Author: wilouw

On Wednesday, in a sensational display of power hitting, Marinus Daling bludgeoned 15 sixes and plundered 148 runs from just 56 deliveries for Paarl Gimnasium in their match against Hugenote.

The team from Paarl batted at better than 12 runs per over, reaching 243/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to opener Willem Matthee contributing an unbeaten 62 and Daling’s masterclass.

Cullen Ruiters finally brought Daling’s destructive innings to an end, with Andre van der Merwe taking the catch. Ruiters grabbed his second wicket with the final delivery of the innings to finish as the best of the Wellington school’s bowlers, but the damage had already been done.

Zheemo Isaacs and Charles King then combined well for Paarl Gimnasium to capture five wickets for 16 runs, and Daling was in on the action again, palming three catches to round off his day.

In Stellenbosch, Paul Roos Gimnasium beat Paarl Boys’ High for a second time in four days.

After taking the spoils in their 50-over encounter on Saturday, Paul Roos backed up that performance with another impressive victory in a T20 clash on Wednesday.

Despite a shaky start for the Stellenbosch boys, Riley Norton led the charge, smashing 78 off 51 deliveries without losing his wicket, while Cornel Swart cracked 42 at a run-a-ball, to help Paul Roos to 155/4.

Aden Batt bowled well for Boishaai, dismissing the opening pair of Paul Roos in quick succession, which put the hosts under immense pressure at 4/2 in the third over.

With the visitors at the crease, Norton continued his fine form, taking two crucial wickets to stymie their batting effort. Dian Winkel also starred with the ball, dismissing three Paarl batsmen while conceding a paltry 11 runs.

Norton’s crucial spell in the middle, and the hosts’ collective bowling efforts, proved enough to take them to victory.

Francois van der Merwe spearheaded a late charge by the visitors at the tail-end, scoring an unbeaten 31 from 21 deliveries, but the Paarl side was, ultimately, well beaten, finishing 35 runs short on 120/7.

Paul Roos and Paarl Gimnasium meet on Saturday to test their mettle in a 50-over match in Paarl.

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 scorecards:

Paarl Gimnasium 243/3 (Marinus Daling 148, Willem Matthee 62*; Cullen Ruiters 2/57); Hugenote 69/7 (Andre van der Merwe 17; Zheemo Isaacs 3/9). Paarl Gimnasium won by 174 runs.

Paul Roos Gimnasium 155/4 (Riley Norton 78*, Cornel Swart 42; Aden Batt 2/19); Paarl Boys’ High 120/7 (Francois van der Merwe 31*, Gideon du Toit 29; Dian Winkel 3/11, Riley Norton 2/22). Paul Roos Gimnasium won by 35 runs.

Boland Landbou 152/5 (Marius du Plessis 42, Stefan Conradie 32, Lohann Louw 30, Rynard van der Schyff 25; Eddie Fick 2/31); DF Malan 119/3 (Emile Olivier 38, Charl Botha 23, Reuben Braxton 22). Boland Landbou won by 33 runs.

Parel Vallei has announced the appointment of Alwyn Burger as their new Director of Rugby for 2024 as the Somerset West school looks to continue its progress across a wide variety of sporting codes. He makes the move from Hugenote Hoërskool.

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“I’m excited to be working with a bunch of guys who are as passionate as I am about growth”, said Burger about the new challenge.

“The headmaster, Mr David Schenk, and I probably watched every moment of the World Cup together telephonically. We were still talking about the final into the early hours of Sunday morning.”

“When you have a headmaster who is just as enthusiastic and excited about working with you, it almost makes you nervous with anticipation to get the job started.”

Over the past couple of years, Parel Vallei’s sports’ programmes have made massive strides.

“The hockey is immaculate. They’re running a great hockey programme for boys and girls,” Burger said. “The netball has been picking up well over the last two years as well, so we’ll be looking to do the same with the rugby.”

Parel Vallei’s cricket has also been among the best in the Boland region in recent years, with the school regularly testing its skills against some of the strongest teams in the country.

“It will be my responsibility to find a solution that ensures [there is] a balance that maintains our academic record, while also creating a culture that understands how much work needs to be invested to be competitive in our league and start challenging the bigger rivals in the area soon.”

Burger said he will aim to build upon the foundations laid by previous Parel Vallei successes to lift the school to the next level.

With 14 years of experience to contribute, Burger will be taking a hands-on approach as Director of Rugby as well, offering his input and expertise and abilities to help build the rugby program.

“I remember playing against them with Hugenote in 2019. My under-16 team won their game with a penalty at the end of the match, but the rest of their teams all beat us.

“Thinus Pienaar, who was in charge at the time, put great systems in place. I’ll look to build on those going forward. We’re fortunate to also bring in Lucas Roothman as the 1st XV coach.”

Roothman has previously done duty as a specialist coach at Paul Roos Gimnasium. He adds more than 12 years’ worth of knowledge to the coaching team.

“Something I’ve learned in my time involved with sports is that the communication channels need to be completely open at all times. Coaches shouldn’t have any doubt about their roles,” Burger said.

“My policy is that coaches need to be able to communicate with me freely. I believe the way we work together to solve a problem will say a lot more about our character than the emotions involved with confrontation.”

A rugby-man through and through, Burger is excited about focusing on the sport he loves, though he enjoyed the diversity of his role in overseeing various sporting codes in the past.

“I love it! There is something different to take from every type of sport. You might be humbled at athletics, and then find a new way to win at netball later, picking up tricks of the trade, but I am excited to be focusing on rugby.”

He says his ultimate goal is to earn a reputation for Parel Vallei as a well-balanced school where students are given an opportunity to excel in whatever they choose to pursue.

Hoërskool Diamantveld het met die aanstelling van Philip Molnar en Oloff Bergh ‘n hele paar tree vorentoe gegee om hul rugbyprogram ‘n hupstoot te gee.

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Molnar het reeds ‘n rykdom van ervaring by sy alma mater, Boland Landbou, verwerf. Hy is sedert 2018 betrokke by die skool en sedert 2021 as hoofafrigter van die eerstespan.

Bergh het in 2011 by Boland Landbou as sportorganiseerder begin en is in 2017 as Hoof van Sport aangestel is.

Sy betrokkenheid as hoofafrigter van die Westelike Provinsie XV-tal se span op die Cravenweek oor die afgelope twee jaar getuig van sy toewyding aan sportontwikkeling.

“Na 12 goeie jare by Boland Landbou dink ek dis tyd vir my om êrens anders bietjie ‘n verskil te probeer maak, en die mense van Kimberley en die Noord-Kaap is vriendelik en mens kan sien daar is ‘n hongerte na sukses by die skool,” vertel Bergh oor sy besluit om die skuif na die Diamantstad te maak.

Molnar beaam dat hy ook gerus voel oor die keuse, “Dit is iets wat die Here duidelik oor my pad gestuur het en op my hart gedruk het al sedert Maart toe Diamantveld met my begin gesels het,” sê Molnar.

Hy is reeds besig om voor te berei vir die komende seisoen en was verlede week al in Kimberley om ‘n bosberaad met die ander afrigters te hou.

“Die eerste doel is om ‘n kultuur te skep onder die afrigters dat ons almal saam uit een mond praat en mekaar bystaan.”

“Dit gaan nie oor my, of oor Oloff of enige ander afrigter of speler nie, dit gaan oor Diamantveld-rugby. As ons as ‘n afrigtingspan saam kan staan sal die kinders ook daardie kultuur aanleer,” sê Molnar.

“Hier is ‘n hongerte vir sukses, nie net in terme van die rugby of die sport nie, maar in die hele bestel van die skool. “Ons missie is natuurlik om die voorste Afrikaanse skool in die Noord-Kaap te wees,” sê Bergh.

Nog ‘n opwindende ontwikkeling by Diamantveld is dat landboustudies van volgende jaar af as ‘n vak aangebied sal word.

“‘n Groot deel daarvan is natuurlik om kinders op die dorp te probeer hou,” sê Bergh.

Molnar sien uit na die komende rugbyseisoen en die nuwe uitdagings. Hy onthou sy ervaring van die Diamantveld spelers se gesindheid, selfs in moeilike omstandighede en sien uit na die kans om daardie veggees te help ontwikkel.

“Toe ons as Boland Landbou hierdie jaar teen hulle gespeel het het ons in die eerste helfte die oorhand gehad, maar Diamantveld het in die tweede helfte teruggekom en nooit ophou speel nie. Dit is die tipe “fight” waarmee mens kan werk.”

Die  rugbyprogram maak ook gebruik van Pieter Bergh, hoofafrigter van die Griekwas. “Hy’s ‘n konsultant vir ons en hy het reeds begin werk met van die kinders en afrigters”, vertel Molnar.

Die nuus kom kort nadat Diamonds die Noord-Kaapse legende, Eddie Lightfoot, as die Hoof van Rugby aangekondig het. Lightfoot is al ‘n held in Suid-Afrikaanse skolerugby sedert 1979, toe hy HTS Kimberley as kaptein en agtsteman na ‘n historiese oorwinning oor Grey-kollege aangevoer het.

Lightfoot is die ouer broer van die voormalige Junior Springbok en SA Skole-haker, Wessel Lightfoot. Wessel was ‘n lid van Diamantveld se 1980-span wat een van die beste in dié skool se geskiedenis is.

Vanaf 2019 rig Eddie Diamantveld se o.16 span af, wat hierdie jaar die Griekwa-liga verower het.

Alles dui na ‘n groot poging om die Diamonds ‘n hupstoot te gee vir die komende seisoen en weer ‘n trotse kultuur rondom die eerstespan te skep.

The Boland u19 team for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week has been announced and it looks well set up to make some noise at the prestigious event, which takes place in Makhanda this year between the 16th and 20th of December.

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Stalwarts, like Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Riley Norton, Josh Jordaan and Cormey van der Watt, are returning to the squad for a second consecutive year, along with Thando Prusent from Somerset College.

Juanrico Vorster is the most experienced campaigner in the line-up. He represented the province in 2021 and 2022, when he was at Paarl Boys’ High. He has cracked the nod again, after moving to Curro Langebaan.

Johan Wege‘s name might also ring a bell with South African schoolboy cricket lovers, especially among the Boishaai faithful, as his older brother Gysbert tore it up at the previous two instalments of the tournament. Gysbert has continued to shine and starred for the Southern Superstars at the CSA Cubs Week in Stellenbosch earlier in the year.

Van der Watt, Norton and Prusent also represented the Southern Superstars in 2023.

Having made the SA Colts squad last year, Norton will have his eyes set on the SA Schools team this year in an effort to join an elite list of athletes to be selected for the SA Schools sides in rugby and cricket.

Paul Roos has been dominant in their end-of-year matches. They were unbeaten at the Cape Schools Festival, where they won against Bishops, Parel Vallei and Paarl Boys’ High. That success is reflected in the make-up of the Boland team, with the proud school from Stellenbosch boasting the most selections.

Prusent, who proved his capabilities at 2022 tournament, has been joined this year by his schoolmate Chad Ayford, who has been in splendid form with the bat for Somerset College, lighting up the Taberer Oval time after time, and he will relish the opportunity to do the same in his province’s colours in Makhanda.

The team:

Boland u19: Henrico Albertus (Paulus Joubert), Callum Appolis (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Chad Ayford (Somerset College), Stefan Conradie (Boland Landbou), Josh Jordaan (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Sibulele Makeleni (Parel Vallei), Khaya Miselo (Desmond Tutu High School), Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Thando Prusent (Somerset College), JJ van der Sandt (Paarl Boys’ High), Cormey van der Watt (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Juanrico Vorster (Curro Langebaan), Johan Wege (Paarl Boys’ High).

4 Paul Roos Gimnasium | 2 Paarl Boys’ High | 2 Somerset College | 1 Boland Landbou | 1 Curro Langebaan | 1 Desmond Tutu High School | 1 Parel Vallei | 1 Paulus Joubert High School

Boland u16: Zayd Abrahams (Paulus Joubert), Neil Barnard (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Liam Basson (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Aden Batt (Paarl Boys’ High), Maro Cato (Paarl Boys’ High), Reagan Davids (Charlie Hofmeyr), Gideon du Toit (Paarl Boys’ High), Grislan Louw (Hopefield), Bhule Mfunelwa (Somerset College), Owethu Moyi (Somerset College), Mihlali Nomlondboyi (New Orleans), Luca Plekker (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Francois Prins (Boland Landbou).

3 Paarl Boys’ High | 3 Paul Roos Gimnasium | 2 Somerset College | 1 Boland Landbou | 1 Charlie Hofmeyr | 1 Hopefield | 1 New Orleans | 1 Paulus Joubert High School

After two days of unlimited overs cricket failed to produce a winner in Bloemfontein, where St Benedict’s College were being hosted by St Andrew’s School, the deadlock was broken by a T20 match on Sunday.

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The locals managed to reach the St Benedict’s total with just six balls remaining, thanks to a dominant display at the crease by opening batsman Andrew Sobiech, who struck 62 from 38 deliveries.

That came after the St Benedict’s innings, in which Clayton Horlick looked phenomenal, smashing five sixes on his way to 93 from only 61 deliveries.  His efforts were supported by Declan le Roux‘s unbeaten 55.

Dakalo Leketa, who made the SA Colts team in 2022, was a menace with the ball in hand all weekend and led the attack again on the final day, taking 2/21. His counterpart on the opposing team, Carl Goosen, matched these figures for the boys from Bedfordview.

Despite the strong start by the visitors, St Andrew’s managed to finally secure a hard-fought victory thanks to their top-order each doing their bit to help chase down the target of 170.

Sobiech laid the foundation with his rapid half-century, and the young Reuben van Aarde did well to hold up his end and see out the innings.

The T20 on Sunday turned into a decider after the weekend’s unlimited overs, double-innings game ended in a draw.

The boys from the City of Roses got the action underway on Friday, batting first, and their top order set up an impressive foundation for the innings.

Sobiech came agonizingly close to a century, falling just one run short, with 99, while FG Botha made a significant contribution of 76 runs. Naude Botha chipped in with 22.

Parth Patel, the ace of the St. Benedict’s bowling attack, claimed an impressive five wickets for 71 runs, ably supported by Ross Pengelley, who also took three crucial wickets for just 19 runs.

Horlick was the standout performer for St. Benedict’s in their first innings, scoring a gritty 73, but the bowling attack of St. Andrew’s was relentless, with Leketa leading the charge and snaring five wickets for 74 runs.

With a lead of 43 runs, St Andrew’s School took to the crease once again on Saturday, hoping to make their advantage count.

Naude Botha led the way the second time around, notching up a crucial 79, including 14 boundaries. Van Aarde was also in on the action, adding 63 more to their tally of 221/7.

Patel and Cruz Pillay continued to be a thorn in the side for St. Andrew’s, with Patel claiming 3/59, and Pillay picking up 2/49.

With a target of 265 to chase down, St. Benedict’s College showed their mettle. Goosen led from the front with a sublime knock of 87 from 49 deliveries.

Leketa was exceptional for the Bloemfontein team once again, playing a part in all five wickets, taking three himself and palming two catches off deliveries by JC Young. 

Despite the determination shown by both sides to achieve a win, the match ended in a draw, with St Benedict’s College at the crease on 173/5 after 22 overs on the second day.

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 scorecards:

St Andrew’s School vs St Benedict’s College (T20)

St Benedict’s 170/3 (Clayton Horlick 93, Declan le Roux 55*; Dakalo Leketa 2/21); St Andrew’s School 171/5 (Andrew Sobiech 62, Reuben van Aarde 25*, Naude Botha 20; Carl Goosen 2/21). St Andrew’s won by five wickets.

St Andrew’s School vs St Benedict’s College (Double innings, unlimited overs)

St Andrew’s School first innings 254 (Andrew Sobiech 99, FG Botha 76, Naude Botha 22; Parth Patel 5/71, Ross Pengelley 3/19); St Benedict’s College first innings 211 (Clayton Horlick 73, Marco Mendes 34, Declan le Roux 30, Brandon Blake 24; Dakalo Leketa 5/74, Johan Liebenberg 2/29, JC Young 2/31); St Andrew’s School second innings 221/7 (Naude Botha 79, Reuben van Aarde 63, FG Botha 31; Parth Patel 3/59, Cruz Pillay 2/49); St Benedict’s College second innings 173/5 (Carl Goosen 87, Clayton Horlick 35, Brandon Blake 23; Dakalo Leketa 3/47, JC Young 2/50). Match drawn.

Hoërskool Trio vs St Dominic’s College (50-over)

St Dominic’s College 31 (Alessio Salvado 13; Bokang Mohasa 4/6, WJ van Niekerk 3/17, Miguel Menino 2/0); Hoërskool Trio 32/0 (Franco de Wet 20*, Miguel Menino 12*). Hoërskool Trio won by 10 wickets.

Sasolburg High School vs Witteberg (44-over)

Sasolburg High School 227 (Extras 37, Nathan Swanepoel 33, Liam Singleton 29, Meyer Pretorius 28, Francois Espach 25, Jan Hendrik Espach 21; Zander Fourie 4/61, Stefan Geldenhuys 3/15); Witteberg 98 (MC Smit 38, Zander Fourie 25; Nathan Swanepoel 4/27, Jan Hendrik Espach 3/15). Sasolburg High School won by 116 runs.

Goudveld vs Sentraal (50-over)

Sentraal 112 (Extras 32, AJ Joubert 28*; Bongi Kumalo 3/18, GJ Wessels 3/33, Motsitsi Mototo 2/2); Goudveld 115/3 (Ruben Crous 49*, Extras 26; Liam Pretorius 2/22). Goudveld won by seven wickets.

Fourways vs Goudveld (T20)

Goudveld 153/7 (Ruben Crous 38, Hendro Boardman 24, Extras 20; Seleka Tau 3/36, Craig Pienaar 2/7); Fourways 53 (Ben Lottering 18; Motsitsi Mototo 2/3, GJ Wessels 2/8, Eldonn Bodenstein 2/8). Goudveld won by 100 runs.

Paul Roos Gymnasium beat Paarl Boys’ High by three wickets in an exciting battle in Stellenbosch on Saturday. While both sides struggled to find batting momentum and needed their middle-orders to come through to bolster their respective totals, it was the home team’s bowling performance that made the difference.

Paarl Boys’ High, sent in to bat by the hosts, wobbled up front. Johan Wege stood tall, playing with composure to tally 33, but his valiant effort couldn’t stymie the efforts of the formidable bowling duo of Callum Appollis and Luca Plekker.

They combined for six crucial wickets, picking apart Paarl Boys’ High’s batting, with figures of 3/13 and 3/32, respectively.

In their pursuit of 137, Paul Roos were subjected to their fair share of challenges. However, Cornel Swart, batting at six for the hosts, showcased his class with a resilient 57. His 46-run partnership with Beor van Reenen, who contributed a vital 24, was the turning point in the game.

Van Reenen was unbeaten at the end and, together with Appollis, saw the Stellenbosch side to victory without any further drama in the 33rd over.

Despite not being able to defend a low total, Renaldo Windvogel and Aden Batt bowled well for Boishaai to share five wickets between them.

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 scorecards:

Paarl Boys’ High 136 (Johan Wege 33, JJ van der Sandt 23; Callum Appollis 3/13, Luca Plekker 3/32); Paul Roos Gymnasium 137/7 (Cornel Swart 57, Beor van Reenen 24*, Riley Norton 20; Renaldo Windvogel 3/37, Aden Batt 2/20). Paul Roos won by three wickets.

Worcester Gimnasium 77 (Chad Potgieter 24, Extras 20; Charl Botha 4/12, Reuben Braxten 3/24, Johan Jansen van Rensburg 2/8); DF Malan 80/3 (Charl Botha 32*; Aiden Pekeur 1/14). DF Malan won by seven wickets.

Wittedrift 128 (Extras 54, Leighton Jonas 25; Tylo Josephs 4/26, Joydon Brown 3/26, Hardus Kleynhans 3/38); Hoërskool Punt II 34 (Extras 21; Ralu van Huysteen 7/10). Wittedrift won by 94 runs.

Stellenberg secured a nail-biting four-run victory against Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday, thanks to Gerrad Kamalie‘s unwavering composure. A back-and-forth contest went down to the wire as both teams batted out their full 50 overs in an epic battle in Paarl.

Despite some very early setbacks for Stellenberg, when Charles King took catches off deliveries by Louis Koen and Willem Mattee, to reduce them to a precarious 4/2, Arno Koen displayed remarkable resilience. He weathered 121 deliveries and compiled a crucial 59 runs to provide a sturdy foundation for his team.

JJ Rothman‘s unbeaten 45 and Gerrad Kamalie’s vital 42 also significantly bolstered the score and an eyebrow-raising 41 extras proved to be crucial.

King spearheaded the bowling attack for Paarl Gimnasium, adding two wickets to the catches he pouched earlier.

Chasing 260 for victory, the hosts put up a valiant fight, with their innings nearly mirroring Stellenberg’s.

Kyle van Staten struck in his first over, before the Gimmies had scored any runs, but Jandré Botha managed to steady the ship with a solid 69 off 75 deliveries.

Franco Boonzaaier also shone with a patient knock of 62, while King struck 37.

After Kamalie removed King, though, the hosts’ innings began to fall apart. Kamalie was excellent for Stellenberg on the day, taking three crucial wickets, executing a run out, and adding 42 with the bat.

Gimnasium needed eight runs in the final over, with three wickets standing, and the ball in Kamalie’s hand. The all-rounder rose to the occasion brilliantly.

The boys from Paarl managed singles off the first three balls, but Kamalie then struck off of successive deliveries before finishing the game with a dot ball to wrench victory for his team out of Gim’s grasp.

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:

Stellenberg 259/7 (Arno Koen 59, JJ Rothman 45*, Gerrad Kamalie 42, Extras 41, Kyle van Staten 34; Charles King 2/35, Willem Mattee 2/36); Paarl Gimnasium 255/9 (Jandré Botha 69, Franco Boonzaaier 62, Charles King 37, Marinus Daling 31, Adriaan Louw 29; Gerrad Kamalie 3/44). Stellenberg won by four runs.

After Grey College were left without a fixture due to a late withdrawal, Hoërskool Kalahari answered their call and travelled to Bloemfontein to test their skills on Saturday.

It proved to be a tough day for the visitors as the hosts flexed their muscles, powering their way to a 221-run victory.

Batting first, Grey College laid down the law with a stellar performance at the crease, posting an imposing total of 346/7.

Their top-order batsmen were in full flight, with Adem Niewoudt and Cullen Marais combining for a formidable 117-run partnership. Niewoudt narrowly missed out on a century, falling for a commendable 94, while Marais provided strong support with an impressive 65.

Franco Bester and Keenan van Rooi tried their best to stem the flow of runs, with Bester being the standout performer among the Kalahari High bowlers. They combined to take all seven wickets for Kalahari, but the relentless Grey batsmen were a tough nut to crack and kept piling on the runs.

In reply to the daunting target set by Grey College, Kalahari found themselves under immense pressure from the start as their batsmen struggled to withstand the disciplined and relentless attack of the hosts’ bowlers.

Sicelo Matayi was the chief tormentor for Grey, dismissing the visitors’ three top batsmen while conceding only 36 runs.

Liam Lang offered some resistance for Kalahari at the tail-end, ending the innings unbeaten with 21 runs, but it made little impact on the outcome of the contest.

Grey’s team of stayers dismissed the team from Kuruman for 125 and look to be in fine form as they build towards next year.

Meanwhile, Cecil Parsons, Bethlehem Voortrekker‘s big Craven Week prop, smashed a powerful 82 off 43 deliveries, and Juan Theunissen weighed in with 62, to help their team chase down Fichardtpark‘s 205 in 29 overs.

Franco and Adrian de Necker combined for a partnership of 67 for Jim Fouché as they beat Welkom Gimnasium by six wickets.

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 scorecards:

Grey College 346/7 (Adem Niewoudt 94, Cullen Marais 65, Ruben Maree 36, Henru de Wet 36, Extras 34, Casper Troskie 31, Jaco Prinsloo 31; Franco Bester 4/66, Keenan van Rooi 3/52); Kalahari High School 125 (Liam Lang 21*; Sicelo Matayi 36/3, Darion Rabie 2/10). Grey College won by 221 runs.

Fichardtpark 205 (Davyd Oosthuysen 61, MJ Herbst 33, Zayne Williamson 31, Michael Cruywagen 23, Extras 23; Juan Theunissen 4/34, Heindre Serfontein 54/2, Andre Heunis 2/25); Voortrekker 208/6 (Cecil Parsons 82, Juan Theunissen 62, Extras 26, Andre Heunis 20*; Michael Cruywagen 4/30, Eben Botha 2/56). Voortrekker won by four wickets.

Welkom Gimnasium 86 (Extras 28, Kayden Barrows 18; Pieter Conradie 4/13, Marco de Lange 2/11); Jim Fouché 87/4 (Adrian de Necker 31, Franco de Necker 27; Donald Schoeman 2/17). Jim Fouché won by six wickets.

Parel Vallei outperformed Curro Durbanville in a thrilling end-of-season clash in Somerset West on Saturday.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, which allowed their top-order batsmen to put early pressure on the Curro team.

Their innings began steadily as openers’ Quan van der Merwe, with 55, and Joshua Pretorius, with 37, laid the foundation for a solid total.

Van der Merwe’s half-century included 10 boundaries as the duo got their side to 107 before Pretorius was caught by TJ Moshenyane off a delivery by Reece Bald.

Christopher Hughes joined Van der Merwe at the crease and held up his end after Bald and Moshenyane had combined for a second time to remove the threat of further damage by Van der Merwe.

Having finally made their breakthrough, the Durbanville side had their tails up, taking two more wickets without conceding another run, before Joshua Smit, batting at six, steadied the ship for the home team, making 44 to help them to 246/9.

It was a challenging total, but Curro Durbanville appeared up for that challenge as they moved smoothly along to 92 for 2.

Their top scorer, Dean Huesmann, showed their intent, smashing five sixes and two fours as he raced to 42 before Henry Jones turned the game for the home team with a phenomenal bowling spell. He captured five wickets for only 33 runs and pouched two catches.

Reece Bald played well for Durbanville, resolutely defying the Parel Vallei bowlers, but after Pretorius dismissed Vaughan Flanagan, the rest of the batting lineup fell apart in the face of the onslaught by Henry Jones.

With that, Parel Vallei ended their year on a high and will be keen to build upon the momentum of a very successful term when 2024 rolls around.

Chris Roets was also a five-wicket taker. He knocked over 5 for 17 as Hoërskool Bellville beat Westerford by seven wickets, while Miya Kopo also got in on the act, snapping up 5 for 33 for HTS Bellville in their victory over Milnerton.

Wendal Bantam also starred for HTS, capturing 4/11 and then making an unbeaten 58 to see his side to 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 scorecards:

Parel Vallei 246/9 (Quan van der Merwe 55, Joshua Smit 44; Extras 42; Christopher Hughes 39, Joshua Pretorius 37; Janré Lourens 2/34, Caleb Jonkers 2/43, TJ Moshenyane 2/44); Curro Durbanville 157 (Dean Huesmann 42, Reece Bald 38*, Vaughan Flanagan 28; Henry Jones 5/33, Joshua Pretorius 2/26, Christopher Hughes 2/39). Parel Vallei won by 89 runs.

Boland Landbou 211/7 (Marius du Plessis 60, Lohann Louw 38, H Swart 32*; Xander van Aarde 2/35, Hugo Bredell 2/51); Durbanville High School 45 (Tobias Roelofse 17; Gunther Schmidt 4/10; Francois Prins 4/15). Boland Landbou won by 166 runs.

Westerford 105 (Imaad Hassan 26, Nicholas Lombard 22; Chris Roets 5/17, Wian van den Heever 2/9); Hoërskool Bellville 109/3 (Gustav Maass 28; Owen Kretschmer 26*, Onke Matzishana 23; As’ad Salie 1/25). Hoërskool Bellville won by seven wickets.

Milnerton 86 (Connor Huxham 21; Miya Kopo 5/33, Wendal Bantam 4/11); HTS Bellville 90/5 (Wendal Bantam 58*; James Hoare 2/15, Rico Blom 2/18). HTS Bellville won by five wickets.

Somerset College sent off their four matriculating first team cricket players on a high note on Saturday after beating HTS Drostdy in an action-packed, high-scoring end-of-year fixture.

Captain Nicholas Rieth and his teammates’ Dion Claassens – who earned his 100th first team cap in his final game – Thando Prusent and Christopher Varie depart the school in Somerset West at the end of the year.

Batting first, Chad Ayford set Somerset College on its way with a fine 83 at nearly a run per ball, and his fellow opener Owethu Moyi, with 37, did his bit by taking the sting out of the initial bowling onslaught.

Tyrone Rieth, who will pick up the baton and assume the captain’s role next year in the place of his older brother, showed off his leadership with a mature innings, which added a further 81 to his side’s total.

When Callum Hughes joined the younger Rieth at the crease, he punished the HTS Drostdy bowling, scoring 66 runs from 53 deliveries. Between the two of them, they clobbered 17 boundaries, including six maximums, to help Somerset College to an imposing 320/5 after 50 overs.

The Rieths are one of three sets of siblings playing for Somerset College’s first team this year. Christopher Varie’s younger brother, Troy, is also in the squad, alongside Alexia and Massimo Kontopirakis.

Undaunted by the big challenge facing them, or by the fact that Johann Rauch removed two of their top-order batsmen in a single over, early on, HTS Drostdy settled in and mounted a spectacular run chase.

Stefan van der Merwe batted masterfully to bring up his century before he was run out by Hughes, while Bryan Cochrane bolstered Drostdy’s score with a solid 78.

Unfortunately for the visitors, though, Somerset College were able to keep them in check and when the 50-over mark was reached, they were still 65 runs shy. Nonetheless, they had put in a good shift with the bat.

With another win in the bag, Somerset College will bid farewell to their four matriculants, who have played a big role in the school’s cricketing success.

Nicholas Rieth, at the helm as captain since 2021, was more than just a leader. In his 89 appearances for the first team, he was an all-rounder par excellence, amassing 2 382 runs, taking 35 wickets, and effecting 80 fielding dismissals.

The centurion, Claassens, boasted a huge 180 wickets in the 805 overs he sent down for the 1st XI.

Christopher Varie, a steadfast presence with 83 caps to his name, finished with an impressive record of 81 wickets from 568 overs.

Then, there’s Thando Prusent, a player who has not only graced the Somerset College team but has also proudly donned the Boland colours at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 Week for consecutive years. His tally of 1 552 runs and 49 wickets for the school speaks volumes of his exceptional talent and dedication.

As the four stars bid adieu to their alma mater, they undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in the squad. However, a silver lining exists in the emergence of exciting young talents, eagerly waiting to step into their shoes and carry the school’s proud cricketing tradition forward.

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.

Summarized scorecard:

Somerset College 320/5 (Chad Ayford 83, Tyrone Rieth 81, Callum Hughes 66, Owethu Moyi 37, Jonathan Firth 24, Extras 22; Reghardt du Plessis 2/42, Adriaan Krynauw 2/49); HTS Drostdy 255/8 (Stefan van der Merwe 100, Bryan Cochrane 78, H Nortje 24*, Extras 24; Johann Rauch 2/18, David de Klerk 2/21). Somerset College won by 65 runs.