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Western Province will face Eastern Province in the main match of this year’s Khaya Majola Week after securing a narrow victory of two runs over Gauteng in an exciting match at Michaelhouse’s Hannahs Oval.

WP’s hero was their fast bowler Siya Plaatjie (4/29) who only conceded three runs in the final over while also dismissing two batsmen with his final two deliveries. Gauteng needed only six runs in the final of the match, but only had two wickets in hand.

Plaatjie got rid of captain, Sebastian de Oliveira (21), as well as Lucky Nhleko (8) to leave Gauteng three runs short of victory. The name of Gauteng’s Jack Lees (0) also deserves a mention after he decided to walk after being given not out by the umpires being caught by Daniel Smith off Jonathan Bird’s bowling.

Western Province batted first and reached 243/5 in their allotted 50 overs thanks to half-centuries by Smith (87) and Lehan Botha (64).

Eastern Province proved too strong for Northerns with Nicholas Keevey (102*) leading the charge with a century on a difficult pitch. He also showed his worth afterwards with the ball in hand picking up three wickets for 49 runs.

Boland’s Ruan Terblanche (108*) made it clear with a century against Easterns that he wants a place in one of the representative sides. Terblanche would’ve arrived at the Khaya Majola Week feeling a bit disappointed after missing out on a spot to represent South Africa at the ICC u19 World Cup next year.

The Free State managed to bag a narrow victory of one wicket over the hosts, KwaZulu-Natal Inland, despite a massive bowling effort by Mondli Khumalo. Free State hit the winning runs with the first delivery on the very last over after only chasing a modest 147 runs for victory.

The South African u19 pace merchant had the Free State batting line-up in trouble early on when he picked up a hat-trick to leave them reeling at 24/4. Khumalo dismissed Corné Viljoen (4), Ruan Cronjé (0) and Pheko Moletsane (0) with successive deliveries by rearranging Viljoen and Moletsane’s stumps and trapping Cronjé leg before.

Opening batsman Marco de Kock (85) kept the Free Staters in the match with a valiant innings. Khumalo completed the match with bowling figures of 5/35.

Limpopo’s Tiaan Enslin (5/23) also picked up a five-wicket haul as his side managed a narrow one-wicket victory over Namibia.

PHOTO: Theo Garrun

Summarised Scorecards:

Western Province 243/5 (Daniel Smith 87, Lehan Botha 64, Guy Sheena 30*, Thembani Ngcizela 25*; Jack Lees 3/33); Gauteng 241 (Cameron Rowe 61, Heinrigh Pieterse 57, Nick Halstead-Cleak 39, Emmanuel Motswiri 32; Siya Plaatjie 4/29). Western Province won by two runs.

Eastern Province 239/8 (Nicholas Keevy 102*, Jade Smith 51, Tiaan van Vuuren 31; Merrick Brett 3/28, Zeeshan Ismail 3/48); Northerns 181 (Daniel van der Merwe 44*, Hanu Viljoen 38, Wasi Mushwana 33; Siphesihle Madlongolwana 3/20, Nicholas Keevy 3/49). Eastern Province won by 58 runs.

North West 215 (Van Zyl Smit 45, Jannie Claassens 44, Christopher de Freitas 35; Thulani Chiliza 4/16); KwaZulu-Natal 216/6 (Gareth Beavan 69, Jeremy Martins 57, Francis Moran 26; Julian Marais 1/16). KwaZulu-Natal won by four wickets.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland 146 (Jaques van der Walt 49, Michael Booth 25; Michael Kershaw 2/12, Lerato Nqoyi 2/18, Reeza Alexander 2/27); Free State 147/9 (Marco de Kock 85, Extras 22; Mondli Khumalo 5/35, Michael Booth 2/13). Free State won by one wicket.

Boland 244/6 (Ruan Terblanche 108*, Andrew Whaits 53, Ruben Senekal 44; Saahil Khan 2/35, Baadal Parag 2/47); Easterns 166 (Leander Lubbe 54, Neil Bothma 35; Gillad Oved 3/34, Juan Wilson 2/20, Anele Matya 2/39). Boland won by 78 runs.

Mpumalanga 169 (Zuan Swart 45, Lerato Mokoena 28; Heath Richards 4/19, Mesuli Vuba 3/17, Kevin de Kock 2/41); South Western Districts 131 (Tristan Reid 37; Akhulile Makatu 4/35, Anij Nagar 3/14, Zuan Swart 3/37). Mpumalanga won by 38 runs. 

Namibia 138 (JC Balt 28, Extras 27; Tiaan Enslin 5/23, Prince Ngobeni 2/22); Limpopo 139/9 (Nhlamulo Mboweni 48*, Extras 29; Ettienne Beukes 3/31, Divan la Cock 2/20). Limpopo won by one wicket.

Border 150 (Nonelela Yikha 68*; Michael Jantjies 3/33, Boitumelo Melesi 2/20, Orapeleng Mtlhoaring 2/24, Elrich Cloete 2/29); Northern Cape 151/5 (Orapeleng Mtlhoaring 42; Akhona Ratyana 2/23). Northern Cape won by five wickets.

 

Cricket’s brightest young talents are counting down the days until they take on the world’s best after the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 officially launched in South Africa.

Sixteen nations from five continents are set to contest the 13th edition of the tournament starting on 17 January, with South Africa playing host for the first time since 1998.

The countdown until the opening match is now well and truly underway with guests and dignitaries from across the world gathering at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, for the competition’s launch today.

ICC General Manager – Cricket, Geoff Allardice, and Dr. Jacques Faul, Cricket South Africa acting CEO, were among those in attendance, ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Tournament Director Sivuyile Mqingwana, as was Proteas fast bowling legend Makhaya Ntini, who was officially announced as the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Ambassador.

Current internationals Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson are just a handful of those who made their name in the global showcase across the years, with new stars looking to shine bright and follow in the footsteps of the game’s biggest heroes.

ICC Chief Executive, Manu Sawhney said: “The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is special for so many reasons. It gives the future stars of our game an unrivaled experience of global events and the opportunity to contest for a World Cup.

“So many past and present stars have come through the U19s since its inception in 1988. Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson all made their mark in U19 Cricket World Cups, highlighting the importance of the very best in U19 in the world playing against one another on the big stage.

“We are delighted that this event will be hosted in South Africa, showcasing the next generation of superstars of our game.

“I wish all the teams the very best of luck in preparations for the tournament and to Cricket South Africa in organising the event, as we look to successfully kick off the first of three ICC World Cups in 2020.”

Tournament Ambassador Ntini took more than 600 wickets for South Africa in an esteemed career spanning more than a decade, with some of his earliest international memories coming as part of his country’s U19 squad. His experience of top age-group honours hasn’t ended there, either, with son Thando proudly selected for the U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand almost two years ago.

Ntini said: “I am so excited and honoured to see the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup come to South Africa. The event, which is a celebration of cricket, gives the game’s future stars the opportunity to experience global events and a real flavour of international cricket at senior level.

“I have very fond memories of my son’s U19 Cricket World Cup experience and am delighted that the people of South Africa can experience the event at first-hand.

“The event is a real celebration of the game and to bring the ultimate cricket experience to the communities of Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Benoni and Kimberley and to fans across South Africa is an incredible opportunity for the country to embrace and enjoy an exhilarating cricket World Cup.”

South Africa 2020 continues a proud tradition of global competition for the world’s leading teenage cricketers, with 27 current cricket-playing nations being represented since the first tournament in 1988. The upcoming edition will see Japan and Nigeria take part for the first time, two of 15 teams looking to stop India from defending the title they won in Mount Maunganui in 2018.

India is among the six former champions looking to reach the February 9 final in Potchefstroom, the exciting culmination of 48 matches held in venues spread across the country.

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Only four teams managed to keep their unbeaten records intact after the first three days of the annual Khaya Majola Week hosted in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

The four teams Gauteng, Eastern Province, Northerns and Western Province will therefore also play in the two main matches of the fourth day of the week. Gauteng, who is the only side who managed victories in their four matches thus far, will face Western Province at Michaelhouse’s Hannahs Oval.

Northerns and Eastern Province will face off at the Gathorne Oval at Michaelhouse in another match that promises to go to the wire. Besides these four teams, the hosts KwaZulu-Natal Inland was the only other team that managed to win both their T20-matches on the third day.

Northerns’ Christiaan Oberholzer (5/22) produced an extraordinary performance in his side’s victory over Limpopo. The leg spinner did not only pick up the only five-wicket haul of the day, but also completed a hat-trick.

Oberholzer removed Mubin Patel (19), Saba Mridha (9) and LJ Fick (0) with his last three deliveries in the ninth over to complete his hat-trick. He received assistance from Wisani Mushwana with his first two wickets before trapping Fick leg before wicket.

In his very next over he removed Gerhardus Fourie (10) and Tiaan Enslin (1) from the crease with successive deliveries to stand on the brink of completing another hat-trick.

Oberholzer also made a valuable contribution of 31 runs with the bat in his side’s victory. Only in-form opening batsman Jordan Hermann (35*) made a bigger contribution against Limpopo.

Northerns defeated Border by 58 runs in the morning session with Simeon de Bruyn (78) producing the highest score of the third day. De Bruyn shared a 113-run partnership with Hanu Viljoen (40) over the third wicket.

The hosts’ SA u19 fast bowler, Mondli Khumalo, showcased his skill bowling at the death by restricting South Western Districts to only one run in the last over of their match to secure his side a victory against the odds.

SWD needed only nine runs from the final over with all ten wickets still in hand to grab victory. Jhedli van Briesies (31) and Lleyton Avontuur (30) lost their wickets in the final over while Khumalo was piling on the pressure.

South Western Districts’ Heath Richards might not be a part-time bowler anymore. Richards picked up three of the hosts wickets for a mere six runs and assisted Kevin de Kock (4/23) to restrict KZN Inland to only 107/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Gauteng’s Heinrigh Pieterse enjoyed a good day with the willow against Easterns (65) and Mpumalanga (33). Eastern Province’s Aiden Meyer’s (4/7) performance with the ball in hand against Namibia also kept his side on the winning path.

PHOTO: Theo Garrun

Summarised Scorecards (T20):

Round 1

Gauteng 166/5 (Heinrigh Pieterse 65, Jack Lees 43, Michael Copeland 39*); Easterns 130/8 (Neil Bothma 50, WP Myburgh 36*; Heinrigh Pieterse 3/24). Gauteng won by 36 runs. 

Northerns 184/5 (Simeon de Bruyn 78, Hanu Viljoen 40; Nathan Wolff 1/18); Border 126/3 (Stuart Els 41, Watson Challen 35, Emihle Mgoqi 22*; Zeeshan Ismail 1/10). Northerns won by 58 runs.

KwaZulu-Natal 138/9 (Cade Carmichael 34, Jeremy Martins 24; Tyrese Karelse 3/13, Kevin de Kock 2/21); South Western Districts 140/6 (Heath Richards 48, Tyrese Karelse 36; Jeremy Martins 3/11). South Western Districts won by four wickets.

Eastern Province 125/6 (Sonwabile Tshona 40, Aiden Meyer 27, James Mullins 26; Nicol Loftie-Eaton 2/21); Namibia 85/9 (Ramon Wilmot 25, Dian Neethling 21; Aiden Meyer 4/7, Siphesihle Madlongolwana 3/11). Eastern Province won by 40 runs. 

KwaZulu-Natal Inland 152/4 (Andile Simelane 45, Nicholas Hatten 42, Jaques van der Walt 38*); Northern Cape 112/6 (Foster Lubbe 31, Orapeleng Mtlhoaring 25, Boitumelo Melesi 24; Michael Frost 2/17). KwaZulu-Natal Inland won by 40 runs.

Boland 128/4 (Ruan Terblanche 53*, Andrew Whaits 30, Ruben Senekal 23; Jannie Claassens 2/15); North West 129/2 (Estiaan Schonveldt 71*, Phemelo Sepati 34; Achille Cloete 1/11). North West won by eight wickets.

Mpumalanga 92 (Wali Vayani 32; Ruan Cronjé 3/8, Pheko Moletsane 3/11, Aphiwe Nqwani 3/22); Free State 96/2 (Reeza Alexander 50*, Corné Viljoen 25; Akhulile Makatu 1/20). Free State won by eight wickets.

Limpopo 57 (Nhlamulo Mboweni 30; Raees Carr 4/8); Western Province 58/1 (Isma-eel Prince 19; Dewald Dumon 1/8). Western Province won by nine wickets.

Round 2

Boland 157/3 (Andrew Whaits 65, Ruben Senekal 46*, Juan Wilson 29*; Mauritius Ngupita 1/16); Namibia 110/8 (Dian Neethling 32, Divan la Cock 22, Nicol Loftie-Eaton 20; Anele Matya 3/18, Gillad Oved 2/28). Boland won by 47 runs.

Free State 136/5 (Pheko Moletsane 32*, Aphiwe Nqwani 28, Marco de Kock 24; Badaal Parag 2/25, Nsizwa Motsogi 2/27); Easterns 88/6 (Leander Lubbe 37; Brian Thaele 1/11, Michael Kershaw 1/13). Easterns won by four wickets (D/L-method).

Gauteng 138/9 (Cameron Rowe 36, Heinrigh Pieterse 33; Slindile Radebe 2/19, Zuan Swart 2/22, Jacques Vosloo 2/30); Mpumalanga 72/6 (Wali Vayani 20, Neil Henning 20; Lucky Nhleko 3/18). Gauteng won by 23 runs (D/L-method).

KwaZulu-Natal Inland 107/8 (Nicholas Hatten 50, Andile Zondi 29; Kevin de Kock 4/23, Heath Richards 3/6); South Western Districts 76/2 (Jhedli van Briesies 31, Lleyton Avontuur 30; Mondli Khumalo 1/10). KwaZulu-Natal Inland won by seven runs (D/L-method). 

Limpopo 76 (Thomas Mayes 22; Christiaan Oberholzer 5/22, Kagiso Ngwenya 4/15); Northerns 77/1 (Jordan Hermann 35*, Christiaan Oberholzer 31; Ricardo Booysen 1/13). Northerns won by nine wickets.

North West 124/7 (Christopher de Freitas 58, Francois Viviers 21*; Tiaan van Vuuren 2/21); Eastern Province 125/2 (Nicholas Keevy 59*, Luke Beaufort 36; Odirile Modikoane 1/20). Eastern Province won by eight wickets. 

Border 130/7 (Stuart Els 30, Butsha Mfazwe 29, Emihle Mgoqi 28; Ali Shaik 2/21, Guy Sheena 2/24); Western Province 61/1 (Jonathan Bird 27*; Nathan Wolff 1/18). Western Province won by nine wickets (D/L-method).

Northern Cape 131/6 (Erlank Barnard 74*, Foster Lubbe 23; Jordan Hendrikse 2/29); KwaZulu-Natal 113/8 (Jeremy Martins 44, Cade Carmichael 23; Boitumelo Melesi 2/8, Michael Jantjies 2/15). KwaZulu-Natal won by two wickets (D/L-method).

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The two best performances of the second day of the annual Khaya Majola Week in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands belonged to two players who will be representing South Africa at the u19 ICC World Cup next year.

Hopefully, Luke Beaufort (Eastern Province) and Odirile Modikoane (North West) could take their form into the World Cup that will be hosted by South Africa from 17 January until 9 February.

Beaufort struck an unbeaten 133 runs against Free State at Hilton College Hart-Davis Oval. This was the only century of the second day. Beaufort hit 12 fours and a solitary six in his innings.

He combined with Sonwabiso Tshona (29*) for an unbeaten 118-run partnership over the fifth wicket. This was however not enough to secure a victory over the Free Staters.

Marco de Kock (56) and Lerato Nqoyi (36) shared an opening partnership of 96 runs to lay the foundation for Free State to force a draw against Eastern Province.

Modikoane bamboozled Border with his spin bowling as he helped North West to a victory. He removed six batsmen at the cost of 60 runs from the crease. Stuart Els (73) and Emihle Mgoqi (57) did provide some resistance with a partnership of 107 runs over the third wicket.

North West reached a massive 296/7 in their first innings thanks to the opening batsmen, Van Zyl Smit (95) and Saad Shabbir (32), laying the foundation with a 101-run partnership.

This provided the platform for Jannie Claassens (65) to play with the necessary freedom as he struck ten boundaries of which four were maximums. Claassens is the son of former Springbok centre by the same name.

Gauteng’s medium pacer Tumelo Yeki (5/46) provided the only other five-wicket haul of the second day as his side secured a victory on the first innings against the hosts, KwaZulu-Natal Inland.

The batting of Jack Lees (63), Levert Manje (49) and Emmanuel Motswiri (40) also played a major role in Gauteng’s victory.

Western Province was put in a favourable position by Lehan Botha (70) and Jonathan Bird (66) who shared a 128-run partnership over the second wicket.

It was however like on Day 1 the bat of Jordan Hermann (72*) who had the last laugh as the opening batsman of Northerns faced 155 deliveries in his innings

KwaZulu-Natal could also not capitalise on a solid first innings of 282/8 thanks to a second-wicket partnership between Francis Moran (95) and Jared Oosthuizen (77).

PHOTO: Theo Garrun

Summarised Scorecards: 

KwaZulu-Natal Inland first innings 204 (Jason Login 42, Asanda Langa 29, Michael Booth 27; Tumelo Yeki 5/46, Shaveer Khan 2/27); Gauteng first innings 220/7 (Jack Lees 63, Levert Manje 49, Emmanuel Motswiri 40, Michael Copeland 33; Michael Booth 2/31, Sanele Mbatha 2/31); KwaZulu-Natal Inland second innings 22/0 (Andile Simelane 12*). Gauteng won on first innings.

Western Province first innings 272 (Lehan Botha 70, Jonathan Bird 66, Thembani Ngcizela 48, Guy Sheena 32; Christiaan Oberholer 2/30, Prince Trotter 2/36); Northerns first innings 164/5 (Jordan Hermann 72*, Zeeshan Ismail 38*, Hanu Viljoen 30; Imraan Philander 2/19). Match Drawn. 

Eastern Province first innings 249/4 (Luke Beaufort 133*, Nicholas Keevy 33, Jade Smith 31, Sonwabiso Tshona 29*; Gordon Taje 2/28); Free State first innings 189/3 (Marco de Kock 56, Pheko Moletsane 37*, Lerato Nqoyi 36, Ruan Cronjé 28; Sonwabiso Tshona 2/23). Match Drawn.  

KwaZulu-Natal first innings 282/8 (Francis Moran 95, Jared Oosthuizen 77, Cade Carmichael 27; Jaun Wilson 3/53); Boland first innings 161/9 (Andrew Whaits 42, Jaydin Booysen 28*; Gareth Beavan 3/31, Jordan Hendrikse 2/26). Match Drawn.

North West first innings 296/7 (Van Zyl Smit 95, Jannie Claassens 65, Phemelo Sepati 46, Saad Shabbir 32; Nqaba Peter 3/53, Matthew Fourie 3/65); Border first innings 190 (Stuart Els 73, Emihle Mgoqi 57; Odirile Modikoane 6/60, Karabelo Matlawe 4/66). North West won on first innings.

Northern Cape first innings 114 (Foster Lubbe 23, Casper du Plessis 22; Badaal Parag 4/13, Adriaan de Vries 2/27); Easterns first innings 216/7 (Bonginkosi Skosana 61*, Neil Bothma 37, Saahil Khan 32, WP Myburgh 30; Resegofaditswe Mothibi 4/54); Northern Cape second innings 49/5 (Joshua Barends 20; Nsizwa Motsogi 2/1). Easterns won outright. 

Limpopo first innings 142 (Gerhardus Fourie 49; Tyrese Karelse 3/20, Johann Muller 2/19); South Western Districts first innings 125 (Johann Muller 61; Gerhardus Fourie 3/22, Lilama Shilubane 2/14); Limpopo second innings 71/5 (Nhlamulo Mboweni 31; Tyrese Karelse 2/0, Heath Richards 2/14); South Western Districts second innings 60/5 (Johann Muller 20; Thomas Mayes 4/33). Limpopo won outright.  

Namibia first innings 82 (Nicol Loftie-Eaton 38; Akhulile Makatu 3/12, Jacques Vosloo 3/19, Kyle Christie 2/5); Mpumalanga first innings 94 (Neil Henning 25; Ramon Wilmot 4/12, Stefan Bezuidenhout 3/17, Nicol Loftie-Eaton 2/5); Namibia second innings 107/2 (Nicol Loftie-Eaton 51*, Ramon Wilmot 25*); Mpumalanga second innings 23/0 (Kyle Klesse 11*, Zuan Swart 11*). Mpumalanga won on first innings.

 

Rowan Richards retired from professional cricket in March this year. He was with Easterns at the end but has played for Border, Northerns, the Titans and the Warriors in his long and illustrious career.

Rowan loves the game of cricket and wants to give back so he is now coaching at Queens High School in Queenstown even though he is new to the role, he has been called up by the Border Cricket Union to serve as team manager and assistant coach to Shannon Musto and Singatha Gcilitshana at this year’s Khaya Majola Week.

“When Border asked me to assist I jumped at the opportunity,” he said. “I never played in this week as a youngster so I’m very excited to take part this year.”

He feels that he has a lot to give to the boys and he serves as an example of someone who missed out on selection but still went on to play professional cricket. “I think I am an example of someone who didn’t have it all his way,” he said. “I tell the boys to carry on working hard and to know that if they don’t perform well in a game during the week they can bounce back and play well in the next game.”

It’s been a good week so far and he has already seen some outstanding talent. He is looking forward to seeing all the teams in action.

Border did not have it all their own way on day one. They bowled well and had Limpopo all out for 77 runs, but the boys thought that they had already won the match and didn’t focus on their batting and were bowled out for 103. Luckily they concentrated a little harder in their second innings and won the match by two wickets.

“The lesson learnt was that there are no easy games at this week, so you have to concentrate in every game. This is a good bunch of players. Today we were complacent, so now we will speak to the boys and make sure that they understand the importance of respecting your opposition and giving everything until the match is over,” he said.

“I was blessed to be in the changerooms of coaches like Vince Barnes, Shukri Conrad, Rob Walter, and Mark Boucher just to name a few and I have played with players like AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis so I know what goes on in the changeroom with some of the best coaches and players in the country. I know how they deal with certain situations and it’s my job to pass on what I have learned to the boys and to assist Shannon by passing on this information. I am still new in coaching so I have to learn from the other coaches and the boys and improve my own coaching abilities.

Rowan is involved in cricket at all levels, from KFC Mini-Cricket all the way to the Khaya Majola week and he says that cricket is in a better place than it was when he was young.

“CSA has gone into areas that they have not been into in the past and have exposed a lot of players who would not have had an opportunity in their previous structures. This has enriched the game and they have found a lot of fantastic players that they would have missed. It has also given kids a lot of opportunities to play professional cricket that I didn’t have as a kid. Cricket is in a better place now,” he said.

 

	Founded:	1890
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SA Schools’ Players: DV Stewart (1940), PJ Collins (1941), RB Fowles (1950), GG Ritchie (1951-52), LC Grill (1952), JK Bailie (1956), K Anderson (1958), Alan Kourie (1970, J), NR Weightman (1972), Dean Laing (1987-88), M Johnston (1988-89).

Three centuries and six five-wicket hauls got the 2019 edition of the Khaya Majola Week off to an exciting start during the opening day in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

South Western Districts’ Heath Richards star shined the brightest during the opening day’s play. He helped his side reach 231/8 in their first innings scoring 117 runs off 172 deliveries.

Richards shared a 124-run partnership over the second wicket with Jhedli van Briesies (51) who is attending his third Khaya Majola Week.

Richards also then caused Northern Cape’s batsmen problems with his medium-paced deliveries removing their last five batsmen while conceding only a solitary run from a no-ball.

Northerns’ Jordan Hermann (115) carried his team in a victory on the first innings against hosts KwaZulu-Natal Inland. Hermann was, with his century, the only batsman of Northerns to reach double figures. That is if you don’t count a certain batsman by the name of Extras (23).

Eastern Province recorded the highest total on the opening day of 250/8 against Boland before the forced declaration after 65 overs. Mainly thanks to a 101-run second-wicket partnership between James Mullins (95) and Nicholas Keevy (39).

Not even the best bowling figures of the opening day by Nathan Jacobs (6/46) could keep Eastern Province from recording the highest total. Boland however managed to hold on for the draw.

A century by Western Province’s Daniel Smith (130) could not help his side to a victory over KwaZulu-Natal. The match ended in a draw after KwaZulu-Natal’s opening batsman Francis Moran (51*) used up 163 deliveries for his half-century.

Gauteng bagged a first innings victory over the Free State with Levert Manje (81*) making a more than valuable contribution with the willow. Manje struck 12 fours in his innings. Jack Lees (51) supported Manje well with his half-century. The duo shared a 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Border secured the only outright victory on the opening day of the week by defeating Limpopo by seven wickets on Hannah’s Oval at Michaelhouse.

The match produced two of the five-wicket hauls of the opening day. Limpopo was bundled out for only 77 runs with Lilitha Reed grabbing five wickets for only nine runs in 4.4 overs.

Border had their back against the wall early in their innings as they struggled to 20/6 after facing only nine overs. Thomas Mayes picked up five wickets for a mere 14 runs, but Border still managed to recover to reach 103 before all their batsmen were back in the shed.

SA Schools’ player Nonelela Yikha (49) led the recovery with some help from Dean Lones (17). Limpopo managed only 70 in their second innings before losing their fifth and final wicket. Border reached the winning target thanks to an unbeaten 17 runs by none other than Yikha.

Easterns’ Leander Lubbe grabbed five wickets for 27 runs as his side secured a first-innings victory over Mpumalanga. The other five-wicket haul of the opening day was produced by Namibia’s Stefan Bezuidenhout (5/28) in his side’s match against North West.

PHOTO: Theo Garrun

Summarised Scorecards:

KwaZulu-Natal Inland first innings 151 (Michael Booth 30, Nicholas Hatten 29; Merrick Brett 4/19, Zeeshan Ismail 2/27); Northerns first innings 174 (Jordan Hermann 115; Sanele Mbatha 3/19, Michael Booth 3/29, Michael Frost 3/57). Northerns won on first innings.

Eastern Province first innings 250/8 (James Mullins 95, Luke Beaufort 56, Nicholas Keevy 39; Nathan Jacobs 6/46); Boland first innings 157/9 (Johann Smal 68, Nathan Engelbrecht 37; Tiaan van Vuuren 3/18, Ethan Frosler 3/18). Match Drawn.

Free State first innings 200 (JP Coetzee 61, Ruan Cronjé 42, Michael Kershaw 28; Sebastian de Oliveira 3/22); Gauteng first innings 236/5 (Levert Manje 81*, Jack Lees 51, Nick Halstead-Cleak 30, Cameron Rowe 28); Free State second innings 34/2 (Marco de Kock 24*). Gauteng won on first innings.

Western Province first innings 231/7 (Daniel Smith 130, Lehan Botha 39; Joshua Stocks 2/28); KwaZulu-Natal first innings 136/3 (Francis Moran 51*, Thulani Chiliza 33, Cade Carmichael 30; Raees Carr 2/31). Match Drawn.

South Western Districts first innings 231/8 (Heath Richards 117, Jhedli van Briesies 51; Boitumelo Melesi 3/51, Elrich Cloete 3/87); Northern Cape first innings 154 (Orapeleng Mothlhoaring 64, Joshua Barends 40; Heath Richards 5/1). South Western Districts 18/0 (Tristan Reid 18*). South Western Districts won on first innings.

Mpumalanga first innings 131 (Kyle Klesse 25; Leander Lubbe 5/27, Saahil Khan 2/15); Easterns first innings 148/8 (WP Myburgh 52*, Adriaan de Vries 45; Zuan Swart 2/14, Akhulile Makatu 2/17). Mpumalanga 8/0. Easterns won on first innings.

North West first innings 166 (Estiaan Schonfeldt 58, Francois Viviers 27; Stefan Bezuidenhout 5/28); Namibia first innings 154 (Ramon Wilmot 42, JC Balt 35; Karabelo Matlawe 4/39, Odirile Modikoane 3/25); North West second innings 39/0 (Paballo Sibande 18*). North West won on first innings.

Limpopo first innings 77 (Saba Mridha 31; Lilitha Reed 5/9, Nonelela Yikha 2/9); Border first innings 103 (Nonelela Yikha 49; Thomas Mayes 5/14, Tiaan Enslin 2/2, Ricardo Booysen 2/17); Limpopo second innings 70/5 (Nhlamulo Mboweni 22; Nqaba Peter 2/3); Border second innings 45/3 (Nonelela Yikha 17*; Gerhardus Fourie 2/4). Border won outright by seven wickets.

 

Boland: Gillad Bend-Oved (Somerset College), Jaydin Booysen (New Orleans), Achille Cloete (Paarl Boys’ High), Nathan Engelbrecht (Hopefield), Nathan Jacobs (New Orleans), Anele Matya (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Katleo Nkopane (Western Cape Sports School), Lathitha Plaatjies (De Villiers Graaf), Ruben Senekal (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Johannes Smal (Paarl Gimnasium), Ruan Terblanche (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Andrew Whaits (Somerset College), Jaun Wilson (Paarl Gimnasium).

Border: Butsha Mfazwe (AM Tapa High School), Stuart Els (Selborne College), Challen Watson (Selborne College), Nonelela Yikha (Hudson Park), Emihle Mgoqi (Dale College), Nathan Wolff (Queen’s College), Thobile Hlathuka (Dale College), Nqaba Peter (Hudson Park), Dean Lones (Selborne College), Akhona Ratyana (Hudson Park), Lilitha Reed (Hudson Park), Matthew Fourie (Selborne College), Yonela Mlungwana (Zukhanye).

Eastern Province: James Mullins (St Andrew’s College), Kamva Dyakala (Woodridge College), Siyathemba Mdlangolwana (Graeme College), Ethan Frosler (Pearson), Tiaan van Vuuren (Grey High School), Luke Beaufort (Grey High School), Elih Thorne (Grey High School), Nicholas Keevy (Grey High School), Sonwabiso Tshona (Graeme College), Aiden Meyer (Kingswood College), Arend Visser (Grey High School), Jade Smith (Grey High School).

Easterns: Saahil Khan (Palm Grove), Neil Bothma (Marais Viljoen), Maxwell Meyer (EG Jansen), WP Myburgh (EG Jansen), Sihle Dlamini (Willowmoore), Nsizwa Motsogi (Voortrekker), Bonginkosi Skhosana (Bokamoso), Leander Lubber (Marais Viljoen), Adriaan de Vries (Hans Moore), Badaal Parag (Marais Viljoen), Thulane Khumalo (JE Malepe), Sibusiso Tshaba (Asser Maloka), Nardo le Roux (Marais Viljoen).

Free State: Marco de Kock (Grey College), Reeza Alexander (St Andrews), Juan-Dee Olivier (Grey College), Ruan Cronjé (St Andrews), Pheko Moletsane (St Andrews), Vincent Nqoyi (Grey College), Corné Viljoen (St Andrews), Aphiwe Nqwani (Louis Botha), Gordon Taje (Bodibeng Secondary), Brian Thaele (Voortrekker), Lehlohonolo Sethunya (Lereko High), Michael Kershaw (Grey College), Jean-Pierre Coetzee (Grey College).

Gauteng: Michael Copeland (King Edward VII), Sebastian de Oliveira (St Stithians College), Neil Eksteen (Helpmekaar), Nic Halstead-Cleak (St John’s College), Shaveer Khan (Jeppe High School), Jack Lees (St John’s College), Levert Manje (Jeppe High School), Emmanuel Motswiri (Maragon Ruimsig), Lucky Nhleko (Queen’s High), Heinrich Pieterse (King Edward VII), Ruben Ramodisha (Queen’s High), Cameron Rowe (St Stithians College), Tumelo Yika (Queen’s High).

KwaZulu-Natal: Francis Moran (Glenwood), Jared Oosthuizen (Westville Boys’ High), Thulani Chiliza (Northwood), Gareth Beavan (Westville Boys’ High), Cade Carmichael (Kearsney College), Jeremy Martins (Northwood), Jandré Viljoen (Westville Boys’ High), Thabiso Shangase (Glenwood), Seth Rajakumar (Westville Boys’ High), Lifa Ntanzi (Glenwood), Jordan Hendrikse (Glenwood), Sanele Mnqayi (Glenwood), Jordan Bamber (Kearsney College).

KwaZulu-Natal Inland: Michael Booth (Hilton College), Michael Frost (Hilton College), Wezo Gqiba (Hilton College), Nicholas Hatten (Hilton College), Mondli Khumalo (Maritzburg College), Asanda Langa (Zamazulu Secondary), Jason Login (St Charles College), Sanele Mbatha (Maritzburg College), Kyle Moodley (St Charles College), Andile Simelane (Maritzburg College), John Turner (Hilton College), Jaques van der Walt (Maritzburg College), Andile Zondi (Msimude).

Limpopo: Nhlamulo Mboweni (Majeje High), Prince Ngobeni (Vuxeni High), Lulama Shilubane (Ben Vorster), Gerhardus Fourie (Merensky), Mubien Patel (Merensky), Junior Netshituni (Stanford Lake College), Thabiso Makoro (Bochum HUB), LJ Fick (Pietersburg), Tiaan Enslin (Pietersburg), Dewald Dumond (Southern Cross), Thomas Mayes (Stanford Lake College), Saba Mrindha (Taxila), Ricardo Booysen (Warmbad).

Mpumalanga: Jacques Vosloo (Hoërskool Nelspruit), Neil Henning (Hoërskool Nelspruit), Johan van Antwerpen (Secunda), Sameer Mohammed (Curro Nelspruit), Kyle Klesse (Uplands College), Walimohammed Vayani (Cambridge), Lerato Mokoena (Secunda), Silindile Radebe (Secunda), Akhulile Makatu (Embalenhle), Anij Nagar (Penryn College), Kyle Christie (Hoërskool Middelburg), Siyadumisa Mahlangu (Cambridge Academy), Zuan Swart (Cambridge Academy).

Namibia: Ramon Wilmot (Windhoek Gimnasium), JC Balt (Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool), Dian Neethling (Walvis Bay Private School), Nicol Loftie-Eaton (Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool), Jan-Izak de Villiers (Windhoek Gimnasium), Matthew de Gouveia (Walvis Bay International School), Waylon Cloete (Windhoek High), Mauritius Ngupita (Tutaleni High), Addo Iita (!Nara Prime), Divan la Cock (Windhoek High), Etienne Beukes (Walvis Bay Private School), Stefan Bezuidenhout (Gobabis Gimnasium), Scott Winborn (Walvis Bay Private School).

North West: Estiaan Schonveldt (Rustenburg), Francois Viviers (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Jannie Claassens (Potchefstroom Volkskool), Jim Keagile (HTS Potchefstroom), Julian Marais (CVO Private School), Karabelo Matlawe (HTS Potchefstroom), Odirile Modimokoane (Grenswag), Paballo Sibande (HTS Rustenburg), Phemelo Sepati (HTS Potchefstroom), Saad Shabbir (Fields College), Simphiwe Mkhwanazi (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Christopher de Freitas (Potchefstroom Volkskool), Van Zyl Smit (Potchefstroom Volkskool).

Northern Cape: Boitumelo Melesi (NJ Heyns), Erlank Barnard (Diamantveld), Joshua Barends (Northern Cape), Foster Lubbe (Kalahari), Orapeleng Mtlhoaring (Emang Mmogo), Resegofaditswe Mothibi (Kimberley Boys’ High), Casper du Plessis (Kalahari), Michael Jantjies (Homevale), Yusuf Suliman (Northern Cape), Elrich Cloete (Carltonian High), Damian Louw (Steynville), Ronsley Sauls (Northern Cape), Daylon Beukes (Upington).

Northerns: Wisani Mushwana (Pretoria Boys’ High), Zeeshan Ismail (Pretoria Boys’ High), Kagiso Ngwenya (Prestige College), Om Thakkar (Laudiam Secondary), Thabang Baloyi (Prestige College), Hanu Viljoen (Pretoria Boys’ High), Merrick Brett (Midstream College), Thabiso Motubatsi (Mamelodi Secondary), Simeon de Bruyn (Waterkloof), Christiaan Oberholzer (Garsfontein), Prince Trotter (Cornwall Hill College), Jordan Hermann (Waterkloof), Daniel van der Merwe (Pretoria Boys’ High).

South Western Districts: Mesuli Vuba (Rundle College), Jhedli van Briesies (Langenhoven Gimnasium), Johann Muller (Langenhoven Gimnasium), Lleyton Avontuur (Langenhoven Gimnasium), Tyrese Karelse (Protea High School), Reagon Rhode (Bridgton Secondary), Joviano Tock (Bridgton Secondary), Aybonga Ngondo (Fezekile Secondary), Matthew Thorne (Outeniqua), Kevin de Kock (Oakdale Landbou), Heath Richards (Glenwoodhouse), Jaydin Louw (Oudtshoorn), Tristan Reid (York).

Western Province: Jonathan Bird (Diocesan College), Lehan Botha (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Isma-eel Prince (Curro Durbanville), Daniel Smith (SACS), Thembani Ngicizela (Newlands Cricket School), Tebogo Faas (Wynberg Boys’ High), Guy Sheena (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Raees Carr (Wynberg Boys’ High), Siyabulela (Wynberg Boys’ High), Siyabulela Plaatjie (Wynberg Boys’ High), Imraan Philander (Newlands Cricket School), Jordan Collier (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Aaron Smit (Fairmont), Ali Shaik (Newlands Cricket School).

Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux was pleased with the outcomes achieved as the SA Under-19 team wrapped up their two-match tour to Georgia with a 40-33 victory against the hosts at the Shevardeni Rugby Stadium in Tbilisi on Thursday.

The team won their first match 28-21 at the same venue, and they were once again tested to the limit by a determined Georgian outfit.
The SA U19s dominated the first half and their efforts paid off as they outscored the hosts four tries to one – which featured a brace by Muzi Manyike (fullback) – for an encouraging 26-12 halftime lead.

They added two tries in the second half, taking their tally in the match to six, but they conceded three after the break, which saw Georgia suffer a narrow seven-point defeat.

“It was a successful tour and we got to see exactly what we wanted to against quality opposition,” said Roux.

“I thought we started this match better than the first one, and we were unlucky not to have scored two or three more tries in the first half.

“We also made several changes throughout the match to give everyone a chance to play, and that disrupted the momentum a little. But that was the reason for the tour – to give everyone an opportunity and to see what they are capable of in tough circumstances.”

Roux added that although they won both matches, he attached no significance to the scoreboard: “We are currently in our off-season, while they are in the middle of their season, so in terms of our conditioning we are not where we should be, but that is understandable.

“In terms of the scoreboard, it is not something we look at. The fact that they got a red card and we allowed them to play on with 15 players to test ourselves certainly had in influence in the result, but the main purpose of this tour was to assess the players, and we are pleased that we achieved that,” he said.

The SA U19s got the match off to a strong start with Manyike scoring back-to-back tries within 10 minutes – the first from a sharp pass out wide and the second from some good running and footwork to force his way over the chalk.

They added their third try soon after compliments of Morne Brandon (flanker), who received a well-timed pass from the base of the ruck at pace, which extended their lead to 19-0.

The SA 19s lost Werner Gouws (No 8) for 10 minutes in the 24th minute after he received a yellow card for a dangerous challenge in a tackle, and the hosts capitalised on that with Levan Kushashvili (winger) touching down in the corner to earn their first points of the match.

This was canceled out by SA U19 hooker Jason Alexander minutes later as he earned the team’s fourth try.

Georgia was dealt a big blow soon after as Tornike Zakariadze (flanker) was shown red card for a dangerous charge into a ruck, but bounced back to score a confidence-boosting try on the stroke of halftime compliments of Luka Khekhelashvili (winger), who gathered a fantastic cross-kick to enter the break 26-12 down.

The hosts received a yellow card early in second half as Luka Ivanishvili (lock) was sent to the sin bin, and the SA U19s took advantage of this with Stravino Jacobs (winger) scoring their fifth try from a great run at pace to break through a tackle, stretching their lead to 21 points.

They inflicted further damage minutes later with replacement scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse touching down after receiving a smart pass with no defenders in sight, and his conversion inflated their score to 40 points.

Georgia struck back with a try of their own by Ioane Iashaghashvili (lock) thanks to some strong forward play and good patience on attack, and the conversion was successful, which saw them take their score to 19 points.

The SA U19s lost their second player, Hanro Jacobs (prop), to a yellow card soon after, and Georgia took advantage of this with Giorgi Margalitadze (scrumhalf) ripping the ball close to the tryline from a crucial error by the visitors, for their fourth try.

The home side continued fighting until the final whistle, and this determination paid off with another try on the stroke of fulltime from another accurate cross-kick, which Temur Kokhodze (winger), snapped out of the air, and the end result was a 40-33 victory for the SA U19s.

Scorers:

South Africa u19 40 (26) – Tries: Muzi Manyike (2), Morne Brandon, Jason Alexander, Stravino Jacobs, Jaden Hendrikse. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (3), Juan Mostert, Hendrikse. Georgia u19 33 (12) – Tries: Levan Kushashvili, Luka Khekhelashvili, Ioane Iashaghashvili, Giorgi Margalitadze, Temur Kokhodze. Conversions: Sandro Margiani, Lasha Lomidze (3).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Results

1	07/03/2020	Grey College	69	Welkom Gimnasium	30	Bloemfontein	Match Info
2	14/03/2020	Grey College	92	Duineveld	7	Bloemfontein	Match Info
3		Grey College		Menlopark		Noord/Suid
4		Grey College		EG Jansen		Noord/Suid
5		Grey College				World Schools Festival
6		Grey College				World Schools Festival
7	04/04/2020	Grey College		HTS Middelburg		Middelburg
8	18/04/2020	Grey College		Monument		Bloemfontein
9	25/04/2020	Grey College		Garsfontein		Wildeklawer
10	27/04/2020	Grey College		Paarl Gimnasium		Wildeklawer
11	02/05/2020	Grey College		Selborne College		Bloemfontein
12	09/05/2020	Grey College		Paarl Boys’ High		Paarl
13	16/05/2020	Grey College		Affies		Pretoria
14	18/07/2020	Grey College		Grey High School		Port Elizabeth
15	21/07/2020	Grey College		Sedburg (UK)		Bloemfontein
16	25/07/2020	Grey College		Glenwood		Durban
17	01/08/2020	Grey College		Oakdale Landbou		Bloemfontein
18	08/08/2020	Grey College		Paul Roos Gimnasium		Bloemfontein

Players: Sisonke Vumazonke, Sonwabo Sokoyi, Jean Smith, Gert Steyn, Joubert Schoeman, Deon le Roux, Ricardo Fourie, Juann Else, Tiaan Fourie, Juan-Dee Oliver, Duan Ludik, Tielman Nieuwoudt, Hendré Kramer, Franco Knoetze, Emile Kotze, Danie Louw, Paschal Ekeji, Merwe Olivier, Nelius Volschenk, Johan Louw, Diego Lottering.

Coaches: Wessel du Plessis.

20 or more points in a match: 

30 – Jean Smith vs Duineveld (2 tries, 10 conversions)
24 – Jean Smith vs Welkom Gimnasium (1 try, 8 conversions, 1 penalty)