wire in a low-scoring match. Potchefstroom Volkskool’s Olefa Padi bowled exceptionally well for his 5/24, restricting the side from Far North to a meagre 110 all out.

The battle, however, was far from over as the Impalas fought back valiantly. In typical Limpopo fashion, the bowlers all had their say, especially the off-spin of Logan Janse van Rensburg (2/28) and Stephan Swanepoel (2/25), while Tiaan Haasbroek was among the wickets again with his 2/20.

However, amid the chaos, Hoërskool Rustenburg’s Christian Coetzer kept his composure to play a little gem of 29, to help his side across the line with a solitary wicket left standing.

Summarised scorecards: 

Kei 58 (Siphumeze Nonwana 15; Jaco Engelbrecht 7/3); Easterns 60/3 (Ethan Kotze 24; Lukhanyo Nkomonyane 2/32). Easterns won by seven wickets.

Mpumalanga 144 (Mfundo Mthimunye 38, Herman Potgieter 36; Tamim Alem 3/19, Jano Venter 3/42); Free State 150/3 (Aiden Dodd 43, FG Botha 34*, Divan Bezuidenhout 29; Gavin Genis 2/38). Free State won by seven wickets.

Northern Cape 195/9 (Botshelo Diphaye 34, Kieran Adams 29, De Wet Fourie 26, Vaylon Lombaard 22, Carl Thole 22; Awonke Mgini 3/40, Yonelisa Mkhohliswa 2/31); Eastern Cape Linyathi 158 (Awonke Mgini 65, Josh Wilky 34, Yonelisa Mkhohliswa 21; Carl Thole 5/18, Faizaan Kajee 4/24). Northern Cape won by 42 runs.

Limpopo Impalas 110 (Talenta Ndhlovu 22, Tiaan Haasbroek 20; Olefa Padi 5/24, Bokang Ramatsa 2/11); North West 111/9 (Christivan Coetzer 29; Tiaan Haasbroek 2/20, Stephan Swanepoel 2/25, Logan Janse van Rensburg 2/28). North West won by one wicket.

As with the boys’ tournament, inclement weather throughout Gauteng stumped the third day of the CSA u16 Girls Week in Johannesburg, with most of the matches unable to conclude.

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The day, nevertheless, produced some solid performances as the Dolphins, Garden Route Badgers, Eastern Cape Iinyathi and Easterns emerged victorious before the weather could play any part.

The Dolphins’ Sinothando Matamela delivered a little gem of 29 runs, helping her side reach what would turn out to be a winning score of 97 against the Central Gauteng Lions, who are still winless this year.

Nonhlanhla Mashaba was a shining light for the Lionesses, leading the way with the ball as she took three wickets for a mere 20 runs. Right on her heels, Zaheerah Ismail produced an equally impressive return of 3/29, while Kaylin Erasmus weighed in with 2/14.

Unfortunately, the Lions’ batting would let them down thereafter. Only Magdaleen Ernst (25) was able to make a noteworthy contribution, as the Dolphins’ Paige Clark did the bulk of the damage with 3/24. Sophie Read (2/15) and Ziyanda Xulu (2/21) shared a further four wickets between them, restricting the Lionesses to 87/9, seven runs short of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern “par” score.

Tishe Frans was once again at the forefront of a Garden Route Badgers victory, as her exceptional spell of 4/7 rocked the Mpumalanga batting order. Jeze Capher, the Badgers’ other top performer for the week thus far, backed up Frans with her return of 3/9, to help defend a meagre total of 52.

Samkelisiwe Mashaba was Mpumalanga’s mainstay with the ball as her 4/14 inflicted the bulk of the damage to the Badgers lineup. Sadly, the Mpumalanga batters could not quite replicate Mashaba’s performance with the ball, as they went down by 10 runs in a low-scoring thriller.

Azomile Silhere achieved a memorable five-for, helping Eastern Cape Iinyathi defend 53 against the Tuskers. Alitha Fotiyi provided brilliant support with an almost equally impressive bowling performance, only conceding a single run for her three wickets. The Tuskers bowlers also piled on the pressure, with Nothando Khumalo snapping up 3/3 and Carli Hughes chipping in with 2/7.

Rebecca McKelvey and Siphokuhle Masisela batted Easterns to victory, to hand the Titans their third consecutive loss. Both batters used the platform set by Kananelo Mokoena’s inspirational spell of 5/14 to tear the heart from the Titans’ bowling attack. McKelwey and Masisela both reached 25 not out, as Easterns raced towards a seven-wicket victory.

Miya Lalor led Western Province once more, performing well with both bat and ball in their encounter with a Free State side looking for redemption. With the bat, Lalor top-scored with a wonderful half-century, while she picked up 2/10 with the ball before the weather halted play. Rauel Beires (39) and Zaurah Titus (34) also impressed with willow, with the side from down south once again recording the highest total for the day.

Although WP batted extremely well, Lebohang Rakoeane, showcased her formidable skill with the ball, too, sending five Titans batters back to the shed for only 19 runs.

Roeline Louw set the ball rolling for Northern Cape, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs against Kei. Fifty-five extras, however, courtesy of the Northern Cape bowling lineup, gave Kei a bit of a boost, helping them to a total of 123.

It was disappointing that the clashes between Eastern Province and North West, and Boland and Limpopo, could not finish, as both promised exciting finishes. A solid start from North West’s Jessica Joshua (26*) helped her side to 40 without loss, as the teams left the field with her side chasing 156 set by their Eastern Cape counterparts.

Limpopo also did well in restricting Boland to only 120, which was particularly impressive after Taymin Muggels brought up a classy half-century. Minjake Venter did most of the damage for the Impalas, toppling 4/11, while Murisi Rhikotso picked up 3/31.

Summarised scorecards: 

Dolphins 97 (Extras 33, Sinothando Matamela 29; Nonhlanhla Danisa 3/20, Zaheerah Ismail 3/29, Kaylin Erasmus 2/14); Central Gauteng Lions 87/9 (Extras 26, Magdaleen Ernst 25; Paige Clark 3/24, Sophie Read 2/15, Ziyanda Xulu 2/21). Dolphins won by seven runs (DLS method).

Garden Route Badgers 52 (Extras 24, Jeze Campher 14; Samkelisiwe Mashaba 4/14, Mbali Mothoane 2/4, Omphile Mandi 2/25); Mpumalanga 42 (Extras 18, Dineo Mlimo 8; Tishe Frans 4/7, Jeze Campher 3/9). Garden Route Badgers won by 10 runs.

Eastern Cape Iinyathi 53 (Extras 29, Njabulo Mandita 11; Nothando Khumalo 3/3, Carli Hughes 2/7, Luthando Ngcobo 2/15); Tuskers 39 (Extras 20; Azomile Silhere 5/12, Alitha Fotiyi 3/1). Eastern Cape Iinyathi won by 14 runs.

Titans 57 (Extras 15, Mohau Phasha 12*; Kananelo Mokoena 5/14); Easterns 58/3 (Rebecca McKelvey 25*, Siphokuhle Masisela 25*; Abigail Ellis 2/10). Easterns won by seven wickets.

Western Province 190 (Miya Lalor 52, Sofia Rauel Beires 39, Zaurah Titus 34; Lebohang Rakoeane 5/19, Simone Mouton 2/23, Boitomelo Mahlaba 2/27); Free State 23/2 (Kekeletso Mohapi 10*; Miya Lalor 2/10). Match abandoned due to lightning.

Kei 123 (Extras 55, Sikho Khetho 23, Sisonke Rutsha 21; Roeline Louw 4/16, Brianna Arthur 2/8, Kaeleboga Ndebele 2/25); Northern Cape 76/3 (Kezaih Adams 20; Kwanele Kratshi 2/19). Match abandoned due to lightning.

Eastern Province 156 (Extras 43, Bianca Graham 25; Reabetswe Dithipe 4/17, Gogontle Padi 3/12); North West 40/0 (Jessica Joshua 26*). Match abandoned due to lightning.

Boland 120 (Taymin Muggels 50; Minjake Venter 4/11, Murisi Rihotso 3/31, Palesa Mathebula 2/6); Limpopo Impalas 48/3 (Tshepiso Dineo Motshwi 24*; Janel Steenkamp 2/8). Match abandoned due to lightning.

An exciting day of cricket at the CSA U16 Boys Week in Pretoria was curtailed by some unpleasant weather and lightning during the latter stages of the opening day.

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Free State‘s batting innings provided a major talking point as they amassed a breathtaking 416/6 in their allotted 50 overs against Kei.

Amongst the pile of runs, a trio of top-order batsmen stood just a tad taller than the rest, with Divan Bezuidenhout standing the tallest.

The Free State opener anchored the innings expertly, yet still batted at a brisk pace. He needed only 125 deliveries to complete an unbeaten 132, smashing 12 fours and one six. Bezuidenhout’s knock certainly set the innings up nicely for those to follow.

FG Botha and Daniel Hattingh took advantage of the rock-solid foundation, as they, too, brought up memorable centuries. Botha scored just three less than Bezuidenhout, but from 87 balls, and had Kei chasing leather with his 15 boundaries, which included 12 fours and three sixes.

Hattingh rubbed further salt into the worn-out Kei bowlers’ wounds, putting together a showcase of power-hitting and skill. The talented all-rounder used only 53 deliveries to score his 118 runs, 70 of which consisted of boundaries and included seven fours and seven sixes.

Hendre Serfontein and Dumisani Johnson then went on to claim two wickets each, as Kei found themselves in trouble at 74/7 when bad weather halted play. A dominant all-round performance meant that Free State claimed a 284-run victory as decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

The Titans also sealed an important victory over Boland, successfully chasing down a revised target to claim a six-wicket victory before play could be suspended for a second time. Affies’ Vihan Pretorius led the way with the willow, chipping in with a top score of 43 runs.

Pretorius, nevertheless, owes a thank you to the bowlers, especially Armin Snyman (3/25) and Layton Pullen (3/28), who kept Boland to a below-par total, which in turn helped their cause when it came to the DLS calculation.

The match between the Tuskers and the Garden Route Badgers was the only match to finish without any disruption. It was, however, one the Badgers would dearly like to shrug off before the second day’s play, as their batting let them down. Although there were some dicey shots by the side from the South Western Districts, it takes nothing away from the special performance from Tuskers’ leg-spinner, Liam O-Dweyer.

Bowling just under seven overs, O-Dweyer snapped up six wickets in a matter of minutes, while conceding only five runs, to bowl at less than a run to the over. That performance enabled his batsmen, led by Obakeng Motsepa (36), to chase down with relative ease the 86 runs required for a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

North West downed Northern Cape, cruising to a 39-run victory, also via the DLS method and thanks to a hat-trick of half-centuries by their top-order batsmen. The contributions by Lukas Kotza (69), Andre Dreyer (67) and Alebineng Scott (51) enabled them to reach a competitive total of 254/6 in the allotted 50 overs.

Easterns also enjoyed a successful first day, courtesy of the efforts of all-rounder Stephan Vermaak and top-order batsman Ethan Cotze. Cotze’s contribution of 56 runs set the tone, while Vermaak shone with the ball, collecting three of the four Northern Cape wickets before play was called. His three scalps proved vital as it eventually meant that his side would reign superior by 56 runs.

Eastern Province handed the Central Gauteng Lions their first defeat of the week, claiming a seven-run victory via the DLS method. Connor Parry (41*) and Markus Potgieter (21*) both deserve a pat on the back, as their 82-run partnership, following a wonderful bowling display from teammate, Rhys Wiblin (3/35), saw them across the line.

The matches between Western Province and the Dolphins, and the Limpopo Impalas and Eastern Cape Iinyathi, were abandoned due to the inclement weather.

Western Province, however, found themselves in a commanding position after some proper batting by Michael Kruiskamp, who top-scored with 78 runs, and Muhammad Ameen Schroeder‘s entertaining 66. The lanky figure of Michail Tarentaal followed that up with a good return of 3/7.

Taine Havemann was the shining light with the ball for the Dolphins, as he kept the WP batsmen on their toes to eventually walk away with figures of 4/46.

Limpopo would’ve felt somewhat hard done by, as they, too, were in a favourable position to claim a first victory at this year’s week. All-rounder Stephan Swanepoel shrugged off his disappointment with the bat with an impressive return of 4/15  with the ball and would be wondering what could’ve been if play had continued.

Summarised scorecards

Free State 416/6 (Divan Bezuidenhout 132*, FG Botha 129, Daniel Hattingh 118; Sanele Mphathelwa 2/39); Kei 74/7 (Sinakekele Sele 26*; Hendre Serfontein 2/14, Dumisani Johnson 2/19). Free State won by 284 (DLS method).

Boland 189/9 (Francois Prins 56, Buhle Mfunelwa 51; Armin Snyman 3/25, Layton Pullen 3/28); Titans 134/4 (Vihan Pretorius 43, Timothy Gordon 30, Khumo Kgagodi 23*; Aden Batt 3/32). The Titans won by six wickets (DLS method)

Garden Route Badgers 85 (Daniel du Plessis 51; Liam O’Dwyer 6/5); Tuskers 87/5 (Obakeng Motsepa 36*, Ben Wilson 25; Lastio Williams 1/19). Tuskers won by seven wickets.

North West 254/6 (Lukas Kotze 69, Andre Dreyer 67, Olebogeng Scott 51, Sihle Duhme 23; Hanru Rademeyer 2/17, Carl Thole 2/38); Northern Cape 80/4 (Faizaan Kajee 26; Olefa Padi 1/17). North West won by 39 runs (DLS method).

Easterns 223/8 (Ethan Kotze 56, Sohil Jagnath 35*, Aiden Shaw 32, Melusi Mgidi 32; Eduan Strydom 3/27, Herman Potgieter 2/26, Umair Cheema 2/32); Mpumalanga 53/4 (Extras 20, Herman Potgieter 10; Stephan Vermaak 3/7). Easterns won by 56 runs (DLS method).

Central Gauteng Lions 195 (Ombesa Matsha 58, Bafana Mthunzi 40; Rhys Wiblin 3/35, Sulaymaan Gangat 2/44); Eastern Province 91/3 (Connor Parry 41*, Markus Potgieter 21*; Kyle Butler 1/6). Eastern Province won by seven runs (DLS method).

Western Province 235/9 (Michael Kruiskamp 78, Muhammad Ameen Schroeder 66, Taine Havemann 4/46, Litha Gonya 2/24, Kyle McGough 2/46); Dolphins 58/6 (Kressan Pillai 31*; Michail Tarentaal 3/7). Match abandoned due to lightning.

Limpopo Impalas 239 (Tiaan Haasbroek 42, Talenta Ndlovu 39, JP Botha 39, Jaco van der Westhuyzen 33, Ruben Pohl 23; Avethanda Manyongo 2/36, Ambese Linda 2/39, Matt Hendry 2/42); Eastern Cape Iinyathi 118/5 (Josh Wilky 57, Ambese Linda 31; Stephan Swanepoel 4/15). Match abandoned due to lightning.