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Die Kovsie Smash-kroon is terug in Klerksdorp nadat Hoërskool Wesvalia sy titel suksesvol verdedig het.

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

Die Wessies is vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar as kampioen gekroon nadat hy Hoërskool Kalahari naelskraaps met agt lopies in die eindstryd van die tweede aanbieding van die Kovsie Smash-toernooi verslaan het.

Geen ander span se naam verskyn dus nog op die trofee sedert die ontstaan van die toernooi nie.

Die span van Klerksdorp moes nietemin spook om die manne van Kuruman te troef, met vernaam Kalahari se Janko Noeth wat uitstekend was met die bal.

Die draaier het die voorlaaste beurt afgestuur waarin hy twee paaltjies laat kantel het vir geen lopies nie. Dit het die druk vierkantig op die Klerksdorpers geplaas, wat met net 106/6 in die toegelate 20 beurte tevrede moes wees.

Dundre Hales (22*) en Marneau Dreyer (22) was Wesvalia se beste kolwers. Eduard Dreyer, die toernooi se voorste lopiemaker, is vroeg terug pawiljoen toe gestuur vir slegs 19 lopies, maar daarmee het hy sy totaal vir die week opgestoot na 301, 19 lopies meer as sy totaal in verlede jaar se toernooi.

Kalahari se Liam Laing (29) het die bal suiwer geslaan en saam met Shane Corner (29) vir Kalahari hoop gegee. Zaindre Stopford het het dié hoop egter verydel met twee kritieke paaltjies in die 15de beurt. Sy deurslaggewende beurt het ook slegs drie lopies gekos, wat die keerpunt in die wedstryd was.

Kalahari kon uiteindelik net 98/8 in hul toegelate 20 beurte aanteken, agt lopies kort van ‘n geskiedkundige oorwinning.

Hoërskool Pietersburg se Cilliers van der Merwe het gesorg dat die span van Limpopo sy week op ‘n hoë noot afsluit. Die Pieties het die gasheerspan, Hoërskool Fichardtpark, met drie paaltjies geklop met Van der Merwe wat weereens die Pieties se uitblinker was met bal en kolf.

Sy boulskof van 4/18 het die Fichies se kolflys geknak en tot net 99 beperk. Daarna het hy kopgehou onder druk, nadat Davyd Oosthuizen (3/16) vroeë skade aangerig het, vir 28 belangrike lopies, wat met Dian Gouws se 23 genoeg was om die sege te verseker.

Transvalia se Kriegler Botha het die toernooi as die voorste paaltjievraat, met ‘n totaal van 19 slagoffers, afgesluit ná nog ‘n uitstaande vertoning om ‘n oorwinning met 44 lopies oor Despatch te verseker. Botha het vier paaltjies vir net 14 lopies laat spat. Mjee Roets (3/13) het uitmuntende bystand gebied om te verseker dat Despatch vir ‘n skamele 64 uitgeboender word.

Overvaal se Christiaan Schoeman en Janco de Lange het Duineveld behoorlik stert tussen die bene huistoe gestuur. Schoeman het leiding met die kolf geneem vir ‘n aantreklike 51, terwyl De Lange in ‘n oogwink vyf paaltjies laat kantel het, vir net agt lopies, om Duineveld vir 52 almal uit te haal en oorwinning met 66 lopies te verseker.

Die laaste dag het ook heelwat plesier aan Hoërskool Trio se Dylan Young besorg, wat witwarm was met die kolf en ‘n onoorwonne 67 lopies, van slegs 49 aflewerings, gemoker het.

Trio het ook die hoogste telling vir die toernooi aangeteken met 190/6 in hul toegelate beurt. WJ van Niekerk (4/10) het het uitgeblink met die bal om die Driehoek-kolwers te terroriseer, en met Young, ‘n reuse aandeel gehad in die span van Kroonstad se wegholoorwinning met 126 lopies.

Beknopte telkaarte: 

Eindstryd:

Wesvalia 106/6 (Marneau Dreyer 22, Dundre Hales 22*; Janko Noeth 2/18, Louhan Noeth 2/26); Kalahari 98/8 (Liam Liang 29, Shane Corner 29; Marneau Dreyer 3/20, Zaindre Stopford 2/12). Wesvalia wen met agt lopies.

3de/4de plek:

Fichardtpark 99 (Duan Viviers 18*; Celliers van der Merwe 4/18, Ignus Ferreira 2/14); Hoërskool Pietersburg 100/7 (Celliers van der Merwe 28, Dian Gouws 23, AJ Galloway 21; Davyd Oosthuizen 3/16). Hoërskool Pietersburg wen met drie paaltjies.

5de/6de plek:

Transvalia 113 (Waldo McLean 41; CJ Palfarmna 3/26, Niekie Joubert 2/28); Despatch 69 (Josh Bishop 48; Kriegler Botha 4/14, Mjee Roets 3/13). Transvalia wen met 44 lopies.

7de/8ste plek:

Bethlehem Voortrekker 107 (Jordan Buitendag 41*; Augie Behrens 3/31, Henry Kemp 3/34, Thian Labuschagne 2/10); Hoërskool Rustenburg 108/7 (Tristan van der Linde 28, Hendre Robinson 21; Joel Coetzee 4/13). Hoërskool Rustenburg wen met drie paaltjies.

9de/10de plek:

Oos-Moot 112 (Danie Corbett 29, Liam du Preez 28; Ian Meyer 3/4, Bernard Wandrag 3/16, Luka Heinlein 2/18); Merensky 113/5 (JP Botha 47*; Liam du Preez 2/17, Luke Venter 2/34). Merensky wen met vyf paaltjies.

11de/12de plek:

HTS Middelburg 132 (WJ Enslin 24, Marinus Enslin 24, Dawid van Rooyen 24; Duan Bastone 3/26, Wihan Paulsen 2/5, Cobus Wilken 2/16); Jim Fouché 133/5 (Joden Voster 42, Benco Olivier 29, Franco de Necker 22*; Anthoni Smuts 3/13). Jim Fouché wen met vyf paaltjies.

13de/14de plek:

Overvaal 118/8 (Christiaan Schoeman 51, MJ van Wyngaard 26; Joshua Visagie 3/33, Xander O’Connell 2/10, Wilmar Myburgh 2/18); Duineveld 52 (Kian Naude 14; Janco de Lange 5/8, Roche Le Roux 3/13, MJ van Wyngaard 2/6). Overvaal wen met 66 lopies.

15de/16de plek:

Hoërskool Upington 108/8 (Weilin Lombaard 31; Jeandre Ferreira 4/19, Louw Fouché 2/14); Goudveld 111/5 (Ruan Dreyer 34*, Jeandre Ferreira 20*; CJ Botha 2/16, Ruann Esterhuizen 2/31). Goudveld wen met vyf paaltjies.

17de/18de plek:

Witteberg 101 (Pieter Wessels 17; Aldo Bezuidenhout 3/18, Juandre Weideman 3/21, Reshe Wales 2/14); Sentraal 102/6 (Janre Bornman 57*; Mila Oerson 2/20). Sentraal wen met vier paaltjies.

19de/20ste plek:

Trio 190/6 (Dylan Young 67*, WJ van Niekerk 33, Gabriel Mocjabela 22; Chris Saayman 2/25, Jaden Heckler 2/37); Driehoek 64 (Duan Taljaard 22; WJ van Niekerk 4/10, Myburg Jacobs 2/14, Jeandre Vosloo 2/27). Trio wen met 126 lopies.

Cayden Wilson and Patrick Mouton showed themselves to be a class apart with bat and ball on the first day of the Makhanda Cricket Festival. The event is being hosted by Kingswood College and runs from 9 to 12 January.

Wilson blitzed an outstanding century, while Mouton bagged a brilliant 10-wicket haul.

Wilson’s century was instrumental in Pearson High School securing a dominant draw against St Alban’s College. He was in an unforgiving mood, smashing 13 fours and eight sixes on his way to an imperious 128 off only 59 deliveries.

When he came in to bat, Pearson was on 24/2, but the youngster tore into the St Alban’s bowling attack, and his rapid strike rate of 217 set the game up for Pearson to take control.

Wilson has been on an incredible run of form since December 2024. Last month, he became the first Pearson learner to be selected for the SA Colts team after the completion of the Khaya Majola Week. He was outstanding with the ball, finishing the tournament as Eastern Province’s leading wicket-taker. However, he showed his class with the bat against St Alban’s.

Luke Hector was Pearson’s second-best batter with a wonderful 80 from 78 balls. Sulayman Gangat complemented the batters with a four-wicket haul for Pearson as the Gqeberha side made light work of the St Alban’s batting order. Zayd Mohanlall was the batsman from the Pretoria school to cross 40 runs, with a patient 42 off 95 deliveries.

Patrick Mouton starred with the ball for the hosts, Kingswood College, in their first match of the festival, capturing 10 wickets across two innings in his side’s draw with Hellenic College.

Mouton knocked over 6/42 as Hellenic was restricted to 148 all out in their first innings. The home side produced an emphatic reply to their Zimbabwean counterparts’ modest score. Ross Thompson struck a brilliant 56 off 41 and Daniel Jakins matched his tally. However, his runs came off slightly more than twice as many deliveries. He faced 83 balls for his 56.

Mouton then bagged 4/41 as Kingswood held Hellenic to 95/4 in their second innings. As they did in the first innings, the Zimbabweans struggled to handle Mouton’s bowling as he ran through their top order before time ran out.

Myles Sansom carved an unbeaten half-century in St Andrews College’s first innings’ victory over St David’s Marist Inanda. The number three batter struck 10 fours and two sixes to help St Andrew’s reach 204/2 in reply to the 203/9 posted by St David’s. Oliver Johns weighed in with an unbeaten 45 and he and Sansom shared an unbroken 122-run third-wicket partnership.

SACS had a low total in their sights thanks to some wonderful bowling from Ababalwe Zingela, who took 4/11. He was supported by Tom Busshain, who bagged a brace of wickets. Jared Stern stood firm, however, his valiant unbeaten half-century for St David’s was in vain. It wasn’t enough to help his side avoid defeat.

Summarised Scorecards

Hellenic Academy 1st innings 148/10 (Ruben Sanders 39, Daniel Makings 37; Patrick Mouton 6/42, Daniel Jakins 2/16). Kingswood College 1st innings 246/8d (Ross Thompson 56, Daniel Jakins 56; Tian Nicholson 3/33, Christian Makings 2/20). Hellenic Academy 2nd innings 95/4 (Ruben Sanders 29, Tom Sinclair 28; Patrick Mouton 4/41, Franco Klopper 0/1). Match drawn.

St David’s 203/9 (Jared Stern 50*, Kamogelo Phiri 42; Ababalwe Zingela 4/11, Tom Busshain 2/71). St Andrew’s College 204/2 (Myles Sansom 68, William Beamish 49; Morteza Manack 1/46, Ethan Greenstein 1/49). St Andrew’s College won on the first innings.

Pearson 319/10 (Cayden Wilson 128, Luke Hector 80; Kallan Nel 5/75, William Hewitt 2/70). St Alban’s 131/9 (Zayd Mohanlall 42, Liam Chetty 29; Sulayman Gangat 4/32, Kade Myburg 2/13). Match drawn.

Daar is geen onoorwonne spanne oor na die halfeindronde van die tweede Kovsie Smash-toernooi in Bloemfontein nie.

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

Die oorblywende twee onoorwonne spanne, Hoërskool Pieterburg en Hoërskool Fichardtpark, het altwee in die hek geduik, met die span van Polokwane wat met 46 lopies teen die verdedigende kampioen, Hoërskool Wesvalia, vasgeval het.

Die Wessies se Eduard Dreyer het sy 2025-seisoen afgeskop nes die vorige jaar s’n en het nou sy totale aantal lopies in verlede jaar se toernooi geëwenaar. Dreyer, wat weer voorgevat het met die kolf, het 47 lopies aan die bopunt van die kolflys bygedra om sy week se totaal op 282 lopies te staan te bring.

Hy is bygestaan deur Marneau Dreyer (42*) en Zaindre Stopford (33). Stopford en Eduard Dreyer het ‘n deurslaggewende vennootskap van 71 lopies aanmekaargeslaan om die Wessies tot ‘n puik totaal van 158/3 in die toegelate 20 beurte aan te help.

Eduard Dreyer (3/26) en Stopford (2/12) het met die bal ook die toon aangegee om die Pieties se kolflys te laat wankel. Stephan Swanepoel (37), een van die Pietersburgers se sterre, en Celliers van der Merwe (35) het hardnekkig probeer teenstand bied, maar moes uiteindelik met 112/8 tevrede wees.

Kopano Mosienyane het die kanon uit Kuruman afgevuur om die Fichies se onoorwonne segetog te beëindig. Mosienyane het vier paaltjies platgetrek terwyl hy slegs 15 lopies in sy boulskof afgestaan het, en, met goeie ondersteuning van Leander Smit (2/24), het die Fichies gekrummel onder die druk om uiteindelik met 80 lopies die aftog te blaas.

Dylan Gerener (3/10) en Nathan Ackerman (2/7) het dapper probeer om Kalahari te troef, maar Louhan Noeth het koelkop gekolf vir sy 31 lopies wat net-net genoeg was om die span van Kuruman met twee paaltjies oor die wenstreep en tot in die eindstryd te dryf.

In ander kragmetings was Durandt Lubbe van Driehoek se uitmuntende boulsyfers van 5/18 nie genoeg om Witteberg van ‘n oorwinning met 28 lopies te ontneem nie. Janco Botha, aanvangskolwer van Witteberg, het die pas aangegee met sy beurt van 62 lopies, wat uit 53 balle bestaan en ses grenshoue, waarvan vyf viere en een ‘n ses, ingesluit het.

Hoërskool Transvalia se Kriegler Botha geniet homself gate uit in Bloemfontein en was hierdie slag die held met ‘n onoorwonne 40 om sy span tot ‘n oorwinning met vier paaltjies oor Hoërskool Rustenburg te lei. Botha en Declan Steinmann (2/9) het voorts met hul akkurate boulwerk vir die opposisie die finale nekslag toegedien.

Beknopte telkaarte:

Beker-halfeindstryde:

Wesvalia 158/3 (Eduard Dreyer 47, Marneau Dreyer 42*, Zaindre Stopford 33; Dian Gouws 1/24); Hoërskool Pietersburg 112/8 (Stephan Swanepoel 37, Celliers van der Merwe 35; Eduard Dreyer 3/26, Zander Stopford 2/12). Wesvalia wen met 46 lopies.

Fichardtpark 80 (Marno Smith 12; Kopano Mosienyane 4/15, Leander Smit 2/24); Kalahari 82/8 (Louhan Noeth 31; Dylan Gerener 3/10, Nathan Ackerman 2/7). Kalahari wen met twee paaltjies.

Bowl-halfeindstryde:

Hoërskool Rustenburg 115/7 (Tristan van der Linde 43, Henlo van Rooyen 27; Declan Steinmann 2/9); Transvalia 118/6 (Kriegler Botha 40*, Declan Steinmann 25; Marnus de Witt 3/30). Transvalia wen met vier paaltjies.

Bethlehem Voortrekker 128/6 (Vlag Janse van Rensburg 44, Joel Coetzee 40, Ruan Heunis 21*; Shelton Classen 3/19); Despatch 130/7 (Tyron Smit 45, Josh Bishop 23; Ruan Heunis 2/12, Rodney Turner 2/18, Leytin Kimmins 2/38). Despatch wen met drie paaltjies.

Skild-halfeindstryde:

Jim Fouché 116/7 (Niel Wilken 56*; Bernard Wandrag 2/9, Topher Elphinstone 2/12, Rinaldo Bornman 2/12); Merensky 118/5 (Rinaldo Bornman 44, JP Botha 34*, Schalk Rossouw 20; Cobus Wilken 2/17). Merensky wen met vyf paaltjies.

HTS Middelburg 74 (Brossouw de Wet 12; Danie Corbett 2/0, Anthony Schwan 2/9, Liam du Preez 2/13); Oos-Moot 75/3 (Chrisjan van Staden 24, :iam du Preez 24; Marinus Enslin 1/2). Oos-Moot wen met sewe paaltjies.

Plaat-halfeindstryde:

Hoërskool Upington 80 (Ruann Esterhuizen 23, Weilin Lombaard 23; Roche Le Roux 4/6, Christiaan Schoeman 3/24); Overvaal 81/8 (Janco de Lange 17; Ruann Esterhuizen 2/10, CJ Botha 2/17, Adin Likumbi 2/25). Overvaal wen met twee paaltjies.

Goudveld 83 (Kayden Pienaar 16; Pieter Coetzee 3/15, Niekie Smit 3/16, Joshua Visagie 2/18); Duineveld 84/5 (Kian Naude 26*; Ruan Dreyer 2/14, Edrich du Plessis 2/18). Duineveld wen met vyf paaltjies.

16de tot 20-halfeindstryde:

Witteberg 141 (Janco Botha 62, Xander Fourie 24; Durandt Lubbe 5/18, Rico Kruger 2/24); Driehoek 113/9 (Duan Taljaard 41, Hendro Strydom 21*; Jayden Jacobs 4/14, Dumisani Johnson 4/18). Witteberg wen met 28 lopies.

Trio 145/5 (Gabriel Mocjabela 47, WJ van Niekerk 44; Erik Prinsloo 2/32); Sentraal 111/9 (Janre Bornman 58*; Gabriel Mocjabela 4/10, Myburg Jacobs 2/19). Trio wen met 34 lopies.

After a tight contest against Falcon College on Wednesday, which ended on a knife’s edge when the rain came down, Clifton College scored a solid 49-run win over St Alban’s College, who had won their previous two matches, on the last day of the iHlobo Festival at Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill.

The Pretoria school won the toss and chose to field first. In the early going, their bowlers challenged the Clifton batsmen well, with the Durban side’s openers departing by the time they had 30 runs on the board.

Then, when Bryon Ward fell, with the total on 61, captain Tim Saulez was joined out in the middle by Zach Williamson and they proceeded to seize control of the contest.

Together, they added 109 for the fourth wicket before Williamson was run out for 34 from 54. Saulez followed on the same total, bowled by Christian Visage for 75 from 88, with eight fours. The pair had done a fine job.

Cristiano Borrageiro and Shiraz Perumal ensured that Clifton’s innings didn’t run out of steam late, striking some cracking shots, including a massive six by Borrageiro, to boost their team to 197/5 after their 40 overs, which pleased coach Brandon Scullard.

Christian Visage led the St Alban’s attack, bowling economically and with penetration to capture 2/23 from eight overs.

In reply, the northerners got off to a quick start, thanks mostly to Wayne Kruger, who made 16 from 23 balls. He was, however, out one run after his opening partner, Reabetswe Mukoka, fell, which left St Alban’s on 34/2.

Liam Basch was the pick of their batsmen, contributing 37 from 51 deliveries, but St Alban’s was undone by a stunning collapse, which saw them tumble from 100/3 to 104/7. They managed to add another 44 runs for the last three wickets, but it was nowhere near enough.

Blake Johnson was the destroyer in chief, snaring 5/23 in 6.4 overs, while Shiraz Perumal continued his assault on Clifton’s bowling records with 2/29 from eight. In the end, St Alban’s was all out for 148, with the experienced Clifton side delivering a good all-round performance.

Kearsney College vs Uplands College

In the first of their two matches on Thursday, Kearsney College enjoyed a comfortable 82-run win over Uplands College on the AH Smith Oval.

They were rocked early on, though, stumbling to 7/3 in the third over of their innings, thanks to a fine opening spell from left-arm paceman Leam van Zyl, who bagged two wickets, including a superb caught behind, while some sharp fielding produced a run out.

Opening batsman Rivan Moodley stood firm, but, with wickets falling around him, his scoring rate was slow. Eventually, though, the home side began to find their way.

Daniel Miskey delivered a good knock. His decisive and aggressive shot-making is one of his strengths and it brought him 22 runs from 20 balls, with a six and three fours.

Jason de Gryse and Aaron Blackburn combined for a 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which was a vital contribution. Blackburn was out for 26 from 25, but De Gryse went on to record an unbeaten 45 from 36 balls, with five fours, as Kearsney tallied 138/7.

The Uplands’ batsmen, as they had done on Wednesday, struggled with the slightly damp pitch. Opener Ethan Yorke made 13, but he was the only one to make it beyond single figures as Uplands limped to 56 all out.

Kearsney opening bowler Michael Groom revelled in the conditions, ripping apart the Uplands’ top order as he bagged 3/10 in three.

Rivan Moodley snared 2/5 in three, while the remaining wickets were shared around as Kearsney employed eight bowlers, with seven of them picking up wickets.

Kearsney College vs Falcon College

In the 30-overs-a-side clash, which followed Kearsney’s win over Uplands, Falcon College, after winning the toss, put up 163/9, led by an assured innings from opener Alistair Carle, who played some beautiful shots, striking eight fours in his 50 from 56 deliveries.

Zach Gover produced some fireworks, launching three balls over the boundary and three into it, as he charged his way to 40 from 27 deliveries.

Zane Sibanda, in at 11, produced a vital knock, along with his tenth-wicket partner, Joshua Littlewood. They both finished on 13 not out, but, crucially, they advanced the Falcon College total from 137/9 to 163/9 with an unbroken stand of 26.

Kearsney’s opening bowlers did well. Litha Gonya snapped up 3/24 in six, while Michael Groom picked up 2/24 in six. Bonga Maphanga produced a fine contribution, taking 2/16 from five.

The home side’s response was halting. They found themselves three wickets down after nine overs, with only 29 runs on the board. Asher Hollister, in at four, offered strong resistance, however. He and Jonty Wiggett moved the score along to 64 before Wiggett was sent packing for seven.

Hollister continued on his merry way, making hay, but he needed someone to help construct a telling partnership. Unfortunately for Kearsney, that didn’t happen. Bonga Maphanga, batting ninth, finished with the second-highest score of 10, while Hollister showed what was possible, scoring a well-played 64 from 71 deliveries, which included four fours and a six.

In the end, though, Kearsney was all out for 129 and Falcon scored a decisive 34-run victory.

Falcon’s bowlers enjoyed a good day out. Dmitry Fatch wrapped up the game to end with 3/18, Zach Gover captured 2/14, Liam Nel 2/19, and Zane Sibanda 2/33.

It’s likely to be a rebuilding year for Kearsney, who surrendered some outstanding talent at the end of 2024, including SA Schools’ batsman Ross Coetzee and SA Colts’ fast bowler Sandiswa Yeni, among others. It might be a tough year, but players, like Hollister, have shown there is talent in the ranks.

David Mutendera, the coach of St John’s College (Harare), felt that Falcon might be the team to beat in Zimbabwe in 2025, and their performances have suggested he could be right.

Maritzburg College vs St John’s College

St John’s, meanwhile, did themselves no favours by surrendering 60 extras, including 32 wides, which proved to be the highest contributor to Maritzburg College‘s 250 all out in their clash on Osler Field.

The Rams got stuck into College’s batting line-up quickly, removing both openers, Akhil Bharath and Daniel Nadasan, with only seven runs scored. Ewald Bester and Luan van der Merwe stopped the rot, though, adding 81 from 93 balls, to settle the Red, Black, and White‘s batting effort.

Van der Merwe fell, with College on 88, after scoring 28 runs, and Deolin Naidoo followed on the same score, run out. Four runs later, it was the turn of Van der Merwe to take the walk back to the side of the field after he had scored 32. At 92/5, St John’s had worked their way back into the contest.

College’s lower order, which featured some experienced players, turned the tide. Sphamandla Dzanibe, in at 10, starred, making 50 from 55 balls, with two fours and two sixes, while Karl Dedekind played his part with 42 from 29, and Kyle de Bruin added a valuable 22.

St John’s captain Connor Lovatt led his side’s attack well, picking up 3/19 in four, while Hayden Saunders took 2/26 in 6.2 overs.

At this early stage of the season, and given the changes in the Maritzburg College team, coach Robbie Coutts believes their bowling is more their strength than their batting, and his bowlers helped to deliver a 56-run win. Opening bowler Samuel Hughes had plenty to do with that. He bagged 5/54 in 10 overs, while Nathan Pembridge returned 2/32 from 10 tidy overs.

The Rams offered some good resistance, with their hard-hitting captain Connor Lovatt pounding four sixes and two fours in his 40 from 30 balls. Riley Ettlin played a more circumspect knock, weighing in with 37 from 72, while opener, Brandon Kalonga, also took the longer route, making 36 from 83.

For a long time, St John’s was in the game, but a late innings collapse, which saw them reduced from 170/6 to 175/9 proved decisive. They were all out for 194.

Summarised scorecards

40 overs

Clifton College 197/5 (Tim Saulez 75, Zach Williamson 34, Byron Ward 26, Christian Visage 2/23); St Alban’s College 148/10 (Liam Basch 37, Blake Johnson 5/23, Shiraz Perumal 2/29).

Clifton College won by 49 runs.

T20

Kearsney 138/7 (Jason de Gryse 45*, Aaron Blackburn 26, Daniel Miskey 22, Leam van Zyl 2/20); Uplands College 56/10 (Michael Groom 3/10, Rivan Moodley 2/5).

Kearsney won by 82 runs.

30 overs

Falcon College 163/9 (Alistair Carle 50, Zach Gover 40, Litha Gonya 3/24, Bonga Maphanga 2/16, Michael Groom 2/24); Kearsney College 129/10 (Asher Hollister 64, Dmitry Fatch 3/18, Zach Gover 2/14, Liam Nel 2/19, Zane Sibanda 2/33).

Falcon won by 34 runs.

50 overs

Maritzburg College 250/10 (Extras 60, Sphamandla Dzanibe 50, Karl Dedekind 42, Ewald Bester 32, Luan van der Merwe 28, Kyle de Bruin 22, Connor Lovatt 3/19, Hayden Saunders 2/26); St John’s 194/10 (Connor Lovatt 40, Riley Ettlin 37, Brandon Kalonga 36, Shivaan Chouhan, Samuel Hughes 5/54, Nathan Pembridge 2/32).

Maritzburg College won by 56 runs.

Dit was so hittete. Een paaltjie was egter ál wat Hoërskool Kalahari nodig gehad het om sy plek in die halfeindronde van die tweede Kovsie Smash-toernooi te bespreek.

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

Die span van Kuruman, wat die vorige dag sy eerste nederlaag by vanjaar se toernooi gely het, het behoorlik gesweet om die halfeindronde te haal.

Aanvangsbouler, Kopano Mosienyane (4/17), en Louhan Noeth (3/11) het hul span in ‘n belowende posisie geplaas, maar Bethlehem Voortrekker se JD van Dyk het egter vasgeskop met ‘n voortreflike beurt van 33 lopies en Joel Coetzee (20) het goeie bystand verleen om ‘n totaal van 118 daar te stel – ‘n uitdagende teiken onder moeilike toestande.

Rodney Turner (4/13) het sommer vroeg toegeslaan om Kalahari in die moeilikheid te dompel, maar SW van Heerden het tot die Noord-Kapenaars se redding te kom. Van Heerden, deurlopend een van sy span se voorslagkolwers, het 37 lopies aangeteken, terwyl Shane Corner ook 25 bygedra het om hul span, met slegs ‘n enkele paaltjie staande, tot in die halfeindronde te dra.

Die gasheerspan, Hoërskool Fichardtpark, se Aaron Isaacs het vir Despatch se kolwers talle kopsere besorg. Die Fichies het oudergewoonte gekies om eerste te boul en Isaacs het dadelik hand opgesteek met ses paaltjies vir slegs agt lopies, in die 3.4 beurte wat hy afgestuur het – die beste syfers tot dusver by vanjaar se toernooi.

Marno Smith het daarna die langsteel ingelê vir ‘n blitsige 36, van 30 balle, om die tuisspan gemaklik met vyf paaltjies oor die wenstreep te kry.

Hoërskool Pietersburg, wat regdeur die week beïndruk het, het vasgebyt om Hoërskool Rustenburg naelskraaps met vier lopies te verslaan. Stephan Swanepoel (2/14) en Willem Viljoen (2/18) het die leiding met die bal geneem om die Rusties se krane toe te draai .

Die sege was die Pieties se vyfde agtereenvolgende oorwinning by vanjaar se toernooi en hulle is die enigste ander span, benewens die Fichies, wat steeds onoorwonne is voor die halfeindronde.

Die verdedigende kampioen, Hoërskool Wesvalia, is steeds sterk op pad om sy titel suksesvol te verdedig, deur teen een van die ander gunstelinge by vanjaar se toernooi, Transvalia, te seëvier.

Dit was geensins ‘n maklike oorwinning nie, met Kriegler Botha, die toernooi se voorste paaltjievraat, wat weer skade aangerig het met syfers van 2/11 om die Wessies tot ‘n lae 98/8 in die toegelate 20 beurte te beperk.

Dundre Hales (3/18) en Quwen Fourie (2/16) was egter nie van voorneme om handdoek in te gooi nie, met hul gesamentlike vyf paaltjies, wat dié van die gevaarlike Jeanre Barnard ingesluit het. Die druk was eenvoudig té veel en die span van Vanderbijlpark moes toekyk hoe die laaste paaltjie op 83 kantel, 15 lopies kort van ‘n plek in die halfeind.

Beknopte telkaarte: 

Beker Kwarteindronde: 

Bethlehem Voortrekker 118 (JD van Dyk 33, Joel Coetzee 20; Kopano Mosienyane 4/17, Louhan Noeth 3/11, Leander Smit 2/17); Kalahari 119/9 (SW van Heerdern 37, Shane Corner 25; Rodney Turner 4/13, Jordan Buitendag 2/25). Kalahari wen met een paaltjie.

Despatch 83 (Tyron Smit 28; Aaron Isaacs 6/8, Nathan Ackerman 3/11); Fichardtpark 84/5 (Marno Smith 36; CJ Palfarman 3/27). Fichardtpark wen met vyf paaltjies.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 127/5 (Jan Hendrik Boneshance 24, AJ Galloway 22*, Hanru Marais 22; Rejean van der Venter 3/16, Henlo van Rooyen 2/20); Hoërskool Rustenburg 123/6 (Tristan van der Linde 32, Hendre Robinson 26; Stephan Swanepoel 2/14, Willem Viljoen 2/18). Hoërskool Pietersburg wen met vier lopies.

Wesvalia 98/8 (Marneau Dreyer 42; Kriegler Botha 2/11, Mjee Roets 2/18); Transvalia 83 (Kriegler Botha 24; Dundre Hales 3/18, Quwen Fourie 2/16). Wesvalia wen met 15 lopies.

Shield Kwarteindronde:

Goudveld 92 (Bul Rademeyer 19; Cashan Jacobsz 4/15, Rinaldo Bornman 3/21, Xander Schoeman 2/22); Merensky 93/6 (Luka Heinlein 27, JP Botha 21; Ruan Dreyer 3/17, Edrich du Plessis 2/22). Merensky wen met vier paaltjies.

Jim Fouché 114/9 (Joden Vorster 23, Cobus Wilken 23; Joshua Visagie 3/11, Xander O’Connel 3/28, Wilmar Myburgh 2/19); Duinelveld 104/8 (Hanno Brand 38; Adrian Engelbrecht 3/8, Cobus Wilken 2/11). Jim Fouché wen met nege lopies.

HTS Middelburg 132/6 (WJ Enslin 46, Anthoni Smuts 23, Armand Kotze 20; Janco de Lange 2/15, Christiaan Schoeman 2/36); Overvaal 70 (Christiaan Schoeman 25; Anthoni Smuts 3/6, Eddie Harris 2/11, JP Muller 2/16). HTS Middelburg wen met 62 lopies.

Oos-Moot 152/6 (David White 41, Ryno Spies 39, Chrisjan van Staden 23; CJ Botha 2/17); Hoërskool Upington 46 (Jordan Fortuin 20*; Edrich Fulls 4/13, Liam du Preez 2/7, Luke Venter 2/9). Oos-Moot wen met 106 lopies.

16de tot 20ste Kwarteindronde: 

Trio 127/5 (Gabriel Mocjabela 44*, Byburg Jacobs 24, Caleb Bitler 23; Dumisani Johnson 2/11, Anru Erasmus 2/22); Witteberg 129/5 (Anru Erasmus 29*, Janco Botha 21; Cheslin Moasi 2/28). Witteberg wen met vyf paaltjies.

Sentraal 140/7 (Erik Prinsloo 55, Janre Bornman 26; Leonardo Visser 2/21, Rico Kruger 2/21); Driehoek 114/9 (Lucius Goosen 25, Duan Taljaard 24; Ruardt Kleynhans 3/21, Danny Botes 2/13, Juandre Weideman 2/20). Sentraal wen met 26 lopies.

Halfeindrondes: 

Beker:

Fichardtpark t. Kalahari
Wesvalia t. Pietersburg

Bowl:
Despatch t. Bethlehem Voortrekker
Transvalia vs Rustenburg

Skild:
Jim Fouché t. Merensky
HTS Middelburg t. Oos Moot

Plaat:
Duineveld t. Goudveld
Overvaal t. Upington

16de tot 20:
Trio t. Sentraal
Witteberg t. Driehoek

Wynberg Boys’ High and Affies both secured ten-wicket victories during the second day of the annual Peninsula Festival.

Wynberg Boys’ High defeated St Stithians College by ten wickets with Michail Tarentaal leading the charge with some exceptional bowling. Tarentaal picked up six wickets for only five runs in 10.3 overs which saw Saints being bowled out for a mere 73 runs.

His opening partner Damien Harris (3/25) also troubled the batsmen from Johannesburg from his end. St Stithians’ Cayden Sunker (26*) was the only batsman of the visitors who managed to navigate the Wynberg bowling onslaught successfully.

Storme van Rooyen (50*) and Qaeed Shaik (23*) got the home side past the target in the 20th over.

The Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool was back at full strength in their second encounter of the festival with Vihan Pretorius and Ruben Groenewald back from Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week. Both however enjoyed a rest day with the willow as opening batsmen, JP Botha (97*) and Henré Smit (55*), scored the winning runs at the start of the 36th over.

They shared an unbeaten 163-run partnership.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium reached 159/9 before their forced declaration in the 65th over. Jahndré Coetzee (40*) and Lukas Kotze (33) made the biggest contributions with the bat. SF Vermuelen (5/58) picked up a five-wicket haul to help keep the Gimmies at bay.

Rondebosch Boys’ High won their encounter against Hilton College by eight wickets.

Ethan Kloots spearheaded the effort with an impressive five-wicket haul (5/64), helping to restrict Hilton to 186/9 in 70 overs. David Hill (42*), Alex Pitman (37) and Ben Erasmus (34)  made the biggest contributions with the bat for Hilton College.

Noah Heath (65*) and Eli Aufrichtig (59*) got their team past the target with their half-centuries.

Summarised Scorecards: 

Hilton College 186/9 (David Hill 42*, Alex Pitman 37, Ben Erasmus 34; Ethan Kloots 5/64, Timothy Short 3/49); Rondebosch Boys’ High 188/2 (Noah Heath 65*, Eli Aufrichtig 59*, Daniel Cooke 31, Tyler Heyns 22). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by eight wickets.

St Stithians College 73 (Cayden Sunker 26*; Michail Tarentaal 6/5, Damien Harris 3/25); Wynberg Boys’ High 74/0 (Storme van Rooyen 50*, Qaeed Shaik 23*). Wynberg Boys’ High won by ten wickets.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium 159/9 (Jahndré Coetzee 40*, Lukas Kotze 33, Ulrich Botha 29; SF Vermeulen 5/58, Nico Loggenberg 2/38); Affies 163/0 (JP Botha 97*, Henré Smit 55*). Affies won by ten wickets.

The SA u19 Women have concluded their three-match T20 series against the USA u19 Women, winning the series 2-1 after a nine-wicket loss in the final match.

South Africa posted 155/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with solid contributions from Diedré van Rensburg (39) and Karabo Meso (37).

They were well supported by Diara Ramlakan (25), Fay Cowling (23*), and Jae-Leigh Filander (20*).

However, the USA’s Disha Dhingra made light work of the run chase, with an unbeaten century to secure a big win for the visitors.

South Africa’s captain, Kayla Reyneke, expressed mixed emotions but emphasised the positives.

She also acknowledged the importance of learning from the series in preparation for the global stage, as well as the camaraderie and teamwork that have become hallmarks of the squad.

“We have a number of elements we need to work on going into the World Cup. There ares still improvements to be made and we will take the wins and build on them,” Reyneke said.

“The team has been with each other for a few months, playing together and spending time together. We celebrate together, and we get along nicely both on and off the field. We are a solid unit,” she continued.

“Our goal is to inspire young girls, and for them to know that they have access to the sport. It sounds so cliché, but it’s so simple. Cricket is a hard sport, but if you love it, you’ll wake up every day wanting to work hard and excel in the game.”

With their sights firmly set on the ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup, the SA u19 Women’s team carries the hopes of a nation and has an opportunity to set an inspiring example for the next generation of cricketers.

South Africa u19 Women Squad: ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 02 February)

Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).

Schools’ water polo action resumes this coming weekend in Stellenbosch, just under a month after the 2024 Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament concluded in East London.

Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) hosts their much-anticipated annual pre-season festival from 10-11 January.

The two-day event has been described by PRG head coach Vaughn Marlow as a “chance for teams to sharpen their swords” ahead of a jam-packed season.

The first match on each day will begin at 09:00 sharp, and the day’s play will conclude with the final fixture starting at 17:30.

It’s a festival that will pit the top Western Cape schools against each other before the SACS Nite Series commences later this month.

In action alongside PRG will be SACS, Rondebosch Boys’ High, Wynberg Boys’ High, Bishops Diocesan College, and Reddam House Constantia.

St Andrew’s College, from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, will make another appearance at the festival, and they are joined by newcomers, Paarl Boys’ High.

Bishops dominated the region in 2024. Under coach Jabulani Sibiya, they claimed the top honours at the Nite Series, Mazinter Cup, and won their maiden SACS Water Polo Tournament later in the season.

SACS, meanwhile, reigned supreme at the SAC Shield and Clifton Water Polo Tournament. Rondebosch Boys’ High made massive strides by winning the KES Water Polo tournament.

All three teams dominated the Western Province u19A squad, while PRG contributed three players to the u19 team that finished in third spot at the Inter-Provincial Tournament.

The schools participating in the festival bade farewell to some influential players at the end of last season, so there are many unknowns as the 2025 season gets underway, which will make for an interesting event.

Bishops will begin life without star players Jordan de Sousa and Ross Stewart, while SACS have to find replacements for Nicholas Fall and Connor-Melling Williams.

Rondebosch said farewell to Bradley Warneke and Pierre du Plessis, while PRG will be without the services of Adam October and Arkin Marais.

The festival will allow the respective coaches to begin building their squads for the forthcoming season without the pressure of the result being of primary importance. The organisers have also confirmed to SuperSport Schools Plus that no scores will be kept as the festival is all about preparation for the forthcoming season.

The matches will run for 30 minutes, with two breaks taking place during each day.

The hosts will kick things off against St Andrew’s College on the opening day.

Fixtures

Day 1

09:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs St Andrew’s College; 09:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Paarl Boys’ High; 10:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs St Andrew’s College; 10:30 – Paul Roos Gymnasium vs Paarl Boys’ High; 11:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Wynberg Boys’ High; 11:30– Reddam House Constantia vs St Andrew’s College; 12:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Reddam House Constantia; 13:30 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Rondebosch Boys’ High; 14:00 – St Andrew’s College vs Paarl Boys’ High; 14:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium; 15:00 – Reddam House Constantia vs Rondebosch Boys’ High ; 16:00 – Reddam House Constantia vs Paarl Boys’ High; 16:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Wynberg Boys’ High; 17:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Paarl Boys’ High; 17:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Reddam House Constantia

Day 2

09:00 – Paul Roos Gymnasium vs Bishops Diocesan College; 09:30 – St Andrew’s College vs SACS; 10:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys’ High; 10:30 – St Andrew’s College vs SACS; 11:00 – Bishops Diocesan College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High; 11:30 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs SACS; 12:00 – Bishops Diocesan College vs Paarl Boys’ High; 12:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Rondebosch Boys’ High; 13:00 -Paarl Boys’ High vs SACS; 13:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Reddam House Constantia; 14:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs SACS; 14:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium; 15:00 – Reddam House Constantia vs Rondebosch Boys’ High; 15:30– Bishops Diocesan College vs Wynberg Boys’ High; 16:00 – Reddam House Constantia vs SACS; 16:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs St Andrew’s College; 17:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Reddam House Constantia; 17:30 – Reddam House Constantia vs Wynberg Boys’ High.

A strong contingent of sides have made their way to Bloemfontein for the annual Grey Cricket Festival, which runs from 9-12 January.

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

This year’s event features the Namibian u19 squad, which will have their opposition vying for bragging rights as they strive to score a win over an international side.

The other noteworthy attribute of the festival is that it will feature three different formats of the game. Day one and two will see the 10 sides battle it out in two-day matches.

Day three will have the teams fighting it out in the 50-over format, while the fourth and last day will feature T20 clashes, except for the hosts, Grey College, who will face the Namibians in a 50-over game. It will be a stern examination for the home side, who would have already faced formidable challenges from Selborne College and Glenwood.

The Johannesburg-based Jeppe High School for Boys starts their week off with a tough contest against the other Bloemfontein representative, St Andrew’s School. Grey High School will also have their hands full when they tackle the Namibians, who have the advantage of having played quite a bit of cricket at the annual Cubs Week in Stellenbosch earlier this month.

The side from Gqeberha then goes on to face an unpredictable Potchefstroom Volkskool, who will be flying the flag for the Northwest. Volkies are up against unpredictable Northwood, from KwaZulu-Natal. Hoërskool Menlopark, Pretoria’s only representative, takes on Glenwood for the first two days with Namibia awaiting them in a 50-over clash on the third day.

FIXTURES 

Day 1 and 2 (Two-day Matches)

Grey College vs Selborne College – Johan Volsteedt Oval
St Andrew’s School vs Jeppe High School for Boys – Vossies
Grey High School vs Namibia XI – Hickling
Menlopark vs Glenwood – Grey College B
Northwood vs Potchefstroom Volkskool – Casa Parentum

Day 3 (Limited Overs)

Grey College vs Glenwood – Johan Volsteedt Oval
St Andrew’s School vs Northwood – Vossies
Menlopark vs Namibia XI – Tommix
Selborne College vs Jeppe High School for Boys – Hickling
Potchefstroom Volkskool vs Grey High School – Windmill

Day 4 (T20)

Grey College vs Namibia XI (Limited Overs) – Johan Volsteedt Oval
St Andrew’s School vs Menlopark – Vossies
Grey High School vs Jeppe High School for Boys – Casa Parentum
Potchefstroom Volkskool vs Glenwood – Tommix
Selborne College vs Northwood – Grey College B

Daar is ‘n rede hoekom T20 krieket groot getalle toeskouers lok. Dit is omdat die verkorte weergawe altyd die moontlikheid vir ‘n span bied om enige van die ander spanne op ‘n gegewe dag te klop.

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

Dit is presies wat Merensky Landbou Akademie op die middag van Dag 3 by die Kovsie Smash-toernooi vermag het.

Om wedstryde, wat weens onspeelbare toestande op Dag 1 nie kon plaasvind nie, in te haal, moes die Plasies met die onoorwonne Hoërskool Wesvalia, oorweldigende gunstelinge om die kragmeting te wen, swaarde kruis. Dit was egter ál motivering wat die Plasies se voorslagkolwer, Rinaldo Bornman, nodig gehad het.

Bornman het ‘n puik boulvertoning deur die draaier, Cashan Jacobsz, opgevolg. Jacobsz het amok gesaai onder die sterk Wessie-kolflys om vier paaltjies vir net 13 lopies in drie beurte laat kantel.

Bornman, wat op nr. 3 kolf, moes reeds na die eerste bal van die Plasies se beurt, nadat Waldo Mouton in die stof gebyt het, die Wessies se boulaanslag trotseer. Dit het hom soos ‘n handskoen gepas.

Bornman het aanvanklik sy tyd geneem om sy voete te vind, maar spoedig losgetrek om sy beurt onoorwonne op 64, van 55 balle, af te sluit. Schalk Rossouw (26*) verdien ook ‘n klop op die skouer vir sy aandeel in die Plasies se sege met sewe paaltjies.

Goudveld se Louw Fouché (3/23) en Keagan Frankenfeld (53) het skitterend saamgespan om Hoërskool Kalahari se onoorwonne segetog te beëindig. Fouché het puik lyn en lengte gehandhaaf om die kolwers uit Kuruman tot net 110/9 in die toegelate 20 beurte te beperk.

Frankenfeld het dit meesterlik opgevolg met ‘n 50-tal wat die koel deur die kerk gejaag en ook ‘n oorwinning met sewe paaltjies verseker het. Die aanvangskolwer se beurt het van 43 aflewerings gekom en sewe viere en ‘n ses ingesluit.

Edrich Fulls (4/16) en Luke Venter (3/14) het die grondslag vir Oos-Moot se gemaklike oorwinning met 74 lopies oor Duineveld gelê en met hul dodelike boulwerk ‘n telling van 143/6 suksesvol verdedig. Elrich Visagie se onoorwonne beurt van 35 was die hoogtepunt van die Oosies se kolfbeurt.

Beknopte telkaarte:

Wesvalia 108/5 (Eduard Dreyer 38, Ethan Walker 21; Cashan Jacobsz 4/13); Merensky 112/3 (Rinaldo Bornman 64*, Schalk Rossouw 26*; Marneau Dreyer 2/9). Merensky wen met sewe paaltjies.

Kalahari 110/9 (Janko Noeth 24; Louw Fouché 3/23, Motsitsi Mototo 2/19); Goudveld 113/3 (Keagan Frankenfeld 53, Teagan Saayman 32; Janko Noeth 2/24). Goudveld wen met sewe paaltjies.

Oos-Moot 143/6 (Elrich Visagie 35*, Chrisjan van Staden 29, Danie Corbett 24; Xander O’Connell 3/21, Niekie Smit 2/16); Duineveld 69 (Niekie Smit; Edrich Fulls 4/16, Luke Venter 3/14, Anthony Schwan 2/19). Oos-Moot wen met 74 lopies.