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Representing one’s country on the world’s biggest stage is undoubtedly every athlete’s dream.

It is the dream of donning your nation’s colours, singing the national anthem, and hearing the roar of fervent supporters while goosebumps gallop all over your body.

To aim for the top, it takes talent, relentless dedication, sacrifices, sweat, and tears invested.

That goal is, however, sometimes realised by those who dare to dream, and a duo that is certainly dreaming of those moments is Jessica and Cameron Thompson, from St Stithians College.

They have taken swimming in South Africa, and particularly in Gauteng, by storm. Aged 16 and 18 respectively, the two have set their eyes on representing South Africa at the Olympic Games in the near future.

In December, they wiped the floor with their opponents at the Central Gauteng Aquatics Championships, walking away with a mammoth total of 22 medals combined in their individual and relay events.

There was reward for their efforts. Firstly, Cameron was selected to represent South Africa at the Vladimir Salnikov Cup in Russia. There, he broke his personal best in the 50-metre freestyle, and 50- and 100-metre butterfly events.

His sister, Jessica, meanwhile, battled it out at the World Trials in KwaZulu-Natal, alongside the likes of SA swimming star, Erin Gallagher.

The 16-year-old held her own, demonstrating her grit and excellence with a second-place finish in the 50- and 100-metre butterfly events. She also added a fifth place in the 100-metre backstroke, competing against the best swimmers in South Africa in the open age category.

“As a mother, it’s been quite an experience to ensure they both lead balanced lives, follow good eating habits, as well as their ultimate dreams,” their mother, Liesel Thompson, told SuperSport Schools.

“Teenagers these days can often be led astray and focus on the wrong things. I’m so blessed that both acknowledge God in their plan and achievements and understand that it’s only by his grace that they will succeed.”

International exposure

The success of the two in December was just the tip of the iceberg, in what has been an interesting and rewarding career for the siblings in the pool.

Before the Aquatics Championships, both had represented South Africa at various international events. Jessica got her first taste of international swimming at the age of 15 when she attended the 8^th FINA World Junior Championships in Peru.

A year later, she made history at the Commonwealth Youth Games by twice breaking the South African record of Erin Gallagher in the heats and final to claim a 50m butterfly gold medal for South Africa. That was SA’s only gold medal in the pool.

A couple of months later, Jess was back in action at the 5^th annual BRICS Games, where she continued her prolific form.

She took home four silver medals – in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 4x50m freestyle relay and 4x100m freestyle relay – and a bronze in the 50m backstroke.

Jess also swam in the 9th World Aquatics Junior Championships in September, where she was the youngest competitor in the 50-metre butterfly and backstroke.

Despite achieving so much at a young age, Jessica is adamant about improving in the pool and reaching greater heights in 2024.

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming challenges of this year and what’s in store for me,” she told SuperSport Schools.

“My immediate focus is the SA National Juniors and SA Senior Nationals in April. The SA Short Course Champs later this year will be a qualifying gala for World Aquatics Short Course Champs held in Budapest in December.

“So, there’s very exciting times ahead,” she concluded.

Cameron, on the other hand, will set his eyes on shifting his career into a higher gear, after completing matric last year.

The 18-year-old told SuperSport Schools that he’s gunning for a scholarship to further his studies at a Division One, United States college. He hopes to also swim in NCAA competitions and is considering mechanical engineering as a career path.

During his school career, the lanky swimmer also put his family’s and the school’s name on the map. In 2022, he took part in the Region V games in Malawi before participating in the Swimming World Cup, and the Salnikov Cup in Russia.

To top it off, he competed in the South African Short Course Championships, which were held in Cape Town in August 2023, and he made the A final (top eight) in all of his events. He took home three bronze medals for his efforts in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

It was a demanding year. Apart from the time he devoted to his success in the pool, Cameron also had to focus on his academics, and a leadership role at Saints.

He was selected as a prefect, Head of Academics, and Swimming Captain in his matric year. He also prides himself on and is passionate about mathematics. Competing in the 2023 South African Mathematics Olympiad, he finished in the top 100 out of 80 000 participants.

“Swimming has allowed me to meet amazing people and to travel to exotic destinations,” he said, adding that his family’s support had enable him to stay focussed on the sport.

“My Dad also took up swimming and became a South African masters’ national champion, and my mother entered a masters’ gala, and it’s a sure-fire way to ensure that your parents don’t advise you,” he said, tongue-in-cheek.

“Once they experience the challenges and nerves, they back off and appreciate what it takes, and I’m truly blessed to be a part of this broader community.”

The Thompson duo certainly made history at St Stithians and will go down as the best swimmers the school has ever produced, an assertion that is backed up by one of their coaches, Brandon Hattingh.

Hattingh, who coaches the siblings at Aqua Athlete, based in Helderfontein, has described the two as hardworking and dedicated.

“To be a part of Jessica’s and Cameron’s success has been incredible, so far,” he said.

“Jess is one of the hardest-working swimmers I have had the privilege to train. She is meticulous in perfecting her technique and is constantly challenging herself with new ideas.

“I’ve been working with Cameron for less than a year. However, this young man has been incredible.

“He works just as hard as Jess does, and I can see that he is only scratching the surface of his potential and is a very dedicated swimmer, who has a bright future ahead of him.

“I see us as a team, and these siblings work incredibly well together. It has brought them closer together and I am very proud to be their coach.”

Paul Roos Gimnasium het hul veldtog by die HJS Krieketfees op ‘n hoë noot teen Hans Moore van Benoni afgesluit.

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Die besoekers het die loot gewen en besluit om eerste te kolf. Warren Minnaar, wie ‘n uitstekende naweek beleef het en twee honderdtalle tot sy naam kon voeg is vir 24 lopies uitgehaal terwyl die res van sy span se kolwers gevou het.

Dit was net Aiden Shaw wie as die Hansies se sesde kolwer enige teenstand kon bied teen die Paul Roos boulaanval met ‘n beurt van 41 lopies vanaf 85 aflewerings.

Dian Winkel (4/10) en Keauno Williams (3/15) kon sewe van die besoekers se kolwers laat sneuwel en help om die span uit Benoni tot 112 lopies te beperk.

Liam Basson het reg deur gekolf vir ‘n onoorwonne 58 lopies wat aan sy span ‘n klinkende sege met agt paaltjies besorg het.

Dit het hulle slegs 16 boulbeurte geneem om Hans Moore se telling te oorskry.

Paul Roos het slegs op die eerste dag teen St John’s College van Johannesburg gestruikel, maar kon verder al hul teenstander baas raak.

Die span van die Eikestad lyk goed ingerig om vanjaar vir van die groot name in skolekrieket in Suid Afrika gas te gee.

Boland Landbou het sy HJS Krieketfees veldtog met ‘n vlekkelose rekord afgesluit nadat hulle hul spiere kon bult teen Montana in die laaste wedstryd.

Vyftigtalle deur Marius du Plessis (77), Stefan Conradie (71), Lohann Louw (62) en Francois Prins (57) het die tuisspan tot ‘n hewige 331/7 in hul 50 beurte gedryf.

Die besoekers kon op hul beurt slegs 104 aanteken, met Kobus Konradie (3/15), Tiaan Ryneke (2/16) en Lyle Lewis (2/41) wat uitgestaan het vir Boland.

HTS Drostdy het ‘n indrukwekkende oorwinning behaal in hul laaste westryd teen Marais Viljoen.

DJ Luck se 46 lopies was genoeg om sy span tot 156 lopies te help, maar dit was die boulers van Worcester wat die verskil in die wedstryd kon maak.

Jannie Coetzer het ‘n teenaanval vir Marais Viljoen probeer loods met ‘n goeie beurt om 56 lopies by te dra, maar HTS Drostdy kon hom en sy spanmaats uitboul vir ‘n totaal van slegs 115 lopies.

Stephan Steyn se drie paaltjies vir 17 lopies het was die beste van die tuisspan se boulers, maar Luck, Alex Mathee en Jannes Krynauw kon al drie ook bydra met identiese boulsyfers van 2/19.

Helpmekaar kon terugkeer na hul dominante vorm na hulle Saterdag teen Boland Landbou vasgeloop het. Die Helpies het ligte werk van Hoërskool Durbanville gemaak danksy Hannu Marais se onoorwonne 77 lopies. Sy spanmaat, Henricus Meyer, kon vier Durbie-paaltjies laat spat om Marais en kie se werk makliker te maak.

Ondanks Brackenfell se Antonio Jussin wat vyf van Centurion se kolwers plat getrek het en die besoekers kon help uitboul vir slegs 115 was Morné Venter (3/10), Charl Prinsloo (3/17) en Rehan Lues (2/42) op die voorpunt van die teenaanval.

Die Woeries het Brackenfell se poging op 95 kortgesny vir ‘n goeie oorwinning om die naweek mee af te sluit.

Trent Huisamen was die uitlinker vir Hoërskool Outeniqua in hul sege oor Parel Vallei.

Huisamen het eers gesorg dat sy span ‘n goeie telling kan opsit om te verdedig deur 82 lopies teen ‘n lopie per bal te moker. Die Kwaggas het, ondanks die aanval deur Joshua Smit wat vier van hul kolwers hul paaltjies gekos het, 221 gehaal.

Huisamen was toe weer voor in die koor toe Parel Vallei kolf en kon self drie paaltjies inoes.

Kieran Bradley kon verwoesting saai onder die Northerns se kolwers toe Northcliff vir Noord-Kaap aanvat. Bradley het vier Noord-Kaap se paaltjies geneem vir net tien lopies.

Frank Devenish (52*) se blitsige onoorwonne vyftigtal het sy span toe vinnig by hul doelwit gekry.

Beknopte telkaarte | Dag 4

Hans Moore 112 (Aiden Shaw 41, Warren Minnaar 23; Dian Winkel 4/15, Keauno Williams 3/15); Paul Roos Gimnasium 116/2 (Liam Basson 58*, Luca Plekker 37; Stephan Vermaak 1/16). Paul Roos Gimnasium wen met agt paaltjies.

Boland Landbou 331/7 (Marius du Plessis 77, Stefan Conradie 71, Lohann Louw 62, Francois Prins 57, Extras 34; Schalk van Jaarsveld 2/13, Luca Bairos 2/57); Montana 104 (Schalk van Jaarsveld 26; Kobus Conradie 3/15, Tiaan Ryke 2/16, Lyle Lewis 2/41). Boland Landbou wen met 227 lopies

HTS Drostdy 156 (DJ Luck 46, Ekstras 27, M Jay van Reenen 23*, Daniel Boshoff 23; Muhammad Rishaeel 4/26,  Daymian Coetzee 2/21); Marais Viljoen 115 (Jannie Coetzer 56, Ekstras 24; Stephan Steyn 3/17, DJ Luck 2/19, Alex Mathee 2/19, Jannes Krynauw 2/19). HTS Drostdy wen met 41 lopies.

Hoërskool Durbanville 144/9 (Divan Bosman 32; Henricus Meyer 4/25, Christo Lombard 2/26); Helpmekaar 148/4 (Hannu Marais 77*; Calla du Toit 3/30). Helpmekaar wen met ses paaltjies.

Centurion 115 (Morné Prinsloo 35; Antonio Jussin 5/24); Brackenfell 95 (Jean Oosthuizen 48; Morné Venter 3/10, Charl Prinsloo 3/17, Rehan Lues 2/42). Centurion wen met 20 lopies.

Hoërskool Outeniqua 221 (Trent Huisamen 82, Ekstras 39, D Venter 28*; Joshua Smit 4/30, Joshua Pretorius 2/14, Henry Jones 2/43); Parel Vallei 153 (Sevi Barlow 59, Marco Karsten 20, Luka Meets 20; Trent Huisamen 3/25, Nathan Best 2/20, Christiaan van der Berg 2/22). Hoërskool Outeniqua wen met 68 lopies.

Garsfontein 247/9 (Reuben van Zyl 56, Zandre Nel 48, Eckard Struwig 41, Xander Venter 35, Extras 22; Viviers de Waal 2/47); Paarl Gimnasium 149 (Koch van Eyssen 39, Charles King 25, Vivier de Waal 25; Sebastian Bouwer 3/37, Eckard Struwig 2/23, Nayleo Sanna 2/24). Garsfontein won by 98 runs.

Noord-Kaap 85/8 (Kieran Bradley 4/10); Northcliff 89/1 (Frank Devenish 52*). Northcliff wen met nege paaltjies.

The South African Women’s Water Polo team is gearing up for the World Aquatics Championships, which take place in Qatar from 2 to 18 February.

The two-week event will test South Africa’s best against top international players, with the bulk of the teams aiming to use the spectacle as preparation for this year’s Summer Olympics, which will be hosted in Paris, France, from 26 July to 11 August.

The South African ladies will be coached by former SA player, Nicola Barrett. She is no stranger to the international scene, having played in various FINA tournaments, dating back to 2009 when the Women’s Junior Water Polo championships were hosted in Russia.

Since hanging up her headgear in 2019, Barrett has taken the coaching world by storm. Early in her career, she was entrusted with both the u15 and u16A SA Schools teams. She then had a stint at Rustenburg Girls’ High School, followed by Reddam House Constantia, and she has started this year as the Head of Water Polo at St Cyprian’s School in Cape Town.

This past December, Barrett led the Western Province u18 girls’ team to the final of the Inter-provincial Tournament in Gqeberha, where they were beaten 12-10 by Central Gauteng A. 

The team chosen for the showpiece in Doha is a mixture of experience and youth and includes 11 players who were involved in last year’s campaign in Japan.

Notable absentees are Olufunke Ganda and Clarendon girls’ first-team coach, Hannah Muller. The new additions are the former St Mary’s Waverley trio of Daniela Passoni, Amica Hallendorff, and Amber Penny.

The most experienced player in the squad is Megan Sileno, formerly of Reddam House Constantia, who currently holds the coaching reins at Hilton’s St. Anne’s Diocesan College.

The 34-year-old veteran also represented South Africa at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2023, she led the side to a 12^th place finish at the World Aquatics Champs, which was one place better than in 2022 when they finished in 13^th spot in Budapest. In Fukuoka last year, they defeated Argentina 12-9 to finish third in their group behind Greece and Italy respectively.

Sileno is a versatile player with nearly 20 years of experience in the game. She can play centre-back and centre-forward and will captain the side as it aims for a Top 10 finish in Qatar.

Two Eastern Cape schools are also represented in the team. Tumani Macdonald, and Chloe Meecham both matriculated from Stirling High School in East London, while Pearson High School‘s Yanah Gerber, who matriculated from the school in 2019, is also among those set to fly the South African flag abroad.

In 2020, after leaving Pearson, she joined Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and has become a key player in their team.

The South African squad also includes the University of Pretoria duo of Esihle Zondo and Shakira January, who attended Durban Girls’ College and St Stithians College respectively. They are also among the youngest players in the team, with Zondo turning 20, and January turning 21, this year.

January takes the experience of competing in Fukuoka last year into this year’s campaign. She also served the side as the vice-captain at those World Aquatics Championships.

While most of the 15-player squad comes from traditional water polo powerhouses, some players, like Ruby Versfeld, who attended Westerford High School in Cape Town, have defied the odds.

Versfeld participated in the Women’s Youth Water Polo Championships in 2014 and 2015 and has also represented California State University.

Gauteng’s Roedean School is represented by Boati Motau, while Nicola MacLeod is the only player from St Peter’s College.

Annie Thornton-Dibb matriculated from St Anne’s Diocesan College, while Meghan Maartens attended Gqeberha’s Collegiate Girls, and Kelsey Thomson matriculated from Rand Park High School.

South Africa is in Group D alongside Italy and Canada. They will be joined by either Hungary, France, or Great Britain, who all recently competed and qualified in the Women’s European Water Polo Championship, which was hosted in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, earlier this month.

The team

Megan Sileno (Reddam House Constantia), Meghan Maartens (Collegiate Girls), Kelsey Thomson (Rand Park High School), Tumani Macdonald (Stirling High School), Chloe Meecham (Stirling High School), Esihle Zondo (Durban Girls’ College), Shakira January (St Stithians College), Boati Motau (Roedean School), Ruby Versfield (Westerford High School), Annie Thornton-Dibb (St Anne’s Diocesan College), Nicola MacLeod (St Peter’s College), Yanah Gerber (Pearson High School), Amber Penny (St Mary’s Waverley), Daniela Passoni (St Mary’s Waverley), Amica Hallendorff (St Mary’s Waverley).

Jeppe rained on Grey High School‘s parade on the final day of the 2024 Sunrisers Grey Fest by denying the hosts an unbeaten record.

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Grey High had been in top form at their home festival, but from the off Muneeb Ayob showed that Jeppe was going to be a tough nut to crack.

He scored 73 runs for the visitors and partnered with Ryan Young, who contributed 56, to help Jeppe post a solid 219 to defend.

The local batsmen were excellent all throughout the festival, but Luke Cannon (3/24) and co were able to contain them.

Pearson finished their campaign with an unblemished record, following a fourth consecutive victory against Menlopark.

The local boys turned to Cayden Wilson, who had been at the forefront of their success, to provide the spark they needed to see off the visitors.

Wilson (3/29) led the bowling attack and, alongside Sulaymaan Gangat (2/13) and Jude Septoo (2/15), stifled the Menlo batting effort, holding them to 137/9. He then turned run-scorer, missing out on a half-century by a single run, but his innings placed his team in a comfortable position to overhaul the victory target.

CM Geel, who sent four batsmen packing for only seven runs, spearheaded the St Andrew’s School attack as they dismissed Framesby for only 102. JC Young and FG Botha both picked up braces, which left Framesby with a low total to defend.

Despite Taine Douw and Juan Grigor picking up three wickets apiece, the boys from Bloemfontein claimed the win in the 16th over.

Their neighbours, Grey College, faced Glenwood in a T20 match in their final fixture and limited the Durban side to only 94 as Darion Rabie snapped up 2/9.

Despite not having much to defend, Akhil Maharaj (3/20) and his squad put up a good fight. Ruben Maree (30) and Christian Kind (21) were among the runs, but Grey were left to scramble across the line, claiming victory with only two balls left.

In the end, Daniel Hattingh, with 21 not out, ensured the Bloemfontein boys ended their campaign on a high.

Summarised Scorecards, Day Four

Jeppe 219 (Muneeb Ayob 73, Ryan Young 56, Christopher Elston 26; Ben Ristow 4/38, Nathan Howell 2/8); Grey High 187 (Joel Maree 32, Josh Rennie 27*, Kian Cambier 22, Xander Elkington 21; Luke Cannon 3/24, Jeremiah Marshall 2/21, Christopher Elston 2/45, Shreshth Kumar 2/47). Jeppe won by 32 runs.

Menlo Park 137/9 (Daniel Pienaar 35*, Willem Sevenster 32; Cayden Wilson 3/29, Sulaymaan Gangat 2/13, Jude Septoo 2/15); Pearson 141/6 (Cayden Wilson 49, Luke Hector 27, Divan Els 24, Esa Gangat 23; GN van Zyl 3/26, Gerhard Engelbrecht 2/23). Pearson won by four wickets.

Potchefstroom Volkskool 154 (Louis van Wyk 39, Extras 29, Diaan van der Merwe 26, Berno de Klerk 24, Kobus Pienaar 20; C Smith 4/19, M Holmes 3/27); King Edward VII 154/7 (Z Roos 45, Extras 26, C Richie 23; Diaan van der Merwe 3/30, Kobus Pienaar 2/23). King Edward VII won by three wickets.

Framesby 102 (Hanro van Jaarsveld 26, Dewan Wessels 21, Ethan Terblanche 20; CM Geel 4/7, JC Young 2/12, FG Botha 2/24); St Andrew’s School 105/8 (Dakalo Leketa 18; Taine Douw 3/14, Juan Grigor 3/21). St Andrew’s School won by two wickets. (T20)

Glenwood 94 (Nathan Moodley 28; Darion Rabie 2/9); Grey College 96/7 (Ruben Maree 30, Daniel Hattingh 21*, Christian Kind 21; Akhil Maharaj 3/20). Grey College won by three wickets. (T20)

Selborne 137 (Shane Stagg 50, Tre’ Gilbert 34, Waeden Plaatjies 30*; Geo Haasbroek 1/12); Namibia Invitational 87 (Tiaan van der Merwe 17; Kina 3/6, Liso Ndzamela 3/14). Selborne won by 50 runs. (T20)

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced that Western Province all-rounder Juan James will captain South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.

The 19-year-old will lead the junior Proteas in the 15th edition of the tournament with the hosts set to get their campaign underway against West Indies on Friday, 19 January at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.

James previously captained SA U19 during the five-match 50-over series against Bangladesh in July last year, where he led the side in the third and fifth matches of the youth series.

 

SA U19 Men’s Squad – ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024

Juan James (captain, Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (Dolphins), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), David Teeger (Lions), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province) and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).

 

SA U19 Itinerary

Warm-up matches

Saturday, 13 January – 10:00

South Africa vs Pakistan – St Stithians College, Johannesburg Match abandoned due to rain

Tuesday, 16 January – 10:00

South Africa vs Afghanistan – Braamfischer Oval, Potchefstroom

 

Group Stage matches

Friday, 19 January – 10:00

South Africa U19 vs West Indies U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Tuesday, 23 January – 10:00

South Africa U19 vs England U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Saturday, 27 January – 10:00

Scotland U19 vs South Africa U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Cole Francis and his St John’s College cohorts tripped up Paarl Boys’ High on the final day of the HJS Festival, costing the Paarl powerhouse a perfect record at this year’s event, while the visitors return home with a 100 percent win rate.

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Boishaai, who had looked unstoppable in their first three games, were shaken early on in Sunday’s showdown, losing two wickets before the end of the third over.

Dian van der Westhuizen (32) and Gideon du Toit (22) offered some resistance for the home side, but it was Cole Francis’ day as the Saints’ stalwart knocked over four wickets before leading the way at the crease with a crucial 41 not out.

Francis was exceptional for the Johannesburg school throughout, capturing an outstanding 15 wickets in their four matches.

The team’s success also had plenty to do with their captain, Joe Macrobert, whose astute leadership played a big part in his side’s winning ways.

With the victory, St John’s ended their campaign with an unblemished record. They demonstrated an ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure was on and appear to be a well-balanced outfit, primed to make more noise in 2024.

Cornwall Hill College left it to the very last moments to secure a win against Curro Durbanville.

After the locals mustered only 130/9, Cornwall Hill were well served by an exemplary performance from Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, who scored an unbeaten 56 from 44 deliveries. Still, by the start of the final over, they weren’t quite over the line yet, but they scraped home with only two deliveries left in the match.

Meanwhile, Westville Boys’ High outmuscled Somerset College, with Seth Simpson carving out a phenomenal undefeated 71 runs off of only 30 balls.

Nicandro Kistna also sparkled with an impactful 67, Max Robertson weighed in with 42, and Roxton Payne added the finishing touches at the end of the Griffin’s innings, slashing an unbeaten 31 from a mere 10 deliveries.

The locals then had no answer to Sekou Shangase, who dismissed five Somerset batsmen for just 24 runs.

Diamantveld ended their festival on a high against Hoërskool Bellville. After posting 138/8, the Kimberley team’s bowlers wrecked the locals’ line-up, sending them back to the changing room for a paltry 42.

Luhan de la Rey, who was at the forefront of Diamantveld’s success during the event, spearheaded their attack with figures of 3/6. His teammates chipped in, too, with some impressive contributions.

Kaiden van Wyk bowled only one over, but he bagged the last two wickets to fall before Bellville had faced even half of their overs.

Noordheuwel appeared to be in serious trouble when they limped to only 85 all out against Stellenberg, but Ruan Strauss‘ 4/4 saw them easily defend their slender total.

Summarised Scorecards, Day Four (T20)

Paarl Boys’ High 118 (Dian van der Westhuizen 32, Gideon du Toit 22; Cole Francis 4/20, Alec Loveland 2/11, David Ireland 2/16); St John’s College 119/6 (Cole Francis 41*, Joe Macrobert 29, Thomas Ievers 20; Gideon du Toit 2/29). St John’s College won by four wickets.

Westville Boys’ High 239/3 (Seth Simpson 71*, Nicandro Kistna 67, Max Robertson 42, Roxton Payne 31*; Alexia Kontopirakis 2/32); Somerset College 98 (Chad Ayford 42; Sekou Shangase 5/24, Seth Simpson 2/11, Heath Stott 2/14). Westville Boys’ High won by 141 runs.

Curro Durbanville 130/9 (Reece Bald 34, Dean Huesmann 29; Oliver Richards 5/21); Cornwall Hill College 131/6 (Lethabo Phahlamohlaka 56*, Tshepo Molete 35; Caleb Jonkers 3/15). Cornwall Hill College won by four wickets.

Diamantveld 138/8 (Daniel van der Merwe 46, Luhan de la Rey 26, Kaiden van Wyk 23; Chris Roets 3/23, Christiaan Oosthuizen 2/18); Hoërskool Bellville 42 (André Bernhardt 22; Luhan de la Rey 3/6, Simon Liversage 3/19, Daniel van der Merwe 2/15, Kaiden van Wyk 2/1). Diamantveld won by 96 runs.

Noordheuwel 85 (Ethan Smith 25; Michael Amoedo 3/11, JJ Rothman 2/7, Lohann Pretorius 2/13); Stellenberg 46 (Roux Wasserman 15; Ruan Strauss 4/4, Damian Hopkins 2/11). Noordheuwel won by 39 runs.

St John’s College put on a mighty show against Stellenberg on the penultimate day of the 2024 HJS Cricket Festival to record their third win on the trot before they challenge the hosts on Sunday.

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Despite Lohann Pretorius (4/33) and JJ Rothman (3/33) combining to dismiss seven of the visitors’ batsmen at a cost of only 66 runs, St John’s toiled manfully to work their way to 211, with Jacob Smith reaching the 50-mark.

Kyle van Santen played a brilliant innings for an unbeaten 70 for Stellenberg, but he had to watch helplessly from the non-strikers’ end as his teammates’ last wicket fell with the total on 140. Ryan Jones, with 11, was the only other batsman to make it into double figures, which served to highlight how outstanding Van Stanten’s innings was.

Oliver Tait and Daniel Bruwer each removed three Stellenberg batsmen to secure a telling win for Saints before they take on Boishaai on Sunday.

The team from Johannesburg looks well-oiled and ready for the coming season. Young players like Nkosana Sibiya, Darshik Lutchman and David Ireland are all u15 and are already coming to the fore as talented additions to the Saint John’s squad.

The Wege brothers, as always, were at the forefront of the Paarl Boys’ High onslaught in their clash with Noordheuwel. Johan Wege raced to 79 while Christiaan contributed 32 as Boishaai powered their way to 236/8.

With Nories at the crease, it was Gysbert le Roux‘s time to shine, as he claimed a five-for to help curtail the visitors’ innings on 164.

Their T20 clash against St John’s on Sunday is shaping up to be a highlight of this year’s event.

Paul Roos Gimnasium showed their class with a comprehensive victory over an in-form Westville Boys’ High.

Callum Appollis snared three Westville batsmen as the KZN boys were limited to 174 all out. Liam Basson then weighed in with an unbeaten 39 to see the Stellenbosch side to victory.

In a thriller, Montana reached the winning target with only two deliveries left in the last over of their clash with HTS Drostdy.

The locals tallied 193 all out, spearheaded by a top innings of 46 by Stephan van der Merwe. Van der Merwe’s stay lasted exactly 100 deliveries and a strong partnership with Jacques Jordaan (39) helped Drostdy set the opposition a challenging run chase.

Ruvan Barnard (2/45) and co did well to stem the flow of runs with Montana at the crease, but impressive performances by Luca Bairos (45) and Luhan Theunissen (37) got the visitors into a position to snatch a nail-biting win. LT van der Nest (19*) and Hanu van Heerden (4*) then did the honours to secure a stunning victory for Montana.

Garsfontein flexed their muscles against Somerset College, with Wikus du Preeze taking three wickets in his two-and-a-half overs without conceding a single run.

Waterkloof‘s second team put on a show against Parel Vallei, with Stefan Stoltz (3/5) and Morné van der Merwe (2/8) combining to help dismiss PV for only 66.

Summarised Scorecards, Day Three (50 Overs)

St John’s College 211 (Jacob Smith 50, Darshik Lutchman 45, Daniel Bruwer 26, Alec Loveland 26, Extras 20; Lohann Pretorius 4/33, JJ Rothman 3/33); Stellenberg 140 (Kyle van Stanten 70*, Extras 33; Daniel Bruwer 3/33, Oliver Tait 3/34, Cole Francis 2/17). St John’s College won by 71 runs.

Paarl Boys’ High 236/8 (Johan Wege 79, Christiaan Wege 32, JJ van der Sandt 27, Extras 25, Dian van der Westhuizen 24; Damian Hopkins 3/40, JJ Basson 2/19, Corné Olivier 2/19); Noordheuwel 164 (Pieter Bezuidenhout 46; Gysbert le Roux 5/31). Paarl Boys’ High won by 72 runs.

Westville Boys’ High 174 (Yusuf Karodia 45, Max Robertson 38, Roxton Payne 31; Callum Appollis 3/24, Neil Barnard 2/46); Paul Roos Gimnasium 177/5 (Liam Basson 39*, Cornel Swart 38, Luca Plekker 28, Beor van Reenen 23; Heath Stott 2/7, Sekou Shangase 2/36). Paul Roos Gimnasium won by five wickets.

Garsfontein 287/7 (Xander Venter 69, Luan Ferreira 59, Zandré Nel 50, Extras 37, Wikus du Preeze 27*; Thomas Parsons 3/48); Somerset College 76 (Tyrone Rieth 27; Wikus du Preeze 3/0, Ettienne du Toit 2/6, Nayleo Sanna 2/16). Garsfontein won by 211 runs.

Waterkloof II 214 (Jacques Jansen van Vuuren 54, R Ferreira 42, Extras 27, D Maritz 20; Sibulele Makaleni 3/38, Josua Smit 2/24); Parel Vallei 66 (Caleb Robinson 18, Sevi Barlow 18; Stefan Stoltz 3/5, Morné van der Merwe 2/8). Waterkloof II won by 148 runs.

HTS Drostdy 193/10 (Stephan van der Merwe 46, Jacques Jordaan 39, Bryan Cochrane 31, Extras 30, Adriaan Krynauw 24; Hanu van Heerden 3/21, Luhan Theunissen 2/49); Montana 196/6 (Luca Bairos 45, Luhan Theunissen 37, Rowan Sweetnam 27, Marco Rudolph 26; Ruvan Barnard 2/45). Montana won by four wickets.

Northcliff 99 (Tristan Kemp 5/21, Josh Walker 2/18); Grey High School II 100/5 (Luke Tait 39, Tristan Kemp 27, Extras 22). Grey High School II won by five wickets.

Brackenfell 167 (Dawson Lombard 62; Yazeed Kajee 3/32); Noord-Kaap 168/5 (Junaid Jacobs 83). Noord-Kaap won by five wickets.

Na dit aanvanklik gelyk het asof Boland Landbou in die moeilikheid was teen Helpmekaar op die derde dag van die HJS Krieketfees, was dit Tiaan Ryke (3/4) en Francois Prins (3/18) se boulwerk wat deurslaggewend was vir die boere.

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Boland Landbou se eerste drie paaltjies het vroeg gekantel, met Henno Steyn wat amok gemaak het onder die aanvangskolwers.

Marius du Plessis kon egter sy ritme vind om ‘n belangrike 50 aan te teken en sy span tot by 134 aan te help. Lyle Lewis het ook gedoen wat nodig was as die laaste Boland kolwer om nog 24 by te las.

Met ‘n lae telling van 134 om te jaag het Helpies die Kaapenaars in hul visier gehad, maar die Boland Landbou boulers het ‘n onvergeetlike wedstryd beleef om die besoekers vir 85 uit te boul.

Met Helpmekaar op ‘n stadium op 3/3 was dit duidelik dat die tuisspan nie sommer in die agter-Paarl die knie sal buig sonder om te veg nie.

Ryke en Prins het uitstekend kombineer om ses paaltjies te laat kantel, en Gunther Schmidt se 2/29 het gehelp om die oorhand vroeg aan Boland Landbou te besorg.

Sondag pak Boland Landbou vir Montana aan in hul laaste wedstryd by die jaar se byeenkoms.

Paarl Gimnasium en Cornwall Hill College was ook Saterdag in ‘n riller betrokke.

Vyftigtalle deur Willem Matthee (62) en Charles King (53) het vir Gim tot by 241 gekry voordat hul tiende paaltjie met die voorlaaste bal in vyftigste boulbeurt geval het.

Met hul teenstanders uit Centurion op die blad was dit Louis Koen wat vir die Gimmies eerste bloed getrek het, maar Amogelang Tshoagong kon kalm bly om Cornwall Hill weer op koers te kry met ‘n onbewoë 64 lopies.

King en De Waal Vivier was aan die voorpunt van die Gimmie aanval, maar Mohammed Rasool het nog een laaste sterk poging aangewend om die besoekers oor die lyn te dryf deur om 77 lopies aan te teken. Dit was egter nie genoeg nie en die Gautengers kon slegs 227/8 in hul kolfbeurt saamslaan, 14 lopies minder was wat Paarl Gim bemagtig het.

Anton Stassen (114*) en Charl Prinsloo (74*) was onstuitbaar vir Centurion en kon binne die 35ste beurt Diamantveld se 233/9 afjaag om oorwinning aan die Woeries te besorg.

Stassen het ‘n uitstekende beurt gespeel en kon 11 sesse klap om sy hondertal in slegs 72 aflewerings te haal.

Marais Viljoen het, met Jayden Govender se 106, ‘n stewige 280/7 teen Curro Durbanville behaal.

Nathan Coleske (4/13) en Raynhard Kruger (3/28) kon toe die tuisspan se kolwers help uitroei binne 30 boulbeurte om die sege vir die manne van Alberton te verseker.

Keenan Shaw het vier Durbies platgetrek in Hans Moore se oorwinning oor Hoërskool Durbanville.

Die Hoërskool Outeniqua het hul eerste wen van die naweek verdien teen Hoërskool Bellville danksy Trent Huisamen se 5/28.

Met 172 om agterna te sit het Joof Enslin 44 lopies bygedra, en Daniel du Plessis 37 lopies, voordat Huisamen hulle oor die lyn kon dryf en klaar te maak wat hy met sy boulwerk begin het.

Sondag word die laaste kragmeting van die jaar se byeenkoms afgehandel, met Boland wat vir Montana aanvat en Hoër Jongenskool Paarl teen St John’s College wat van die hoogtepunte van die naweek kan wees.

Beknopte telkaarte | Dag 3

Boland Landbou 134 (Marius du Plessis 50, Lyle Lewis 24; Henno Steyn 2/10, Anrich Liebenberg 2/24); Helpmekaar 85 (Henricus Meyer 16, Juan Minnaar 16; Tiaan Ryke 3/4, Francois Prins 3/18, Gunther Schmidt 2/29). Boland Landbou wen met 49 lopies. 

Paarl Gimnasium 241 (Willem Matthee 62, Charles King 53; Extras 28, De Waal Vivier 23; Oliver Richards 2/18, Trent Hardie 2/26, Obakeng Mokonyane 2/45); Cornwall Hill College 227/8 (Mohammed Rasool 76, Amogelang Tshoagong 64; De Waal Vivier 3/48, Charles King 2/25). Paarl Gimnasium wen met 14 lopies.

Diamantveld 233/9 (Kaiden van Wyk 55, Aiden Jacobs 44, Luhan de la Rey 42, Ekstras 23; Wouter Kielblock 3/37, Rehan Lues 2/37, Charl Prinsloo 2/44); Centurion 239/3 (Anton Stassen 114*, Charl Prinsloo 74; Luhan de la Rey 2/36). Centurion wen met sewe paaltjies.

Hans Moore 166 (Zander Swart 39, Xavier Swart 31, Ekstras 25; Jan Kriel 2/10, Tobie Roelofse 2/12, Divan Bosman 2/35); Hoërskool Durbanville 111 (Perrie du Toit 38, Noah Jansen 25, Jan Kriel 25; Keenan Shaw 4/20, Brenton Francis 3/37, Kyle Wratten 2/15). Hans Moore wen met 55 lopies.

Marais Viljoen 280/7 (Jayden Govender 106, Tristan Thom 41, Aldré Huyzers 35, Nathan Coleske 28*; Caleb Jonkers 2/18); Curro Durbanville 134 (Vaughan Flanigan 25, Daniyaal Klinck 24, Ekstras 23; Nathan Coleske 4/13, Raynhardt Kruger 3/28). Marais Viljoen wen met 146 lopies.

Hoërskool Bellville 172 (Owen Kretschmer 62, Ekstras 30, André Bernhardt 25; Ruald Coetzee 21; Trent Huisamen 5/28, Stefan May 3/25, Nathan Best 2/37); Outeniqua 176/5 (Joof Enslin 44, Daniel du Plessis 37, Extras 36, Trent Huisamen 27*, Wian van den Heever 2/35). Outeniqua won by five wickets. 

Ryan Moyo‘s composure led Peterhouse to a nail-biting victory over Graeme College on Saturday at the Makhanda Cricket Festival. Under extreme pressure, he kept his cool, contributing a match-winning unbeaten 43 runs from 51 deliveries to guide his team to a stirring win.

Sean Bennett’s 42 runs from 53 balls and a valuable contribution of 29 runs from Nicholas Anderson also played an integral part in their side’s successful chase of 200.

For Graeme College, Marcus Williams led the way, top-scoring with a well-played 57 from 84 deliveries. Alongside Williams, Qhama Ngoma contributed a mature 31 runs as the pair helped Graeme to a respectable total of 199 all out.

Bennett shone with the ball, as well, for Peterhouse, bagging figures of 2/16, while Jake Palmer (2/35) and Isaac Hildebrand (2/41) also got in on the action.

Graeme College’s Jordan Damons and Erin Nelson set the cat amongst the pigeons with excellent bowling spells. Damons was the pick of their bowlers, claiming three scalps for 24 runs, while Nelson knocked over 3 for 36.

Unfortunately for the local team, it was not quite enough to stop the Zimbabwean school from claiming a memorable one-wicket victory.

St Andrews College blew a wounded Dale College side out of the water in a one-sided game.

St Andrew’s opted to bat first, giving their in-form batsmen another chance to pile on the runs. William Beamish was once again on song. This time, however, he reached triple figures, scoring a superb 105 from just 111 balls. His opening partner, Mitch Coventry, also got stuck into the Dale bowlers, contributing 55 runs.

After a rapid fire 101-run partnership for the first wicket, more salt was rubbed into the wounds inflicted on the Dale attack. When Coventry departed, Murray Wilson continued the onslaught, combining with Beamish for a wonderful partnership of 94 runs.

Then, when Samuel Scheckter strode to the crease, there was no let-up. He struck an astonishing 73 runs from only 47 balls in an innings that included six fours and one six, which helped College to a mammoth total of 361/4 from their 50 overs on the Lower Field oval.

The disappointment continued for Dale College as their batsmen were found wanting under the severe pressure of a colossal run chase. Alistair de Kock tore through the Dale lineup, claiming six wickets in the blink of an eye. Then, Oliver Johns did the cleaning up, claiming two wickets in four balls.

Dale were dismantled for a measly 23 runs, which meant they had suffered a crushing 338-run defeat.

In another tightly contested clash, Trinityhouse overcame Kingswood College by three wickets. Christopher Zimmerman’s 46 runs, together with a well-played 37 from Ross Thompson, helped Kingswood to 182 all out.

Tahir Ismail did the bulk of the damage for Trinityhouse, with a return of 3/13, while Kian Vermaak did his bit by taking 2 for 20.

A masterful performance from Sohail Seonath, who scored a brilliant 91 runs from 123 deliveries, then set Trinityhouse on course for victory. His fine effort, combined with Jean du Toit’s 27 runs lower down the order, saw the boys from Johannesburg to a three-wicket win.

Matthew Loon tried valiantly with the ball for Kingswood, claiming the impressive figures of four wickets for 43 runs. He was well supported by Daniel Jankins, whose return was 2 for 23.

Summarised scorecards:

Graeme College 199 (Marcus Williams 57, Qhama Ngoma 32; Sean Bennett 2/16, Jake Palmer 2/35, Isaac Hildebrand 2/41); Peterhouse 202/9 (Ryan Moyo 43*, Bennett 42, Nicholas Anderson 29; Jordan Damons 3/24, Erin Nelson 3/36). Peterhouse won by one wicket.

St Andrews College 361/4 (William Beamish 105, Samuel Scheckter 73*, Mitch Coventry 55, Murray Wilson 47, Myles Sansom 27; Zaide Barnes 2/80); Dale College 23 (Alistair de Kock 6/11, Oliver Johns 2/0). St Andrews College won by 338 runs.

Kingswood College 182 (Christopher Zimmerman 46, Ross Thompson 37, Jaryd Botha 24, Allistair Knott 23*; Tahir Ismail 3/14, Kian Vermaak 2/20, Jean du Toit 2/24, Rhil Singer 2/46); Trinityhouse 183/7 (Sohail Seonath 91, Jean du Toit 27; Matthew Loon 4/43, Daniel Jankins 2/23). Trinityhouse won by three wickets.

Esa Gangat continued his outstanding run of form to lead Pearson to a 51-run victory over Grey College on the third day of the 2024 Sunrisers Grey Cricket Festival.

In Saturday’s showdown, the charismatic captain missed the half-century mark by a single run, but that effort gave Pearson a solid platform.

Lamla Mgedezi stood out for Grey in the field, playing a hand in four dismissals, with figures of 3/39 and a catch, as Pearson’s middle order faltered. However, Brayden Andrews steadied the ship for the locals with an unbeaten 37 runs to help them to 193 all out.

Cullen Marais posed a real threat for Grey, anchoring their innings with 43 runs in a 108-ball stay before he was run out by Gangat.

Cayden Wilson then tore through the lower order of the Bloemfontein boys, who finished 51 runs shy of their victory target.

Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin (57) and co steered Jeppe to 229 before Framesby secured the final wicket in their clash. The Framesby attack was led by Logan Fleetwood, who claimed 4/30.

The locals put up a spirited fight after their top order misfired and they fell to 22/4. Hanro van Jaarsveld muscled 66 runs for his team to help them to within 27 runs of victory, but it wasn’t quite enough, and the visitors clinched the win.

Grey High School outplayed their challengers from Glenwood to register another win, with Xander Elkington continuing his batting dominance, scoring 51 not out, to see his side to victory.

Nathan Howell, Ben Ristow and Tristan Grundling each captured three wickets as they picked off the Durban side’s line-up for 140. Krian Jugoo (74), however, offered stubborn resistance to the trio’s onslaught and tallied more than half of his team’s total before Ristow finally removed him with the help of Joel Maree‘s safe hands.

St Andrew’s School stormed to a convincing triumph over the Namibia Invitational team to bounce back after a defeat on Friday.

Reuben van Aarde (69) and Leon Athanasiou (53) did the majority of the legwork for the team from Bloemfontein as they posted 232.

In reply, Tiaan van der Merwe led the Namibians’ charge with an innings of 53, but outstanding bowling by Cullen Kakora (5/23) and FG Botha (2/3) meant there was no chance of a comeback.

Summarised Scorecards, Day Three (50 Overs)

Pearson 193 (Esa Gangat 49, Brayden Andrews 37*, Luke Hector 21; Lamla Mgedezi 3/39, Henru de Wet 2/23, Sicelo Matayi 2/27); Grey College 142 (Cullen Marais 43, Darion Rabie 23, Christian Kind 22, Extras 21; Cayden Wilson 3/25, Reagan Meyer 2/25). Pearson won by 51 runs.

Jeppe 229 (Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin 57, Christopher Elston 35, Extras 35, Munib Ayob 32, Tiago Almeida 26; Logan Fleetwood 4/30, Miles Feltham 3/39); Framesby 203 (Hanro van Jaarsveld 66, Taine Douw 36, Extras 30, T Ethan 25; Luke Cannon 2/29, Christopher Elston 2/45). Jeppe won by 26 runs.

Glenwood 140 (Krian Jugoo 74, Kyle Bryan 22; Nathan Howell 3/10, Ben Ristow 3/19, Tristan Grundling 3/20); Grey High School 142/5 (Xander Elkington 51*, T Kloppenberg 26; Dhilan Naraidu 2/22). Grey High School won by five wickets.

St Andrew’s School 232 (Reuben van Aarde 69, Leon Athanasiuo 53, Nikhil Sukraj 26, Extras 23; Waldo Smith 2/20); Namibia Invitational 142 (Tiaan van der Merwe 53, Dan Brassel 23; Cullen Kakora 5/23, FG Botha 2/3). St Andrew’s won by 90 runs.

Selborne 145 (Aaron Senekal 56, Tre’ Gilbert 43; Dian Liebenberg 6/30); Potchefstroom Volkskool 149/4 (Louis Van Wyk 48, Ruan Smit 42; Tre’ Gilbert 3/28). Potch Volkies won by six wickets.

Menlopark 102 (Marcus de Aguar 30, Dian van Zyl 22; Christian Sabela 4/5, Callum Ritchie 3/30); King Edward VII 105/5 (Cameron Smith 39, Troy Gordon 32, Gerhard Engelbrecht 3/27). King Edward VII won by five wickets.