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Nicholas Anderson’s electrifying century on the first day of a two-day match between Peterhouse Boys’ School and St Andrew’s College set an exciting tone for the 2024 Makhanda Cricket Festival.

The two sides started a day earlier than the rest of the participants, on Wednesday, with Anderson and Peterhouse being sent in to bat.

The Zimbabwean opener seemed unbothered by the gloomy, bowler-friendly weather. Scoring at a rate of knots, he smashed 14 fours and two sixes in his innings of 104 runs, which came off of just 98 deliveries. His dominance was reflected by the fact that when he was the second man out, having reached triple figures, Peterhouse’s total was on 142.

Sean Bennett provided Anderson with strong support, with the middle-order batsman accumulating 47 runs from 70 balls. After Anderson’s and Bennett’s demise, Luke Marillier (35, 78b) and Victor Watama (31, 86b) knuckled down to get Peterhouse to a respectable first innings total of 275/9.

Roman van Zyl did most of the damage for the College side, claiming four wickets for only 26 runs, while Alex Price contributed two scalps for just eight runs.

The College batsman too, appeared to be very comfortable out in the middle, with the entire top order making solid contributions. Samuel Schekler was at the forefront of the run chase with a well-played 69 runs from 103 deliveries, while Mitchell Coventry made an impressive 60 from 112 balls.

Alex Price, after his good bowling performance, followed up with a fighting 43 runs and, helped by Mark Were’s 37 runs, College took a 22-run lead.

The second time around, Peterhouse lost wickets in clusters. William Beamish was the main bowling threat, capturing three wickets for only 11 runs. Jack Oliver also stood out with the ball, snapping up two for six.

Sean Bennett was defiant again, contributing 31 runs from 37 deliveries, before the rain put a stop to proceedings, to bring an enthralling clash to a nail-biting end.

Graeme College’s opening batsman Enrique Strydom‘s 74 put his side in a commanding position against Trinityhouse College. That knock, and a well-played 51 not out from Ashton Williams, enabled Graeme to declare on 211/6.

Liam Lourens (38, 56b) and Jean du Toit (35*, 51b) led a resounding fightback from Trinityhouse. Their contributions, together with 30 from Ruwan Smit, took the Johannesburg school to 113/2 before rain brought the match to a premature finish.

Jack Collet’s superb 3/10, which was supported by equally impressive spells by Dave Louden (2/12) and Sinawo Bukula (2/20), saw Kingswood bundle out Hellenic Academy for a disappointing 96 in their first innings.

Only Malakai Harry, who top scored with 28 from 63 balls, offered notable resistance to the fierce attack from the Kingswood bowlers for the Zimbabwean side.

Joshua Loon then took charge of proceedings, making his way to a wonderfully constructed 68 runs from 74 deliveries, which lifted Kingswood to 130/4 before rain resulted in the game ending in a draw.

Summarised Scorecards

Peterhouse Boys 1st Innings 275/9 (Nicholas Anderson 104, Sean Bennett 47, Luke Marillier 34, Victor Watama 31; Roman van Zyl 4/26, Alex Price 2/8); St Andrew’s College 1st Innings 297/6 (Samuel Scheckler 69, Mitchell Coventry 60, Mark Were 37, Murray Wilson 27, Laurie Apps 21*; Isaac Hildebrand 2/37, Ryan Moyo 2/79); Peterhouse Boys 2nd Innings 96/8 (Sean Bennett 31; William Beamish 3/11, Jack Oliver 2/6). Match Drawn.

Graeme College 211/6 (Enrique Strydom 74, Ashton Williams 51*, Luphelo Mdyesha 30; Matthew Fuller 3/32); Trinityhouse Academy 113/2 (Liam Lourens 38, Jean du Toit 35*, Ruwan Smit 30; AJ Jeggels 1/12). Match Drawn.

Hellenic Academy 96 (Malakai Harry 28; Jack Collet 3/10, Dave Louden 2/12, Sinawo Bukula 2/20); Kingswood 130/4 (Joshua Loon 68*; Thomas Sinclair 3/32). Match Drawn.

Dale College vs Muir College: TBC 

Hudson Park vs Woodridge College: TBC 

Die Hoërskool Marais Viljoen het hul aanslag by die eerste dag van die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl se Krieketfees op ‘n sterk noot begin toe hy vir Paarl Gimnasium met twee paaltjies kon klop.

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Tiaan Kuhn het vroeg in die wedstryd die eerste bloed getrek vir die besoekers, maar Marinus Daling se beurt van 75 het sy span weer op die voorvoet gesit.

Charles King kon ook 54 lopies bydra voordat Ryan Montanus hom uitgevang het, maar die res van die Gimmie kolwers het gesukkel om enige momentum te bou. Montanus en Ruben Kruger kon elk twee paaltjies vat en Nathan Coleske kon ook ‘n paaltjie en twee vangskote neem om te help om die Paarl span tot 198 te beperk.

Coleske was verlede jaar ook by die jaarlikse toernooi in die Paarl ‘n uitblinker en kon vyf paaltjies teen Brackenfell insamel vir die verlies van slegs 13 lopies.

Na Marais Viljoen eers gestruikel het tot 46-3 kon Aldré Huyzers weer op sy beurt vir die span van Alberton ‘n platform bied om die nodige telling af te jaag. Huyzers het 77 lopies teen meer as ‘n lopie per bal aangeteken en, ondanks uitmuntende boulwerk deur Gimmies se Zheemo Isaacs om vier belangrike paaltjies vir slegs 18 lopies plat te trek, het Coleske en Jaden Govender goed kombineer om die ‘n wen op die eerste dag aan die besoekers te besorg.

Hans Moore het hul spiere gebult in hul wedstryd teen Diamantveld, met ‘n onoorwonne 112 lopies vir Warren Minnaar en ‘n verdere 76 en 41 deur Aiden en Kenan Shaw om 288/6 aan te teken voordat hulle besluit het om vir Diamantveld te laat kolf.

Luhan de la Rey en Simon Liversage het die aanslag vir Diamantveld gelei met drie paaltjies elk, maar Minnaar en kie was deurlopend in beheer van die spel.

Na ‘n reeds indrukwekkende kolfbeurt het Kenan Shaw toe ook met die bal beïndruk. Shaw kon vyf Diamantveld-kolwers se paaltjies laat kantel in die eerste beurt, en toe nog drie plat trek in hul tweede beurt om ‘n indrukwekkende oorwinning met 161 lopies vir sy span te verseker.

Marius du Plessis het ses paaltjies teen Noord-Kaap neem, sy spanmaat, Gunther Schmidt kon ook drie van die Northerns se kolwers terugstuur kleedkamer toe om hul beurt kort te sny op 149.

Dit kon selfs ‘n moeiliker situasie vir die besoekers wees as dit nie was vir Junaid Jacobs wat 94 lopies kon aanteken in 177 aflewerings nie. Schmidt kon uiteindelik van die gevaar wat Jacobs getoon het onslae raak, net voor hy sy 100-tal kon behaal.

Die Boland Landbou manne kon die telling gemaklik afjaag binne 36 beurte, met ‘n sterk vertoning deur Jan-Albert van Niekerk om 63 aan te teken.

Stellenberg se Lohann Pretorius het uitstekend geboul en vyf paaltjies vir slegs 10 lopies geneem teen Montana.

Met ‘n lae telling van 133 om te jaag kon Kyle van Stanten se onoorwonne beurt vir 54 lopies die trotse span van die noordelike voorstede gemaklik oor die lyn sien vir ‘n oorwinning in hul eerste wedstryd by die jaar se byeenkoms.

Hoërskool Bellville se eerste wedstryd was nie so maklik nie. Nadat Ethan Smith en Dylan Potgieter vir Noordheuwel tot ‘n sterk telling van 225 gelei het kon Ruan Strauss (5/17) en Sage Pretorius (3/26) verwoesting saai onder die Kapenaars se kolwers om hulle 111 lopies kort van hul doelwit uit te boul, daar was egter nie genoeg tyd om die tweede beurt af te handel nie en die wedstryd eindig amptelik onbeslis,

Die aksie begin weer Vrydag oggend nege-uur waneer HJS vir Garsfontein aandurf, en Paarl Gimnasium die eerste dag se nederlaag agter die rug sit en vir Noordheuwel die stryd aansê.

Beknopte telkaarte | Dag  1

Paarl Gimnasium 198 (Marinus Daling 75, Charles King 54, Jandré Botha 20; Ruben Kruger 2/6. Ryan Montanus 2/18); Marais Viljoen 199/8 (Aldré Huyzers 77, Jaden Govender 39, Nathan Coleske 35*, Tyron Bouw 29; Zheemo Isaacs 4/18). Marais Viljoen wen met twee paaltjies.

Hans Moore eerste beurt 288/6 (Warren Minnaar 112*, Aiden Shaw 76, Kenan Shaw 41, Stephan Vermaak 30*; Luhan de la Rey 3/50, Simon Liversage 3/105); Diamantveld eerste beurt 100 (Nathan Baird 21*, Simon Liversage 20; Kenan Shaw 5/22, Warren Minnaar 2/2); Hans Moore tweede beurt 27/0 (Warren Minnaar 13*); Diamantveld tweede beurt 54/5 (Simon Liversage 27; Kenan Shaw 3/37). Hans Moore wen met 161 lopies.

Noord-Kaap 149 (Junaid Jacobs 94, Dihan Janse van Rensburg 32; Marius du Plessis 6/52, Gunther Schmidt 3/23); Boland Landbou 150/4 (Jan-Albert van Niekerk 63; Lohann Louw 37; Yazeed Kajee 2/43). Boland Landbou wen met ses paaltjies.

Montana 133 (Luca Bairos 31, Ekstras 30, Luhan Theunissen 22; Lohann Pretorius 5/10, Jan Jak Alberts 2/25, Gerrad Kamalie 2/37); Stellenberg 134/4 (Kyle van Stanten 54*, Arno Koen 35; Malan du Toit 2/11). Stellenberg wen met ses paaltjies.

Noordheuwel eerste beurt 225 (Ethan Smith 47, Dylan Potgieter 43, Corné Botha 34, Extras 20; AD van der Westhuizen 3/42, Ruald Coetzee 2/20, Janno Junas 2/36); Hoërskool Bellville eerste beurt 114 (Onke Mazitshana 28, Chris Roets 22; Ruan Strauss 5/17, Sage Pretorius 3/26) Noordheuwel tweede beurt 73/1; Hoërskool Bellville tweede beurt 32/4. Onbeslis.

The first day of the 2024 Sunrisers Grey Cricket Festival in Gqeberha was action-packed with the bowlers enjoying the conditions in the Eastern Cape and recording some impressive returns.

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The first day’s matches were all scheduled to be declaration games, but some of the teams also limited their first innings to set overs to make up for a late start, while St Andrew’s School and Jeppe High School for Boys met in a 35-overs-a-side game.

The hosts began their campaign on a positive note against Menlopark. Batting first, their stalwart Xander Elkington led the charge with 67 as they posted a solid 278/8 in their 60 overs.

Tiaan Serfontein and Pierre de Villiers each picked up a brace against Grey High, but steady contributions throughout from the home lineup helped them to a respectable score at the change of innings.

Ben Ristow then took care of the visitors’ opening duo, conceding only 18 runs, to put his team on the front foot. Dian van Zyl offered stubborn resistance as the third batsman for Menlo, but excellent fielding by Tristan Grundling and two more wickets by Elkington saw the visitors stumble to 94-7.

GN van Zyl and Marcus de Auguar then batted brilliantly to keep their side in the game, seeing out the remaining overs for a draw in their first outing.

Grey College from Bloemfontein, who takes it in turn with Grey High to host the tournament bi-annually, came up against their old rivals, Selborne College, on day one.

Some early success by Buqina Nuku meant Grey’s situation looked perilous at 57-4, but opener Henru de Wet made sure to anchor his team’s innings, seeing off 136 deliveries before he was finally run out for 36.

Lamla Mgedezi scored a vital 40 runs at the tail-end to give the Bloemfonteiners a much-needed boost as they put up 154 before the final wicket fell.

Set a modest winning target, the Selbornians took to the crease with their sights set on victory. However, they were undone by an outstanding bowling performance by Darion Rabie, who took 6/34 to cut their run chase short, still 11 runs shy of the mark.

Despite solid knocks by Tré Gilbert (57) and Jacques van der Merwe (34), the rest of Selborne’s lineup had no answer to Rabie’s relentless attack.

The game between Framesby and the Namibia Invitational side also produced some outstanding bowling.

Batting first, the Namibians were in early trouble on 44-5, with Logan Fleetwood removing five of the first six batsmen while conceding only 38 runs.

Dan Brassel muscled a solid 55 runs from 50 to get the Namibians back on track, smashing 10 boundaries along the way, to help his side to a respectable 191.

Early success by the Namibian bowling attack saw Framesby stumble to 29/4 before Taine Douw‘s half-century brought some stability to their run chase.

Ultimately, Max Heingo‘s 4/25, along with a telling contribution from Bassel, who also took two wickets, was enough to see Namibia Invitational to a 40-run victory.

Pearson‘s Esa Gangat starred in their match against KES. Bowling first, he and Cayden Wilson combined well to snare seven wickets, which saw their opposition dismissed for only 114 in their first innings.

Gangat then struck an unbeaten 71 as Pearson powered to 216/4 before sending KES out for their second innings.

The action continues on Friday with more declaration games. The hosts tackle KES, who will be seeking a bounce-back performance after their defeat on the opening day.

Summarised Scorecards, Day One (Time Cricket)

Grey High School 278/8 (Xander Elkington 67, Joel Maree 39, Teun Kloppenberg 37, Josh Rennie 24, Extras 24; Tiaan Serfontein 2/31, Pierre de Villiers 2/57); Menlopark 177/7 (Marcus de Auguar 44*, GN van Zyl 35*, Dian van Zyl 34, Extras 30; Ben Ristow 2/18, Xander Elkington 2/32). Match drawn. (60 overs)

Grey College 154 (Lamla Mgedezi 40, Henru de Wet 36, Jaco Prinsloo 21; Adam Rogers 3/26, Buqina Nuku 2/23, Thomas Marais 2/34); Selborne 143 (Tré Gilbert 57, Jacques van der Merwe 34, Thomas Marais 22; Darion Rabie 6/34). Grey College won on first innings by 11 runs.

Namibia Invitational 191 (Dan Brassel 55, Tiaan van der Merwe 38, Extras 37; Logan Fleetwood 5/38, Miles Feltham 2/10); Framesby 151 (Taine Douw 50, Extras 27, Ethan Terblanche 25; Max Heingo 4/25, Dan Brassel 2/15). Namibia Invitational by 40 runs. (50 overs)

St Andrew’s School 139 (Extras 29, Dakalo Leketa 27, Mosa Maqunqu 26, Naudé Botha 25; Tinotenda Mutekwa 2/38); Jeppe 134/9 (Ryan Young 39, Christopher Elston 28, Aiden Reyneke 23, Jeremiah Marshall 21; Andrew Sobiech 3/15). St Andrew’s School by five runs.

KES first innings 114 (Reece Small 27; Cayden Wilson 4/42, Esa Gangat 3/29); Pearson first innings 216/4 (Esa Gangat 71*, Jude Septoo 40, Cayden Wilson 30, Sulaymaan Gangat 29, Luke Hector 21*; Callum Ritchie 2/47) KES second innings 51/1 (Cameron Smith 31; Cayden Wilson 1/13). Pearson won on first innings by 102 runs. 

Potchefstroom Volkskool 288/5; Glenwood High 110, Potchefstroom Volkskool won on first innings by 178 runs.

Die eerste Kovsie Smash sal beslis vir nog baie jare onthou word onder die spelers van die Hoërskool Wesvalia, nog meer deur die Dreyer-duo, Eduard en Marneu, wat deur die week byna onkeerbaar was.

Die span van Klerksdorp het sy momentum voortgesit en amok gesaai in die eerste Kovsie Smash-eindstryd deur vir Hoërskool Middelburg gemaklik met tien paaltjies af te ransel.

Al die aksie was regstreek op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) gebeeldsend.

“Die eerste Kovsie Smash is met groot sukses afgehandel, met Wesvalia wat as kampioen gekroon is,” het Herman van der Merwe, skoolhoof van die Hoërskool Fichardtpark, gesê. Die toernooi is vanjaar as deel van Fichies se 40ste bestaansjaar se vieringe aangebied. Volgens die organiseerders sal hierdie toernooi ‘n jaarlikse instelling word met die Kovsies as hoofborg.

“As gevolg van ongekende belangstelling is daar selfs sprake dat die toernooi nog kan uitbrei met die toevoeging van ‘n B-afdeling nie uitgesluit nie. Hierdie toernooi is uit verskeie oorde groot lof toegesing.” het Van der Merwe gesê.

Quewen Fourie het die pas vir die Klerksdorpers gestel. Hy het van twee kolwers vir net 23 lopies ontslae geraak. Dit het gehelp om die Middies tot slegs 103/4 in hul toegelate boulbeurte te beperk.

Gavin Genis (34*) het geblyk na die enigste Middie-kolwer met enige antwoorde op Wesvalia se skitterende boulwerk en skerp veldwerk wat die druk so rapsie verhoog het.

Met Wesvalia stewig aan die stuur van sake het die Dreyer-duo geen tyd gemors opsoek na die 104 nodig vir ‘n geskiedkundige oorwinning nie. Eduard Dreyer was vir die soveelste keer aan die voortou van die aanslag met ‘n onoorwonne 54 lopies.

Aan die ander kant was Marneu Dreyer self in ‘n vernietigende bui. Hy het stewig vasgebyt en ‘n goeie ondersteunende beurt van ‘n onoorwonne 39 lopies gespeel.

Die twee se vennootskap van 105 lopies om die eerste paaltjie het verseker dat Wesvalia die telling in die 18de boulbeurt met al tien paaltjies steeds staande verby steek.

Die gasheer, Fichardtpark, het op sy beurt die toernooi op ‘n positiewe noot afgesluit met ‘n  sege van 28-lopies oor HTS Middelburg. Die twee het sake uitgespook om die derde en vierde plek.

MJ Herbst het uitgestaan met die kolf in hand. Sy bydra van 43 lopies, saam met ‘n onoorwonne 28 lopies van Stian Kruger se kolf het die Fichies tot ‘n goeie telling van 142/6 gelei.

HTS Middelburg het egter nie dieselfde geluk geniet nie. Nathan Ackerman het die bal die praat werk laat doen met goeie boulsyfers van drie paaltjies vir 20 lopies wat die druk stewig op die span van Middelburg geplaas het. Hy het goeie ondersteuning ontvang vanaf Stian Kruger. Kruger het twee paaltjies laat kantel vir 20 lopies.

Slegs WJ Enslin kon ietwat respek afdwing met sy 33 lopies, maar ongelukkig was dit nie genoeg nie en is HTS Middelburg beperk tot slegs 114/7 in sy toegelate 20 beurte.

Die span van Hoërskool Pietersburg het met die louere as Plaat-kampioen weggestap na ‘n oortuigende oowinning van 60 lopies teen Hoërskool Kalahari van Kuruman, terwyl Witteberg sy toernooi met ‘n oorwinning van 39 lopies teen Jim Fouché afgesluit het om as die Boul-kampioene gekroon te word.

Die wedstryd tussen Hoërskool Sasolburg en Hoërskool Goudveld is sonder dat daar ‘n enkele aflewering afgestuur is, weens onspeelbare kondisies afgelas. Die twee spanne deel diensooreenkomstig die 11de posisie.

Beknopte telkaarte:

Hoërskool Middelburg 103/4 (Gavin Genis 34* Deduan Strydom 31; Quewen Fourie 2/23); Wesvalia 105/0 (Eduard Dreyer 54*, Marneu Dreyer 39*). Wesvalia wen met tien paaltjies.

Fichardtpark 142/6 (MJ Herbst 43, Stian Kruger 28*, Marno 20; Toy Engelbrecht 2/6); HTS Middelburg 114/7 (WJ Enslin 33; Nathan Ackerman 3/20, Stian Kruger 2/20). Fichardtpark wen met 28 lopies.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 108/8 (Villiers van der Merwe 28; Carl Thole 2/16); Kalahari 48 (Juan Rademeyer 3/9, Nicholaas Oerlemans 2/17). Hoërskool Pietersburg wen met 60 lopies.

Witteberg 106/5 (Stefan Geldenhuis 56*; Lian Theron 2/26); Jim Fouché 67 (Franco de Necker 25; Mila Oersen 2/9, Zander Fourie 2/11, Dumisani Johnson 2/14). Witteberg wen met 39 lopies.

Voortrekker 141/7 (Juan Theunissen 46*, Cecil Parsons 21, Craig Mann 20; Roche le Roux 3/11); Overvaal 84 (Janco de Lange 31; Joel Coetzee 3/13, Craig Mann 2/0, André Heunis 2/13). Voortrekker wen met 57 lopies.

Oos-Moot 167/6 (Danie Corbett 61, Joost Laubscher 41, Chrisjan van Staden 30; Shelton Claassen 3/32); Despatch 107 (Ewald Brown 28; Elrich Visagie 4/23, Ewoudt van Niekerk 2/13). Oos-Moot wen met 60 lopies.

Trio 167/3 (Miguel Menino 69*, Franco de Wet 62; Reshe Wales 2/27); Sentraal 79 (Pieter Muller 16; Pedr Wilken 2/9, Bokang Mohasha 2/10, Duncan Cronje 2/12). Trio wen met 88 lopies.

Hoërskool Sasolburg teen Goudveld-Hoërskool is afgelas sonder bal wat geboul is.

 

Rondebosch Boys’ High continued their impressive run at the 2024 Old Mutual Peninsula Cricket Festival when they cut down Pretoria Boys High on Thursday. The locals’ bowling attack sliced through the visitors’ lineup to bring their unbeaten run to an end.

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Electing to take to the crease first, the ‘Bosch batsmen were under pressure early on at 77-4, thanks to some brilliant bowling by Adam Cannata and Johan Coetzer.

However, the locals did well to regroup after the initial onslaught and Joshua Neill steadied the ship with an impressive knock of 65 runs. Nathan Ball also notched a half-century to help his side to a respectable 223 before the final Rondebosch wicket fell in the 50th over.

PBHS, who already had two victories under their belt this week after overcoming Wynberg Boys’ High in a thrilling battle on Tuesday and outplaying St Charles College on the opening day, took to the middle with their sights set on another impressive victory, but Hlumelo Mgweba and co had other plans.

Mgweba claimed four wickets for a mere 18 runs as ‘Bosch quickly dowsed Boys High’s hopes of a successful run chase. In fact, PBHS failed to make out of double figures as ‘Bosch recorded a third decisive win on the trot.

Wynberg Boys’ High bounced back from a defeat on day two, with their SA Schools’ captain, Beni Hansen, leading from the front, striking a confident 55 not out as they overhauled a modest victory target set by Hilton College.

Bishops‘ bowlers Alex Vincent, Peyton Leigh, and Michael Kotze each picked up a brace as they restricted Affies to 146 in their clash.

Vihan Pretorius, who was brilliant with the bat for the Pretoria-based team on the second day, led the charge for his squad again. He scored 46 off 58 deliveries, but it wasn’t enough as the rest of their lineup struggled against the relentless Bishops’ bowling.

Adnaan Lagadien raced to 60 runs and James Robb-Quinlann weighed in with 23 as the home team chased a third successive win. With the pressure and the extras mounting, Calum Daniels and Samuel Stavely-Alexander saw Diocesan College over the line and to another decisive victory.

St Charles‘ Marcell Wellmann produced an excellent performance with the bat as he scored the only century of the day, making 120 against St David’s Marist Inanda.

Rico Honiball added 52 and Cian Fortmann contributed an unbeaten 38 to take Saints to a respectable 277/6 in their allotted overs.

In pursuit of a big total, St David’s capitalised on every opportunity they received. Their top order combined effectively to chip away at the task, with Morteza Manack spearheading their assault with an innings of 87.

Matthew West added a half-century, while Jason Rowles and Armaan Manack made solid contributions, too, which allowed Samrat Basu and Joshua Jacobs to go on the attack and power the team from Sandton to victory.

After showing promising potential on the first two days without reward, Waterkloof secured their first victory of the Festival against SACS.

The locals started strongly with Josh van Staden and Nicholas Oscroft striking early on to remove the Waterkloof opening duo, but the rest of the batsmen dug their heels in and grafted hard to score 270/8 in their 50 overs.

Franco Cronje, batting at seven, top-scored for Klofies, smashing 52 off 42 deliveries before Oscroft caught him off a delivery by Ulrich Roth.

SACS’ inspirational captain, Reza Salie, did his best to get his team back on track, weighing in with 57 runs as they chased the Pretoria school’s challenging total but, after his wicket fell, the home team’s chances crumbled.

Their young dual-sport star, Litha Kraai, offered stubborn resistance with a well-played innings of 27, which included five boundaries, but it wasn’t enough. The Waterkloof bowlers were on top and saw their team to a comfortable 92-run win.

Marcus Bakker led the Waterkloof attack, with a return of 3/37, while Wian Ruthven put SACS on the back foot by dismissing both openers as he picked up his 2/9 to set his side on course for victory. They face their biggest challenge thus far on Thursday when they take on a rampant Bishops’ line-up in their penultimate fixture.

Summarised Scorecards, Day Three

u19

Rondebosch Boys’ High 223 (Joshua Neill 65, Nathan Ball 51, Noah Heath 36, Extras 21; Adam Cannata 3/29, Johan Coetzer 2/33, Connor Hall 2/37); Pretoria Boys High 89 (Tim Gordon 27; Hlumelo Mgweba 4/18, Daniel Bosman 2/6, James Kirsten 2/25). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by 134 runs.

Hilton College 133 (Robert Burman 55, Charles Swart 27; Ebrahim Fakir 3/20, Ethan Leibrandt 2/14, Luke Kleinsmith 2/25, Muhammad Ameen Schroeder 2/30); Wynberg Boys’ High 138/2 (Beni Hansen 55*, Paul James 24*, Shadley Allie 23; Murray Loughor-Clarke 1/11). Wynberg Boys’ High won by eight wickets.

Affies 146 (Vihan Pretorius 46, Jorich van Schalkwyk 31; Alex Vincent 2/15, Peyton Leigh 2/36, Michael Kotze 2/40); Diocesan College 148/4 (Adnaan Lagadien 60, Extras 25, James Robb-Quinlann 23; Petrus Rautenbach 3/28). Diocesan College won by six wickets.

St Charles 277/6 (Marcell Wellmann 120, Rico Honiball 52, Extras 39, Cian Fortmann 38*; Oliver Botha 3/61); St David’s Marist Inanda 281/5 (Morteza Manack 87, Matthew West 54, Extras 43, Jason Rowles 41, Armaan Manack 28, Samrat Basu 21; Tinotenda Nzua 2/13, Kaiyuran Naidoo 2/47); St David’s Marist Inanda won by five wickets.

Waterkloof 270/8 (Franco Cronje 52, Marcus Bakker 43, Beukes van den Berg 36, Riley Miller 35; Johan Feuth 28; Extras 20; Ulrich Roth 2/28, Nicholas Nejthardt 2/35); SACS 178 (Reza Salie 57, Rowen Taplin 28, Litha Kraai 27, Keagan Borst 25; Marcus Bakker 3/37, Wian Ruthven 2/9, Luan Ferreira 2/29). Waterkloof won by 92 runs.

u15

Affies 241/8 (Zian Labuschagne 74, Dawie Barnard 51); Diocesan College 86. Affies won by 155 runs.

Rondebosch 312/4 (Matthew Brooks 71, Schalk Fourie 64, Nur Limbada 52); Pretoria Boys High 89. Rondebosch won by 223 runs.

Waterkloof 117. SACS 118/5 (Aqeel Waggie 56); SACS won by five wickets.

Hilton College 232; Wynberg 200 (Harbin Smith 87). Hilton College won by 32 runs.

St David’s 89; St Charles 90/5. St Charles won by five wickets.

Heavy overnight rain, leading to flooded and muddy fields, meant only two matches could be played on the final day of the iHlobo Festival in Botha’s Hill. The hosts, Kearsney College, took on Falcon College, from Matabeleland, while Durban High School tackled St John’s College, from Harare.

Kearsney College vs Falcon College

On the AH Smith Oval, Kearsney were led by their 2024 captain, Ross Coetzee, for the first time. He had previously been in action alongside 2023 skipper, Hayden Bishop, at the CSA Cubs Week, where both players did well for a Coastal Conquerors team that underperformed.

It didn’t take long for Coetzee to make his presence felt. Batting at three, he top-scored with 71 from only 50 deliveries, sending four balls over the boundary and another two into the picket fence.

Jack O’Donovan was also destructive, smashing four sixes and a single four in his unbeaten 53 from 41 balls.

Together, the pair shared a 114-run partnership for the fourth wicket and after 20 overs Kearsney had tallied 158 for 5.

Benjamin Williams performed well for Falcon, capturing 2 for 20 from his four overs, while Taurai Zimunthu picked up 2 for 28 in three.

In reply, Falcon made an excellent start to their run chase, with Brandon Ndiweni and Reed Merick combining in a stand of exactly 100 for the first wicket. They played with controlled aggression, although the introduction of the Kearsney spinners saw their run rate drop a little.

Merick was the first to depart, out for 39 from 44 balls, with three fours and a six. Ndiweni followed 10 runs later for a well-played run-a-ball 56, which included four fours and two sixes.

Zach Gover struck two maximums in his quickfire 17 from 10 balls but, in the end, Falcon came up 12 runs short. It was, however, an encouraging performance from the Zimbabweans, who had endured a challenging festival. The victory meant Kearsney retained their unbeaten record.

Jack O’Donovan snared 3 for 15 in two for the winners, while Murray Weyer took 2 for 22 in two, and captain Coetzee, although he went wicketless, staunched the flow of runs, returning figures of 0 for 14 in three.

Durban High School vs St John’s College

In the only other match, Durban High School set St John’s College a challenging run chase after posting 173 for 4 at a rate of 8.65 runs per over.

The DHS openers, Omar Ismael and Ethan Cooper, were dismissed cheaply, but Bhavesh Naicker and Josh van Biljon then got stuck into the Rams’ bowlers, putting on 95 runs in 12.1 overs.

Van Biljon was the first to depart, falling for 44 from 35 deliveries, with four fours and one six, with the total on 120.

Nineteen runs later, Naicker was caught by John-Mark Benadie off the bowling of Khulekani Nduku for 72 from only 56 balls, with six fours and three sixes.

Rivash Naicker provided the DHS innings with a late boost, launching two deliveries over the boundary in an undefeated knock of 21 off of 12 balls.

Khulekani Nduku was expensive but picked up 2 for 44 in his three overs. Meanwhile Michael and Kian Blignaut bowled tidily, with Michael returning figures of 0 for 15 from four, while Kian finished with 0 for 20 from his four.

St John’s made a bright start at the crease, exceeding the required run rate for the first three overs, but they then lost three wickets for the addition of only 11 runs, slipping from 27 without loss to 38 for 3.

Luke Wright, as he did throughout the festival, provided some fireworks, blasting two fours and two sixes as he sprinted to 25 from 11 balls before being caught by Ismael Omar off the bowling of Ethan Cooper.

John-Mark Benadie batted well for 42 from 30 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes, but the Rams’ lower order failed to fire.

Their fifth wicket went down on 91 and 50 runs later the last wicket fell as St John’s were bowled out for 141 after 18 overs, leaving DHS the comfortable winners by 32 runs.

Jared Havermann snared 3 for 26 in three for the Horseflies, while Sfundo Mthembu knocked over 2 for 22 in four. Lazlo Jooste contributed 2 for 27 in four, and Ethan Cooper took 2 for 30 in three as a young DHS side, playing without some of its leading players, finished on a high note.

Summarised Scores

Kearsney College 158/5 (Ross Coetzee 71, Jack O’Donovan 53*, Benjamin Williams 2/20, Taurai Zimunhu 2/28); Falcon College 146/6 (Brandon Ndiweni 56, Reed Merick 39, Jack O’Donovan 3/15, Murray Weyer 2/22) Kearsney won by 12 runs.

Durban High School 173/4 (Bhavesh Naicker 72, Josh van Biljon 44, Rivash Naicker 21, Khulekani Nduku 2/44); St John’s College 141/10 (John-Mark Benadie 42, Luke Wright 25, Jared Havermann 3/26, Sfundo Mthembu 2/22, Lazlo Jooste 2/27, Ethan Cooper 2/30) DHS won by 32 runs.

Schools’ waterpolo action returns to the fore this coming weekend when Paul Roos Gymnasium hosts its annual Pre-Season Water Polo Festival in Stellenbosch.

The two-day event starts on Friday and culminates with an epic clash between South African College High School (SACS), and St Andrew’s College, from the Eastern Cape, the following day at 17:00.

The festival will allow some teams to pick up from where they left off in 2023. For others, there will be an opportunity for new players to gel with the senior guys, while building combinations and working on tactical aspects of the game will be equally important ahead of several big tournaments coming up in the next two months.

Albeit that no champions will be crowned, the hosts and SACS will enter the festival expected to dominate their fixtures and pick up from where they left off last October.

The two sides were neck-and-neck in 2023, despite SACS winning two finals against the side from Stellenbosch in the latter part of the year.

SACS first claimed the Clifton Water Polo Tournament title, defeating the same Paul Roos 7-6 in the final. They repeated that feat against the same opponents shortly afterwards during their home festival, where they overcame their arch-rivals 6-3.

Another team aiming to use the festival to its advantage is St Andrew’s College.

The prestigious school from Makhanda competed against the country’s best last season and will be eager to improve on a promising season which finished with a semi-final spot at the St Stithians Water Polo Invitational. It will also present St Andrew’s with an opportunity to sharpen their skills before they host their water polo tournament later this month.

For the other Cape sides – Wynberg, Bishops, and Rondebosch – catching up or at least putting up a fight against SACS and Paul Roos will be the main objective. Another powerful side, Reddam House Constantia are, without a doubt, the dark horses and could spring a few surprises.

The matches will run for 30 minutes, with two breaks during the day. The organisers have also confirmed to SuperSport Schools that no scores will be kept as the festival is all about preparation for the forthcoming season.

Fixtures

Day 1:

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

Day 2:

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

Die Hoërskool Middelburg en Wesvalia van Klerksdorp sal sake teen mekaar in die eindstryd van die eerste Kovsie Smash in Bloemfontein uitspook.

Dit was weer die Dreyer-duo, Eduard en Marneu Dreyer, van Wesvalia wat aan die voorpunt van hul span se sege van 75 lopies oor HTS Middelburg in die halfeindstryd van die Kovsie Smash was.

Eduard Dreyer was weer op sy stukke met ‘n onoorwonne beurt van 86 lopies nie uit nie van slegs 62 aflewerings. Die aanvangskolwer se beurt het nege grenshoue ingesluit waarvan ses viere was en drie oor die grenstou geseil het.

Marneu Dreyer het ook sy goeie spelpatroon voortgesit om nog 27 lopies by week se totaal te las. Hy en Eduard Dreyer was ook in 42-lopie aanvangsvennootskap, waarna daar voet op die versneller gehou is vir vennootskappe van 48 lopies en 53 lopies na Marneu Dreyer se terugkeer na die paviljoen.

Met die bal in hand was dit Ethan Walker se beurt om die Middelburgers onder druk te sit. Hy kon na ‘n goeie boulskof spof met indrukwekkende syfers van 3/24 in sy toegelate vier beurte. Eduard Dreyer het ook ‘n waardevolle bydra gemaak met syfers van 2/10, terwyl Quewen Fourie ook twee paaltjies kon plat rek vir 24 lopies.

In die ander halfeindstryd is daar beslis naels gekou langs die veld. Die gasheer, Fichardtpark, het teen die onvoorspelbare Hoërskool Middelburg te staan gekom. Dit was egter nie die begin waarvoor die Fichies gehoop het nie en was die gashere vroeg kniediep in die moeilikheid.

Die Middies se Gavin Genis het die grootste skade berokken deur van vier kolwers vir net 24 lopies in sy vier boulbeurte ontslae geraak. Ivan Deale (2/9) het ook Fichies se kolwers met sy boulwerk probleme besorg. Fichies is op die ou einde vir net 61 lopies uitgeknikker.

Fichardtpark het egter nie gaan lê nie en ‘n terugvegpoging geloots danksy goeie boulwerk deur Stian Kruger (3/13) en Eben Botha (2/9). Shaun Taljaaard (16, 17b) het saam met Hendré Nel (7*) gesorg dat Middelburg hul plek in die eindstryd bespreek.

Die Fichies sal op die laaste dag sake uitspook om die derde en vierde plek wanneer hy teen HTS Middelburg te staan kom.

Beknopte telkaarte: 

Fichardtpark 61 (MJ Herbst 14; Gavin Genis 4/24, Ivan Deale 2/9); Hoërskool Middelburg 62/7 (Shaun Taljaard 16, Stian Kruger 3/13, Eben Botha 2/9); Hoërskool Middelburg wen met drie paaltjies.

Wesvalia 163/5 (Eduard Dreyer 86*, Marneu Dreyer 27, Ethan Walker 21; WJ Enslin 3/35); HTS Middelburg 88 (Toy Engelbrecht 21; Ethan Walker 3/24, Eduard Dreyer 2/10, Quewen Fourie 2/24). Wesvalia wen met 75 lopies.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 171/4 (Dian Gouws 63*, Philip Weterman 49, Hanno van Zyl 25; Luke Juylan 1/60); Despatch 107 (Tyron Smit 45, CJ Palfram 26; Stephan Swanepoel 4/9, Juan Rademeyer 2/11). Hoërskool Pietersburg wen met 64 lopies.

Oos-Moot 89/6 (Ryno Spies 32; Liam Laing 2/20); Kalahari 93/3 (Malan Lubbe 45*; Divan Potgieter 1/17). Kalahari wen met sewe paaltjies. 

Hoërskool Trio 175/7 (Gabriel Mochabela 71*, Miguel Menino 50; Cecil Parsons 3/18, Juan Theunissen 3/29); Voortrekker 176/8 (André Heunis 68, Cecil Parsons 48; Thuto Kekane 4/35). Voortrekker wen met twee paaltjies.

Witteberg 109/5 (Lesego Mosikidi 43; Motsitsi Mototo 1/7); Goudveld-Hoërskool 92/9 (Keagan Frankenfeld 18; Dumisani Johnsen 3/10, Lesego Mosikidi 2/21). Witteberg wen met 17 lopies.

Jim Fouché 119/7 (Adrian de Necker 36, Niel Wilken 33; Arkupal Dutta 1/1); Hoërskool Sasolburg 97 (Meyer Pretorius 18; Pieter Conradie 4/23, Franco de Necker 2/19). Jim Fouché wen met 22 lopies.

Sentraal 92/8 (Daniel Pienaar 24; Janco de Lange 5/11); Overvaal 93/5 (Janco de Lange 39, EW Botes 28*; Aldo Bezuidenhout 2/10, Reshe Wales 2/13). Overvaal wen met vyf paaltjies.

Pretoria Boys High continued their unbeaten run on day two of the 2024 Old Mutual Peninsula Cricket Festival.

The standout performer on Wednesday, Nicholas Rossouw, produced a brilliant all-round performance, claiming an impressive 7/57 with the ball before taking charge with the bat and scoring an unbeaten 43 to orchestrate an outstanding victory over Wynberg Boys’ High.

Watch the games live on SuperSport Schools – Register now – Link to the tournament

Wynberg were progressing steadily at 60/2 when Rossouw took a catch off of his own delivery, which set the stage for a bowling masterclass that snared six more batsmen, and left Wynberg back in the hut, all out for 161.

To their credit, the locals put up a massive fight through their bowlers, with Muhammad Ameen Schroeder taking three wickets for only 23 runs to put the pressure back on the boys from Pretoria, who stumbled to 50/5.

Rossouw then took over in the middle and wrested control for his side. His patient and classy knock, which lasted 110 deliveries, saw PBHS over the line with three wickets to spare.

Timothy Gordon and Johan Coetzer supported Rossouw well in the closing stages of the match, and a second victory on the trot showed that the squad from Pretoria is a force to be reckoned with at this year’s event.

Noah Heath and Daniel Cooke both notched centuries as Rondebosch Boys’ High powered to an impressive victory over a strong Waterkloof team.

Heath reached 115 off 128 deliveries before Waterkloof’s captain, Beukes van der Berg palmed a catch off a delivery from Jaydon Blom.

Then, after Cooke reached 104, the Capetonians declared with their total on 284. The industrious ‘Bosch opener scored 64 runs between the wickets and smashed 10 fours.

This year’s hosts, Diocesan College kept their record clean with another dominant performance against St David’s Marist Inanda.

Batting first, Bishops put up an imposing 307/7. James Rob-Quinlann spearheaded their onslaught, scoring 70, but their entire lineup contributed as they built a safe buffer between them and the team from Sandton.

The Bishops’ bowlers then performed well as a unit to stunt any hopes of a run chase and sent their visitors packing well short of the required target.

Michael Kotze and Peyton Leigh claimed three wickets apiece as the home side kept Saints’ total to just shy of triple figures.

Apart from Rossouw’s seven, the only five-for of the day belonged to SACS‘ Josh van Staden (5/52), who helped his team to a big 149-run triumph over St Charles. SACS’ captain, Reza Salie, struck a century to lead his side to 285/6.

Meanwhile, Vihan Pretorius‘s monster innings, which brought him 100 from a mere 64 deliveries, was pivotal for Affies, who were chasing a challenging total of 220 set by Hilton College.

Hilton skipper Ethan van Heerden bowled extremely well to send four of the batsmen from Gauteng packing, but Pretorius was able to muscle his side over the line with three wickets in hand.

Summarised Scorecards, Day Two

Wynberg Boys’ High 161 (Divan Linde 40, Storme van Rooyen 27, Xavier Garvs 23; Nicholas Rossouw 7/57, Johan Coetzer 2/14); Pretoria Boys’ High 163/7 (Nicholas Rossouw 43*, Timothy Gordon 36, Patrick Mouton 26, Johan Coetzer 25*; Muhamad Ameen Schroeder 3/23, Divan Linde 2/22). Pretoria Boys’ High won by three wickets.

Rondebosch Boys’ High 284/2 (Noah Heath 115, Daniel Cooke 104*, Declan Gillespie 35*; Jaydon Blom 2/59); Waterkloof 165 (Franco Cronje 50, Rico van der Walt 28, Riley Miller 22; Daniel Powell 3/26, Declan Gillespie 2/19). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by 119 runs.

Diocesan College 307/7 (James Rob-Quinlann 70, Thaafier Japhta 57, Adnaan Lagadien 43, Wakeem Fortuin 42, Samuel Stavely-Alexander 27, Calum Daniels 22, Extras 20; Oliver Botha 2/54, Matthew West 2/57, Jared Beilings 2/68); St David’s Marist 99 (Kamogelo Phiri 24, Michael Kotze 3/25, Peyton Leigh 3/41, Waco Bassick 2/13, Tiaan Louw 2/15). Diocesan College won by 208 runs.

SACS 285/6 (Reza Salie 109, Rowen Taplin 71, Luke Whitehead 39, Keiron Bowers 24; Marcell Wellman 3/57, Daksesh Rajah 2/41); St Charles 137 (Stefan Veldsman 43, Daksesh Rajah 29, Dresden Coetzee 21*; Josh van Staden 5/52, Nicholas Oscroft 2/8). SACS won by 149 runs.

Hilton College 220/9 (Ben Hockly 69, Robert Burman 35, Murray Loughor-Clarke 34, Charles Swart 26; Petrus Rautenbach 2/56); Affies 221/7 (Vihan Pretorius 100, Divan de Villiers 30, Extras 25, Xavier de Wet 24*, JP Botha 24; Ethan van Heerden 4/43, Didier Rey 2/37). Affies won by three wickets.

u15

Diocesan College 129; St David’s Marist 57. Diocesan College won by 72 runs.

Rondebosch Boys High 127; Waterkloof 130/3 (Wian du Plessis 57). Waterkloof won by seven wickets.

Hilton College 203 (Ben Wilson 53, Ryan Jellis 51; Schalk Coetzee 5/21); Affies 100. Hilton College won by 103 runs.

Wynberg Boys’ High 306 (Harbin Smith 96, Connor Fourie 71. Pretoria Boys’ High 228/9 (Ethan Nel 64). Match Drawn.

SACS 190/5 (Jordi Berry 91); St Charles 153/7. Match Drawn.

Kearsney College vs Clifton College

In a battle of the unbeatens, Kearsney College defeated Clifton College by 50 runs on Wednesday at the iHlobo Cricket Festival, being hosted by Kearsney in Botha’s Hill.

Keegan de Jager, who represented KZN at under-15 level last year, showed that the step up to the 1st XI was not too big for him by top scoring with 76 as Kearsney totalled 218, batting first.

Cameron Veenstra continued his good form by making 35 before he became one of two stumping victims. Matthew Lamplough scored 23 at the top of the order, while fast bowler Sandiswa Yeni showed he can wield the willow, too, weighing in with 21.

Shiraz Perumal was the most successful bowler for Clifton, claiming 3 for 48 in 10. Rivan Moodley was tight, picking up a fine 2 for 28 in 10, while Simon Hill took 2 for 41 in his 10.

Kearsney, with most of their bowling attack from last year’s successful 1st XI returning, including opening bowlers Ryan Browning and Sandiswa Yeni, made quick inroads into the Clifton batting, with Byron Ward caught and bowled by Browning for two and Muhammed Malek LBW without scoring to Yeni.

The Durban school toiled manfully to break the shackles Kearsney had thrown upon them, but they could never quite escape their clutches. Tim Saulez, a classy presence in their top order, managed 19 before he fell. Then, with Kearsney comfortably on top, the lower order staged an impressive fightback.

Lawson Dinsdale, in at nine, led the way with 33 not out, and Caleb Naicker made 21, batting at 10, but Clifton’s top order had not made enough of an impact, and they were dismissed for 168.

Yeni captured 2 for 27 in eight, while his new ball partner, Browning, knocked over 2 for 39 in six. Matt Lamplough ensured his was a solid all-round contribution by picking up 2 for 27 in seven.

DHS vs St Alban’s College

A 70-run stand for the second wicket was the highlight of St Alban’s College‘s innings against DHS. Kyle Block was then dismissed for 47 from 52 deliveries, with two fours and two sixes.

Patrick Weir, his partner in that crucial effort, went on to make exactly 50 from 58 balls. When he fell, with the total on 113, the St Alban’s innings lost momentum as only two more batsmen made it into the teens. After 33.5 overs, the boys from Pretoria were all out for 155.

Jared Havemann knocked over four batsmen to finish with 4 for 35 from his eight overs, while Sfundo Mthembu captured 3 for 23, and Ethan Cooper took 2 for 30 from seven.

The DHS reply resembled their opponent’s innings in that it was based mostly on the contributions of only two batsmen, and their partnership. Josh van Biljon top scored with 52 from 62 balls, with six fours and a six, while Ethan Cooper made 21, and together they produced a stand of 53 for the third wicket.

Van Biljon was run out, as was Taine Havermann, and that hurt the DHS batting effort.

Jared Havermann, batting eighth, delivered an unbeaten 19 from 20 balls, but there was nothing more of substance as DHS were bowled out for 129, leaving St Alban’s the victors by 26 runs.

Liam Basch led from the front for the Pretoria school, snapping up 3 for 30 in 6.3 overs, while his opening partner, Rohan Govind, took 2 for 27 in seven. Tim Garnett claimed 2 for 31 in his seven, and Christian Visagé put the batsmen under pressure with a return of 1 for 9 from five.

Michaelhouse vs Falcon College

Michaelhouse kept their clean record intact by overwhelming Falcon College.

The Zimbabweans batted first but struggled to come to terms with the bowling of the tall left-arm spinner Cameron Strudwick, who turned out for KZN Inland in the Khaya Majola Week. Strudwick ripped apart the Falcon innings, sending down 8.4 overs, four of which were maidens, and snaring 4 for 10.

Nicholas Baker was also extremely effective with the ball, picking up 3 for 5 in three overs.

Liam Nel, with 20, was the best of the Falcon batsmen. But their innings fell apart at the end of the 21st over when the fourth wicket went down with the total on 87. Only eight runs later, Falcon were all out for 95.

Michaelhouse came out aggressively, in pursuit of a low total, and their efforts were helped by Falcon, who grassed a number of catches.

Captain Ethan Muir struck an unbeaten 49, with three fours and a six, while Tomas Baguley contributed two fours and a six in a quickfire 11-ball knock, which brought him 21 not out and saw House to a nine-wicket victory. Opener Michael Spencer weighed in with 20.

St John’s College (Harare) vs Uplands College

St John’s College ensured there was a Zimbabwean success as they cruised to a six-wicket win over Uplands College.

Visiting the crease first, the team from White River put up 125 all out, led by Tristan Rijkenberg‘s 34, while Bruce Nel grafted hard for 29 at the top of the order, but there was not much support for the duo.

Kian Blignaut went for 4.9 runs per over, but also got in among the wickets, to finish with 4 for 49 from his 10 overs. New ball bowler John-Mark Benadie shone with a return of 3 for 9 from six, and Michael Blignaut also removed three batsmen at a cost of 31 runs from 9.4 overs.

St John’s then took 19.2 overs to overhaul the Uplands’ total. Opening batsmen Khulekani Nduku combined with Kian Blignaut for a second wicket stand of 61 runs, which set their side on course for victory. Nduku then fell for 32 from 34 balls, which included four fours and two sixes.

Blignaut advanced the total to 110 before he was out for 45 after striking four fours and three sixes in a 39-ball stay. John-Mark Benadie was dismissed two runs later for 14, but Michael Blignaut and Luca Spagnuolo then saw the Rams to victory.

Summarised scorecards

Kearsney College 218/10 (Keegan de Jager 76, Cameron Veenstra 35, Matthew Lamplough 23, Sandiswa Yeni 21, Shiraz Perumal 3/48, Rivan Moodley 2/28, Simon Hill 2/41); Clifton College 168/10 (Lawson Dinsdale 33*, Caleb Naicker 21, Sandiswa Yeni 2/27, Matthew Lamplough 2/29, Ryan Browning 2/39) Kearsney College won by 50 runs.

St Alban’s College 155/10 (Patrick Weir 50, Kyle Block 47, Jared Havermann 4/35, Sfundo Mthembu 3/23, Ethan Cooper 2/30); DHS 129/10 (Josh van Biljon 52, Ethan Cooper 21, Liam Basch 3/30, Rohan Govind 2/27, Tim Garnett 2/31) St Alban’s College won by 26 runs.

Falcon College 95/10 (Liam Nel 20, Cameron Strudwick 4/10, Nicholas Baker 3/5); Michaelhouse 99/1 (Ethan Muir 49*, Tomas Baguley 21*, Michael Spencer 20) Michaelhouse won by 9 wickets.

Uplands College 125/10 (Tristan Rijkenberg 34, Bruce Nel 29, Kian Blignaut 4/49, John-Mark Benadie 3/9, Michael Blignaut 3/31); St John’s College 129/4 (Kian Blignaut 45, Khulekani Nduku 32, Leam van Zyl 2/25) St John’s won by 6 wickets.