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Hoerskool Waterkloof have made history by becoming the first side to be crowned champions of the Titans A-League for three consecutive years.

They comfortably beat Pretoria Boys High by seven wickets over the course of two days in a mid-week showdown last week to sign off their league campaign on a winning note before heading into the Noordvaal Gunn & Moore playoffs.

When Boys High batted first, Hernus Marais led an onslaught with the ball for the Klofies, claiming three scalps for only 32 runs. His spell had the visitors in big trouble in the early going.

Jacques van Niekerk (2/24) and Franco Cronje (2/22) also chipped in with four wickets between them as Boys High stumbled along.

But Marc van der Merwe had an answer to everything the Klofies’ attack threw at him. He showed class and maturity amidst the chaos, working his way to a memorable 88 from 109 deliveries. His stubborn resistance also helped the visitors to a respectable 192 before they were bowled out in the 48th over.

As expected, the Klofies’ batsmen were comfortable on their home pitch. After the early loss of Wian Ruthven, Divan Behrens knuckled down to set the tone for the rest of the run chase. Playing smartly, he produced a match-winning 76 from 93 deliveries, which included six fours.

Beukes van den Berg also chipped in with a crucial captain’s knock of 68 from just 61 balls. Motoring along at a strike rate of 111, the Klofies’ skipper struck 10 fours. Together, the two senior statesmen shared an impressive 121-run partnership to guide Waterkloof to a seven-wicket victory.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

Summarised scorecards: 

Pretoria Boys High 192/10 (Marc van der Merwe 88, Nicholas Rossouw 28; Hernus Marais 3/32, Jacques van Niekerk 2/24, Franco Cronje 2/22, Wian Ruthven 2/35); Waterkloof 194/3 (Divan Behrens 76, Beukes van den Berg 68; Rossouw 1/17). Waterkloof won by seven wickets.

In a sensational display of batting prowess, Fichardtpark‘s first-team openers, Eben Botha and MJ Herbst, showed remarkable chemistry and skill, amassing a staggering total of 343 runs without losing a wicket in their romp over the Regional Performance Centre (RPC) team in their Pro20 league encounter on Monday.

Fichardtpark’s captain, Botha, took centre stage and etched his name in his school’s record books with an astonishing innings, accumulating a remarkable 209 runs from just 73 deliveries. His ruthless performance was nothing short of extraordinary as he unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing 33 in total, with an impressive 18 of them soaring straight over the ropes for the maximum.

Not to be outdone, Herbst added his own fireworks to the mix by scoring 111 runs off 51 deliveries and, like his captain, finishing unbeaten.

The Fichies’ bowlers, inspired by their captain’s magnificent feat, took to the field with a spring in their step and followed through by limiting RPC to a meagre 92 runs.

Devanté Claasen, their Free State Academy Week scrumhalf, exhibited his multifaceted skillset and starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 22 runs, while Davyd Oosthuizen and Michael Cruywagen snapped up two each and conceded only 28 runs between them.

In the end, Fichardtpark outclassed the RPC by an astonishing 251-run margin. Their record-breaking performance has firmly established Fichies as a force to be reckoned with in the league this year and, at the same time, it sends out a clear warning to their opponents that the team from the south of Bloemfontein is on the rise.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

The 2023 hockey school season might’ve concluded at the end of August. However, the memories of excellence created by some still linger in the mind.

The season was, arguably, one of the most competitive, closely fought, and record-breaking hockey seasons the country has ever seen. Some schools managed to bolster their trophy cases, some players etched their names in their school’s history books, and some coaches created memories that would last a lifetime.

In the Free State, a team that rose to the occasion, dismantling almost every side it opposed, with trademark grit and determination, was Eunice High School. Their record was not unblemished, but the girls in green also faced one of the toughest schedules in the country.

The prestigious Bloemfontein school, renowned for its academic excellence, produced a season for the ages, winning four trophies and finishing the year ranked number one in South Africa.

During an incredibly jam-packed campaign, the Free State side played 55 matches, won 47 of them, lost only five, and drew three times.

In those 55 matches, Eunice was dominant, scoring freely while also maintaining a stout defence. They slotted 169 goals while conceding only 23.

The team, coached by the experienced Nika Coertzen, kicked off their marathon campaign with a clash against Voortrekker, winning that 2-0.

They then succumbed to a shock 1-2 defeat to St Stithians before going on an eight-match unbeaten run, thumping the likes of Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Sasolburg, Hoër Volkskool from Potchesfstroom, and St Mary’s at the St Mary’s Waverley hockey tournament.

In their twelfth match of the season, Coertzen’s side hit a stumbling block, losing 0-1 to Gqeberha’s Pearson High School in a very closely contested encounter.

Their other three defeats were to Bloemhof, Rhenish, and Collegiate.

Interestingly, Eunice also recorded wins over Pearson, Bloemhof, Rhenish and Collegiate.

For the majority of the season, Eunice flourished, tacking on victory after victory. Their sharp counterattacking abilities, coupled with great defence, ensured the side was a force to be reckoned with.

They participated in four festivals, namely the St Mary’s Festival, All Girls Festival, Fairtree Top 12 Schools, and the Free State Cup, and claimed the gold medal in three of them – only falling short in the All-Girls Festival, where they finished third. They then went on to win the Southern Free State League by defeating their long-time rivals, Oranje, who finished 2023 ranked number two in the country.

Looking back on a very busy but hugely rewarding season, head coach, Nika Coertzen told SuperSport Schools her team was satisfied with finishing first in the country. Beyond the statistics, though, what made 2023 so special was the memories the players created during the year.

“This season, as every season [does], had its ups and downs,” she said.

“We made memories, embraced things when they went well, and learned from the times when things were challenging. We are grateful for the results and will cherish special moments for the rest of our lives.”

Despite an extremely taxing schedule, Eunice maintained a winning consistency throughout the season. When the team suffered a setback, it reset and fought back with a vengeance.

Through the course of those 55 games, Eunice strung together seven streaks where they won five or more matches in succession. That momentum is what propelled them to the number one ranking in South Africa.

Assessing the success of the 2023 side, Coertzen said the foundation for its dominant year was laid by last season’s outfit.

“Every year is different,” she explained. “Each team brings different strengths and weaknesses, but the important thing is to have a good team dynamic.

“We have been building every year, so this is a constant we focus on. We try and be better every day, and that contributes to the overall performance at the end of the day.

“A happy team is a good team. We are really a family,” she said.

The Bloemfontein side will enjoy the off-season with another busy campaign awaiting them in 2024.

They face significant changes, with seven players matriculating this year, so will attack the pre-season early and with vigour.

Coertzen said she is optimistic about the young players coming into the first team, and said she hopes for similar success in 2023.

“I am excited about the talent coming through,” she enthused. “It is always a privilege to take on the best schools in the country, and to come out on top is always a blessing.

“Our goal for next season is to maintain a top-class standard.”

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

Eunice’s results for the 2023 Hockey season:

Voortrekker	2-1	Win
St Stithians	1-2	Loss
Beaulieu	2-0	Win
Wykeham	6-0	Win
Noordeheuwel	2-0	Win
Potch Gimmies	4-1	Win
Transvalia	7-0	Win
Volkies	15-0	Win
Sasolburg	5-0	Win
Paarl Vallei	5-1	Win
Pearson	0-1	Loss
DSG Makhanda	5-1	Win
Stirling	2-1	Win
Wykeham	2-0	Win
St Mary’s	2-0	Win
Windhoek	0-0	Draw
St Cyprians	2-0	Win
Affies	1-0	Win
Durban Girls College	3-1	Win
Clarendon	1-0	Win
Paarl Gimnasium	2-2	Draw
Paarl Girls High	2-1	Win
St Mary’s	2-0	Win
Oranje	1-0	Win
St Mary’s	1-0	Win
Garsfontein	1-0	Win
Colts	6-0	Wins
Bloemhof	0-1	Loss
Potchefstroom Girls	7-0	Win
La Rochelle	4-0	Win
Rustenburg Girls	1-0	Win
Danville	2-0	Win
Collegiate	3-2	Win
Rhenish	0-2	Loss
Clarendon	1-0	Win
St Michael’s	10-0	Win
Clarendon	7-0	Win
Jim Fouché	4-0	Win
Sentraal	8-0	Win
Oranje	2-2	Draw
Fichardtpark	12-0	Win
Oranje 2nd	5-0	Win
Collegiate	0-2	Loss
Pearson	1-0	Win
Jim Fouché	7-0	Win
Oranje	4-3	Win
Pearson	1-0	Win
Garsfontein	2-1	Win
Bloemhof	3-0	Win
Durban Girls College	2-1	Win
Rhenish	1-0	Win
Oranje	2-1	Win
Paarl Gimnasium	3-1	Win
Voortrekker	3-2	Win
Sasolburg	5-0	Win

 

Noordheuwel is gearing up for what could be an unprecedented fourth title in succession for the school in the 2024 NWU Prestige Series. Their campaign kicks off at home against Hugenote from Springs on the 9th of March.

All the games will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools – Register now. 

Back in 2019, Noordheuwel made history by ending Lichtenburg’s three-year championship streak. A decisive victory over Wesvalia in the final that year, by a 22-3 margin, marked a turning point in the series. Since then, they’ve dominated the competition.

After the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they won again in 2022 and 2023. So, another victory in 2024 would better Lichtenburg’s record.

This year, there are two new contenders in the mix. Hoërskool Klerksdorp and Hoërskool Pietersburg have stepped up to replace Middelburg High School and last year’s runners-up, Oos-Moot, in the lineup.

Klerksdorp High School won’t have the luxury of easing into the competition as they find themselves pitted against the defending champions, Noordheuwel, in their final group stage match on the 6th of April.

It’s a high-pressure encounter that will define their journey in the NWU Prestige Series, and it’ll be intriguing to see if the newcomers are able to hold their own against the reigning champions.

In Pool B, their neighbours from Klerksdorp, seasoned campaigners, Wesvalia, face off against Hoërskool Rustenburg, Montana, and Oosterlig. This pool promises some intense battles.

Meanwhile, Pool C features Zwartkop from Centurion, Potchefstroom Volkskool, Jeugland, and one of last year’s top performers, Marais Viljoen. Like Group B, the competition in this group is expected to be fierce.

The other new entrant, Hoërskool Pietersburg, joins the fray alongside the experienced Blue Machine from Lichtenburg, who will aim to reproduce their glory days in the NWU Prestige Series. They’ll be sharing Pool D with Potchefstroom Gimnasium and Die Anker.

The exciting mix of teams sets the stage for another action-packed series in 2024.

The groups are:

Pool A: Noordheuwel, Hugenote, Heidelberg Volkskool, Klerksdorp High School.
Pool B: Rustenburg High School, Montana, Wesvalia, Oosterlig.
Pool C: Zwartkop, Marais Viljoen, Potchefstroom Volkskool, Jeugland.
Pool D: Potchefstroom Gimnasium, Pietersburg High School, Die Anker, Lichtenburg.

The fixtures

9 March 2024

Hugenote vs Noordheuwel
Klerksdorp vs Heidelberg Volkskool
Wesvalia vs Montana
Oosterlig vs Rustenburg
Jeugland vs Zwartkop
Potchefstroom Volkskool vs Marais Viljoen
Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Lichtenburg
Pietersburg vs Die Anker.

16 March 2024

Hugenote vs Klerksdorp
Heidelberg Volkskool vs Noordheuwel
Montana vs Oosterlig
Rustenburg vs Wesvalia
Zwartkop vs Potchefstroom Volkskool
Marais Viljoen vs Jeugland
Lichtenburg vs Pietersburg
Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Die Anker

6 April 2024

Heidelberg Volkskool vs Hugenote
Noordheuwel vs Klerksdorp
Rustenburg vs Montana
Wesvalia vs Oosterlig
Jeugland vs Potchefstroom Volkskool
Marais Viljoen vs Zwartkop
Pietersburg vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium
Die Anker vs Lichtenburg

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

The schools’ cricket season might be winding down as the end-of-year exams draw ever nearer, but there was some blistering action on the weekend, especially from batsmen, with superb centuries being scored all around the country.

A fine example was destructively set by the Proteas‘ Heinrich Klaasen.

The former Menlo Park student claimed the man of the man award after spearheading South Africa to 399 for 7 against England in their Cricket World Cup clash in Mumbai.

It took him just 67 balls to tally 109, with 12 fours and four sixes, and South Africa went on to a massive 229-run victory…which was a lot more convincing than the Springboks managed against England in Paris on Saturday evening. Still, they qualified for the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at Stade de France this coming Saturday.

Back to the cricket… A spectacular unbeaten 205 scored by Charl Prinsloo was a sparkling highlight for Hoërskool Centurion in their T20 match against Sutherland High. His aggressive knock, the highest score yet by a Centurion batsman in a T20, included a mind-blowing 16 sixes and 15 fours.

Not surprisingly, Prinsloo and co roared to victory. After posting 285 for 2, they needed only 16.4 overs to dismiss Sutherland for 61.

St John’s College‘s Joe Macrobert came close to a double-century, following up an unbeaten 92 in a T20 against St David’s Marist Inanda on Wednesday with an unbeaten 183 against the same opposition on Saturday in a 50-overs-a-side game. His outstanding knock enabled St John’s to overhaul St David’s total of 346 for 5 with more than 10 overs in hand!

For St David’s, Armaan Manack, with 140, and Matthew West, with 125, delivered with the bat. Usually, that would be more than enough, but Macrobert’s special 101-ball knock brought St John’s a remarkable win.

A thrilling under-15A match between the two schools deserves mention, also. With over 560 runs scored in total, St John’s claimed a one-wicket victory, successfully chasing down the opposition’s 280 for 8. They owed plenty to Darshik Lutchman, who finished unbeaten on 160, having struck 19 fours and six sixes.

In the Western Cape, Kashief Joseph contributed almost 63 percent of Diocesan College’s runs, but his outstanding 145 not out was not quite enough to see the Bishops’ 1^st XI to a victory over SACS. They came up 13 runs short.

Another superb innings didn’t deliver a victory, either, when Waylin Frank scored 101 of De Villiers Graaf‘s 189 all out against Somerset College. That fact had plenty to do with Somerset’s Chad Ayford, who responded with an unbeaten 101 to help his side to a nine-wicket win.

Meanwhile, Kyle van Santen produced way more than Curro Durbanville managed as a team, making an unbeaten 102, to propel Stellenberg to a 161-run victory.

And, in Durban, Hilton College‘s Ben Hockly helped the Midlands’ school return to form after their batting misfired against Glenwood last weekend.

He made exactly 100 at Northwood, on a challenging track which always offers the bowlers something, to set up Hilton for a convincing 62-run win.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

Another round of Gauteng Development League fixtures graced our screens on SuperSport channel 216 this past weekend.

All eyes were on Balfour Park as Highlands Park sought to carve their name on this season’s trophy as champions of the u19 division.

Having topped the log standings for all of the second half of the campaign, it was, therefore, no surprise that the ‘Orange Army’ were crowned the champions.

Their domination saw them lose only three matches, draw four and record 26 victories over the past eight months of intense competition.

Impressively, Highlands Park secured the title with one round of fixtures still remaining on the schedule.

Gauteng Development League Weekend Results:

Sunday:

Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School vs Highlands Park (1-2)
TUKS vs Panorama FC (1-2)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Jomo Cosmos FC (1-0)

Saturday:

Remember Elite Sports Academy vs Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School (2-2)
Randburg AFC vs School of Excellence (1-0)
Prestige Football Development Academy vs Siluma 7 (1-0)
Panorama FC vs Supersport United (2-0)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs TS Galaxy (6-0)
Kathorus Hyper Academy vs TUKS (1-1)
Kaizer Chiefs FC vs Wits Junior (2-0)
Kagiso Porto vs Highlands Park (1-2)
Joburg City FC vs Jomo Cosmos (5-2)

The Class of ’23
Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

The Spartans, under the watchful eye of coach Relton Booysen, defeated the hosts, the Hout Bay Hurricanes, on Sunday evening to be crowned the Cape Basketball Cup champions.

During the round-robin stage of the competition, both finalists dominated and powered their way to decisive wins. When they met in the preliminaries, however, the Hurricanes recorded a convincing 61-47 victory.

In their next game, the Spartans redeemed themselves against Delft Umoja, running out 46-39 winners, to secure a place in the playoffs.

Coach Booysen said it was not an easy competition for his young Spartans’ team, adding that it was a big challenge to face the hosts for the title after they had decisively lost to the same side in the group stages.

He explained that it was very important for his charges to stick to their game plan in the final, and to work hard.

Booysen said he believes that the result of the title game, a six-point win for the Spartans, was a true reflection of what his team was capable of producing. They were deserved winners, and he was proud of them, he said.

Group Stages Results 

Game 1: Hout Bay Hurricanes 58 vs Delft Umoja 43

Game 2: Spartans 65 vs Hout Bay Snipers 40

Game 3: Hout Bay Hurricanes 61 vs Spartans 47

Game 4: Hout Bay Snipers 64 vs Delft Umoja 60

Game 5: Hout Bay Hurricanes 90 vs Hout Bay Snipers 56

Game 6: Spartans 46 vs Delft Umoja 39

In the final four, the Hout Bay Hurricanes withstood a strong Delft Umoja bid for an upset to reach the title decider after a 71-69 win. Meanwhile, a lopsided 56-32 Spartans’ victory over the Hout Bay Snipers saw them through to the final.

In an eagerly awaited rematch, the Spartans outlasted the Hurricanes 54-48 to claim the silverware.

With both teams well-prepared and delivering high-intensity performances in the championship game, the winners were made to fight to the final whistle by their never-say-die opponents. In the end, just two three-pointers separated them.

 

St David’s Marist Inanda and St John’s College delivered one of the most astonishing matches of the season on Saturday, with St John’s recording a convincing victory despite seeing two St David’s batsmen score centuries in their 50-overs-a-side clash.

St John’s captain Joe Macrobert was the match-winner, thanks to a sensational knock.

Batting first at home, St David’s lost an early wicket, but Armaan Manack and captain Matthew West then joined forces and put the visitors’ bowlers to the sword. Spending just shy of 40 overs together, they amassed 255 runs for the second wicket.

Manack’s 121-ball stay included 16 fours and a six and delivered 140 runs. He was out with the total on 271.

West lasted until the score had reached 299. He was, then, dismissed for 125 from 126 deliveries, which included 12 fours and a six.

An aggressive cameo from Morteza Manack, who smashed three sixes and a four in an undefeated 42 from 28 balls, then boosted Saint David’s to a daunting 346 for 5 from their 50 overs.

Viewed in the context of the onslaught, Alec Loveland‘s full complement of 10 overs at a cost of 49 runs was an outstanding contribution for St John’s.

Luthando Masando was the only bowler, meanwhile, to pick up more than one wicket, bagging 2 for 67 from his 10.

St John’s made a steady start to their massive run chase, with the openers, Nkosana Sibiya and Thomas Ievers, putting up 43 for the first wicket before Sibiya was sent on his way in the seventh over for 21 from 22.

Joe Macrobert joined Ievers out in the middle and immediately took charge. Ievers fed Macrobert the strike, yet still contributed 34 from 37 balls, before falling just before the century had been raised on the scoreboard. Macrobert, though, had barely begun his torment of the St David’s attack.

Receiving solid support from the men around him – Alec Loveland made 26, Jacob Smith 25, and Kago Masote a quickfire 35 not out from 21 deliveries – he delivered an immense innings.

Macrobert’s unbeaten knock lasted just 101 balls, but he deposited 10 of those over the boundary, and sent another 14 for four, as he struck an eye-opening 183 to power his side to victory with an astounding 10.3 overs to spare.

Given the carnage all around him, Jarred Baillings‘ return of 2 for 37 from five overs was remarkable, while Jason Rowles did a good job, taking 2 for 59 in seven. The runs, though, kept rolling in, with Macrobert dictating the direction of the match.

He was there at the end when St John’s reached 350 for 4 to record an extraordinary six-wicket win.

Earlier in the week, the same two sides had met on Mitchell Field at St John’s in a T20 clash. It was not nearly as dramatic, but the home side also won that one, thanks, once again, to another match-winning effort from MacRobert. How the St David’s bowlers must fear his broad bat!

St David’s tallied 152 for 7 in their 20 overs, with 39 from Jason Rowles and 38 from Matthew West, but MacRobert decided the outcome of the contest.

From only 60 balls, he made 92 not out, with three sixes and eight fours, which, together with Nkosana Sibiya’s 34, helped guide his side to a seven-wicket victory, with 11 balls to spare.

It was a splendid knock. Yet, it served only as an appetiser for a mind-blowing performance on the weekend.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

Summarised Scorecards:

50-over

St David’s Marist Inanda 346/5 (Morteza Manack 140, Matthew West 125, Armaan Manack 43*, Luthando Masinda 2/67); St John’s College 350/4 (Joe Macrobert 183*, Kago Masote 35*, Thomas Ievers 34, Jarred Baillings 2/37, Jason Rowles 2/59)

St John’s College won by 6 wickets

T20

St David’s Marist Inanda 152/7 (Jason Rowles 39, Matthew West 38, Luthando Masinda 2/19, Cole Francis 2/29); St John’s College 158/3 (Joe Macrobert 92*, Nkosana Sibiya 34)

St John’s College won by 7 wickets

Despite a massive 159 by Kashief Joseph, opening for Diocesan College, SACS managed to grind out a dramatic victory, dismissing the visitors only 13 runs short of their 244.

SACS took first strike after winning the toss, seeking a big total to put pressure on the Bishops’ run chase.

A steady half-century from Rowen Taplin set SACS on their way, while Raashied Conrad, Keiron Bowers, and Joshua Wyngaard also chipped in with solid contributions, which helped them to a respectable 244 all out.

Peyton Leigh impressed for the visiting team, picking up a five-wicket haul for 38, while Tiaan Louw made his presence felt by dismissing four SACS batsmen.

With the victory target of 245 runs their goal, Diocesan College’s Adnaan Lagadien and Kashief Joseph took to the crease to open their innings.

Lagadien smashed two sixes and a four, amassing 22 runs, before he was caught by Hamish Anderson, courtesy of a delivery from Bowers. His contribution would prove to be the second highest score of the Bishops’ innings.

However, despite Joseph’s batting masterclass, the remainder of the Bishops’ line-up struggled against Litha Kraai and his counterparts in the SACS team.

Joseph, however, was unwavering for Diocesan College. His herculean innings of 145 runs from 140 deliveries showcased extraordinary resilience as he carried his team’s hopes until the very last moment before he was caught and bowled by Kraai.

Anderson lent good support to Kraai, making a significant contribution with three wickets of his own.

Over the course of an intense 48 overs, SACS meticulously worked their way through the Bishops’ batting line-up, straining to tighten their grip on the game despite Joseph’s continuing accumulation of runs. The momentum swung back and forth with every run added and each wicket knocked over.

In the end, the hosts emerged victorious by a slender margin of 13 runs, capping off a thrilling and dramatic contest that will be remembered for Joseph’s incredible batting display, Peyton Leigh’s five for 38 and SACS’ collective bowling prowess.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

Summarised scorecard:

SACS 244 (Rowen Taplin 54, Raashied Conrad 41, Keiron Bowers 39, Joshua Wyngaard 36; Peyton Leigh 5/38, Tiaan Louw 4/49); Diocesan College 231 (Kashief Joseph 159, Adnaan Lagadien 20; Litha Kraai 4/32, Hamish Anderson 3/37). SACS won by 13 runs.

 

Rondebosch Boys’ High have enjoyed an outstanding term, placing third at the Westvaal North-South T20 tournament, after coming up just short against the eventual champions, Waterkloof, in the semi-finals, and beating Grey College in a playoff match. They were also unbeaten at the Cape Schools Festival before that. On Saturday, their impressive form continued against Wynberg Boys’ High, with Bosch romping to a 151-run victory behind a precise bowling performance.

Watch the game again on SuperSport Schools – Register now – Link to the game

Rondebosch won the toss and elected to send the visitors out to field, which appeared to backfire at first. Wynberg wasted no time in going on the attack, with their bowlers wreaking havoc on the home team’s openers.

It was Declan Gillespie, batting at four, who steadied the ship for the hosts, scoring 63 runs in an 84-ball innings, which gave his side the foundation from which to build a respectable total of 226, with their innings ending on the penultimate ball of their 50 overs.

Raeeq Daniels played a massive role in his team’s victory, as well, reaching his half-century with the bat and then backing up that performance with an impressive bowling spell.

In fact, it was the Rondebosch boys’ bowling that won them the game, as they skittled the challengers for a meagre 75, still 151 runs short of their target.

Daniels spearheaded the attack, capturing three wickets for only 11 runs from six challenging overs.

Alexander Combrink and David Simon dismissed two Wynberg batsmen each, with Combrink bowling especially well in his five overs, which cost only seven runs.

Captain, Jordan Neill, ended Wynberg’s innings with a run out on the first ball of the 26th over to secure a resounding victory for his side.

Rondebosch will field an emerging squad next week for two games against touring teams from the UK, Middlesex School and Whitgift School, as they continue to prepare for the coming season. Their performances of late will, no doubt, serve as huge encouragement for their prospects in 2024.

In the northern suburbs, Milnerton hosted Fairmont College for a 50-overs challenge, which they managed to win by 72 runs, thanks to a man of the match performance by Amr Williams.

Winning the toss, Milnerton opted to bat. They made it count by putting up a testing 270 for Fairmont to chase, with Williams helping the tail to wag with a valuable knock of 64.

The visitors fought valiantly, with Joshua Martin contributing a fifty, but Williams was on song again, alongside Abdus Aziz, as they shared six wickets between the two of them, which brought a halt to the Fairmont run chase on 198.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

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Summarised scorecards:

Rondebosch Boys’ High 226 (Declan Gillespie 63, Raeeq Daniels 51, Extras 29, David Simon 23; Ihsan Khan 3/24, Yaseen Moos 2/33, Luke Kleinsmith 2/49); Wynberg Boys’ High 75 (Divan Linde 18; Raeeq Daniels 3/11, Alexander Combrink 2/7, David Simon 2/33). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by 151 runs.

Milnerton 270/9 (Amr Williams 64, Abdus Aziz 39, Extras 37, Conner Willemse 29*, J Reynolds 27, C Huxham 20; Byron Garton 3/30, Daniel Beelders 2/41); Fairmont High School 198 (Joshua Martin 56, Extras 35, Daniel Beelders 25, Justin Passman 22; Amr Williams 3/32, Abdus Aziz 3/34, Michael Bloemetje 2/49). Milnerton won by 72 runs.