Graeme College is ready to apply lessons learned from last year at The Final Showdown. Photo: Graeme College on Facebook.
Graeme College operates under the motto, virtute et opera, which means courage and toil. That is the mindset they will bring to the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown: they won’t expect an easy path and will fight till the last delivery.
The men from Makhanda are making their second appearance at the Schools SA20 Final Showdown. They had an eye-opening first excursion at the finals week in 2025, losing three and winning one.
They, however, return with most of the players who featured in their previous campaign, and they’re hopeful that they’ll be able to put the lessons they learned last year to good use.
Andrew Muir captains the team. An all-rounder, he leads by example with both bat and ball. He also has a knack for snaring wickets at crucial moments and has shown his big-match temperament by rescuing his team with the bat, too.
A lot will also be expected from Graeme College’s other all-rounders, Luphelo Mdyesha and Corbin Tidbury. Both players have the capacity to take the game away from their opposition. They won’t have to do all the batting work on their own. The Eastern Cape side also boasts a talented pair in Lisekho Zinyane and Kits McConnachie.
Jordan Damons,Caleb Jattiem, and Zuko Pontshi will lead the bowling attack. Damons and Jattiem’s skills with the new ball will help set the tone, while Pontshi is adept at taking control of the middle overs.
“We are excited to be back at the finals. The boys are here to compete, and hopefully, we can have a great campaign this year,” Xonxa said.
Graeme College’s challenge begins against Jeppe High School for Boys in the morning on Wednesday, 4 March. In the afternoon, they’ll face another team from their neck of the woods when they take on East London’s Selborne College.
On Thursday morning, they complete their group stage assignments on the Tuks Oval against Affies.
The playoffs follow on Friday, with the final scheduled for Saturday at 09:30.
FIXTURES
Wednesday, 4 March
Graeme College vs Jeppe High School for Boys, Tuks E, 09:30
Graeme College vs Selborne College, Tuks D, 14:00
Thursday, 5 March
Graeme College vs Affies, Tuks Oval, 09:30
Squad: Jordan Damons, Olothando Jaca, Caleb Jattiem, Keagan Jattiem, Ibenathi Kondile, Kits McConnachie, Luphelo Mdyesha, Andrew Muir, James Muir, Zuko Pontshi, Enrique Strydom, Corbin Tidbury, Lisekho Zinyane.
Ethan van Biljon makes a line-breaking run. Photo: Supplied by Michael Thomas.
“You’ll never know how good you could have been, unless you try” – IFBB Hall of Fame bodybuilder, Mike Mentzer.
Ethan van Biljon has come a long way since he first gravitated towards a rugby ball in preschool. The SA Schools A and SA u18A flyhalf will again be serving as the playmaker for Stellenberg High in 2026.
The Jade Brigade’sGeneral told SuperSport Schools Plus about his desire to reach the professional stage: “Over the next five years, I have clear goals for myself, both in rugby and in my personal life.
“From a rugby point of view, I want to make my debut at URC level, and to be selected for the SA u20 squad. Playing at that level would be a huge achievement and privilege for me.
“Being part of the system would give me the chance to test myself against top players my age, and to grow in a high-performance environment.
“On a personal level, I would like to complete my studies in Business Accounting, with a diploma or a full degree. Education is important, and I want to be prepared for life beyond the game. Balancing academics with high-level sport helps one grow in discipline, responsibility and, very importantly, time management.
“Overall, my goal is to keep improving step by step – working hard every day, taking opportunities as they come, and building a strong foundation for my future, both on and off the field.”
Van Biljon’s agent and Stellenberg Head Cricket Coach Michael Thomas, spoke highly of the Western Province flyhalf’s temperament: “Ethan is a great example of a player that works very hard. He leads by example and is not a guy who gets involved in [negative] off-field stuff. He is a calm character and a great leader both on and off the field.”
Thomas also shared his insights from observing Van Biljon playing and training over the years: “I first saw Ethan as a player at u14 level. What stood out was his time on the ball, as well as his ability to identify space. His quick feet were amazing as well.”
Van Biljon is very capable as a running flyhalf. He is athletically gifted, rumoured to run a sub-11-second 100 metre sprint. However, Thomas said another aspect of the playmaker’s game has evolved the most over the years: “His kicking has improved a lot. His ability to adapt his game when nothing is on, and to put sides under pressure with his boot has improved a lot.”
Van Biljon does not shy away from self-analysis, and he addressed the area of his game that he’d like to improve the most: “One aspect of my game that I’m always working to improve is consistency. Even when things are going well, I know there’s still room for growth – whether that’s improving decision-making, sharpening fundamentals, or becoming more effective in high-pressure moments.
“I also focus a lot on communication and leadership within a team setting. Being part of a team means understanding different personalities, building trust, and constantly improving how you contribute to the group’s success. That’s something you can always get better at.
“To me, the work never ends. There’s always something to improve physically, mentally, or as a teammate. That mindset keeps me motivated, and helps me to grow both individually and as part of a team.”
With Ethan van Biljon pulling the strings at flyhalf, Stellenberg High is a team to watch in 2026. They’re a tough unit, a dark horse which could ruffle the traditional established order.
While Yonga Tenjwa and Yamkela Mnqabashe‘s finishing power could tilt the balance in Nomandi Junior Secondary School‘s favour, Yolanda Mdumba‘s all-round influence may well define the Port St John’s outfit’s charge at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown.
A destructive presence at the crease, Mdumba thrives on imposing herself from the first delivery she faces.
In a format built on fearless stroke play, she embraces the smash-and-bash nature of T20 cricket, backing her power to clear the ropes and dismantle bowling plans in quick time.
“I’ve been working closely with coach Vuyo [Gabela] and have also been spending a lot of time in the nets. Hopefully, all goes well at the national finals, and I will be able to score some runs for my school,” she said.
In a squad stacked with power hitters, Mdumba remains the tone-setter. Whether she walks in early or anchors the assault alongside opening partner Unako Nompandana, the mandate is to lay a foundation strong enough to carry Nomandi all the way.
“We are all determined and willing to fight. We want to go all the way to the final. We didn’t come this far just to make up the numbers.”
But her value stretches beyond brute force. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Nomandi balance and flexibility, which are crucial ingredients in tournament cricket where adaptability often separates contenders from champions.
“If we stick to the game plan as a team, we will do well. We also have to back ourselves up.
“We showed what we are capable of when we won the Eastern Cape phase of the tournament. We won’t change anything now that we are here. I will also keep doing what has worked for me throughout,” Mdumba said.
It will be Nomandi’s second attempt at lifting the national crown, and Mdumba is determined to ensure that opportunity does not slip through their grasp again.
“We definitely learnt a lot from our run in Volume One of the Switch Schools SA20. That experience was valuable because we now know what to expect and how we should execute our plan,” she said.
Personal ambition will also fuel her campaign. With South Africa u19 coach Dinesha Devnarain likely to be monitoring proceedings closely, the tournament presents a stage to make a statement at the highest junior level.
“It’s a dream of mine to one day represent my country. This is the essence of this tournament. It opens doors. It gives us all an opportunity to showcase our talent on a national stage.”
Team captains at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, in March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the South Africa u19 Women‘s participation in the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Women’s T20 International (T20I) Invitational Tournament in Lagos from 18–29 March.
As part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s u19 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal in January next year, the SA u19 Women will face senior national sides Rwanda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and hosts Nigeria in a league phase format.
All matches will take place at the TBS Cricket Oval, with the top two teams progressing to the final, while the other top four teams will play a 3rd/4th place match.
The 15-player squad selected to represent South Africa features the returning Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), and Chanel Venter (Titans).
The group is also bolstered by players embarking on their first outbound tour, namely Miya Lalor (Western Province), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), and Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga). The trio impressed during last month’s Youth T20 Tri-Series, which also featured Zimbabwe u19 and the CSA Youth XI in Chatsworth.
SA u19 Women Convenor of Selectors, AJ Rudman, commented: “Touring Nigeria presents a great opportunity for this group to test themselves in unfamiliar conditions against experienced senior opposition. The exposure to different environments and styles of play are critical in the development of young cricketers.
“Competing against senior players will challenge their growth from a tactical and mental perspective. These experiences are essential as we continue to identify and shape the players who will form the core of our World Cup campaign.”
SA u19 Women head coach Dinesha Devnarain said: “With 11 months to go before the World Cup, game time is crucial, and the T20 Invitational in Nigeria will provide that in abundance, with intense competition expected against experienced teams. Tournament-style cricket will also help these youngsters understand how to handle increased pressure in matches.
“I’m excited to see the growth of the group following a very competitive Tri-Series in January, where several players put up their hands and showcased their abilities, not only through performance, but through their leadership and character, as well.”
Inspired by Proteas‘ pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, Queens High School all-rounder Mankwana Moriri is ready to light up the Switch Schools SA20 Final Showdown in Pretoria this week.
At just 16, Moriri has already built a reputation as a game-changer. She’s the kind of cricketer who can flip a match on its head with either bat or ball.
In Queens’ bid to become the best schoolgirl T20 side in the country, she has become a vital cog in coach Jabulani Manatsa‘s ambitious team, driving their charge to the national finals with fearless stroke play and clinical spells.
Moriri will use last year’s heartbreak – Queens lost to Steyn City School in the Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) final – as the motivation to anchor her team to the title.
“I am very happy to see my team in the Phase Three finals because last year I watched the final between Queens and Steyn City, and unfortunately Queens lost by two runs, which was quite disheartening for me because I would have liked to see them win, but we got a chance this year. We will use it wisely,” she said.
Recently back from a shoulder injury, Moriri is expected to limit her time with the ball as she continues her recovery. Thus, she is aiming to make a telling impact with her batting.
“I have just recovered from a shoulder injury, so there will be less bowling for me. I’m preparing by visualizing different match situations and reminding myself to stay present. I also trust the work I’ve put in during practice,” she said.
Originally from Mpumalanga, Moriri captured the spotlight last year while representing Sandton Cricket Club in a Lions CGL Women’s President League match. She blazed an astonishing 203 off just 70 deliveries – a breathtaking knock decorated with 34 boundaries and seven sixes – and steered Sandton to a mammoth 339/1.
She was far from done, though. Taking the ball, she tore through the opposition, capturing 3/7 in four overs as Dalikay Cricket Club was bundled out for 50. The result? A crushing 289-run victory and the arrival of a serious talent.
Her exploits earned her a deserved call-up to the SA u19 Women‘s national training camp squad in April, which confirmed her status as one of South Africa’s brightest young prospects.
This season, Moriri has again delivered when it mattered most, which included playing a starring role for Queens when they toppled the defending champions, Steyn City, to clinch the CGL Phase One title.
In the Phase Two finals, she produced an electric cameo – 33 not out off just 14 balls – in Queens’ win over Hoerskool Middelburg in the Gauteng/Mpumalanga girls’ final. It was further confirmation of her ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.
Now, with the Schools SA20 finals looming, all eyes will be on Mankwana Moriri. If her track record is anything to go by, Pretoria could be the stage and setting for another explosive chapter in the rise of Queens High’s dynamic all-rounder.
“Being debutants doesn’t really make us feel like we don’t belong. Instead, it motivates us to prove who we are and what we are there for.
“We will try our best to bring the trophy back. We would really appreciate it if we could get all the support from our school,” Moriri said.
Nomandi Junior Secondary School will bank on their ability to defend any total they post when they take on Saints Christian School in their opening match of the Switch Schools SA20 Final Showdown at the University of Pretoria on 5 March.
The Eastern Cape outfit returns to the national finals for a second consecutive year. If their nerve-shredding four-run victory over Woodridge Collegeto clinch the provincial leg is anything to go by, coach Vuyo Gabela‘s charges will arrive in Pretoria as genuine contenders.
Armed with a crop of exciting young talent – including Yolanda Mdumba, Yonga Tenjwa, and Olwethu Njani, who were instrumental in their commanding 105-run triumph over Stirling High in the Eastern Cape final – Nomandi has cemented its status as a rising force in girls’ cricket.
“Our biggest strength is that we can defend any score we put on the board by making sure we bowl good lines and length consistently and field well,” said Gabela.
Nomandi’s preparation has been deliberate and intense. They’ve played several friendly matches and invested heavily in training sessions to sharpen their skills ahead of the tournament.
“I’ve been working closely with the players. They have been spending a lot of time in the nets. We’ve been playing a lot of games, and we’ve had a couple of middle sessions for game awareness,” the coach said.
After a disappointing debut campaign last season – despite being the only team to beat the eventual national champion, Steyn City School, in the inaugural edition – Nomandi is driven by unfinished business.
“We are determined to go all the way this year because we’ve learned and improved on our mistakes from last year,” Gabela stated.
The formula he preaches is simple: discipline, belief, and faith.
“We rely on sticking to the game plan we’ve set before the match and making sure we stick to the basics. Most importantly, we pray a lot.”
A strong showing at The Final Showdown would resonate far beyond the boundary ropes of the University of Pretoria‘s cricket fields. For Nomandi, it’s about pride, legacy, and inspiring their community in Port St Johns.
“It would mean a lot because we hope this journey continues for many years. We want to make the people back home proud,” Gabela concluded.
After their 2025 Switch Schools SA20 run ended in the final of the Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) phase with a losing effort against the eventual national champions, Steyn City School, Queens High School has come back stronger this season.
Boasting the talents of all-rounder Mankwane Moriri, captain Karabo Matlaila, and Boitumelo Chuene at the top of the order, as well as fearsome bowlers Tshepi Choma, Thanya Nkuna, and Hlekani Chisane, the Johannesburg side heads into The Final Showdown in Pretoria as one of the teams to watch.
“Preparations have been going well. It’s nice to have all the girls healthy and fit,” coach Jabulane Manatsa said.
“The intensity is a bit different from Phase Two. However, we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s our first time taking part in such a massive tournament. We are happy and excited, and we are looking forward to showcasing our abilities.”
Having disposed of the defending champion, Steyn City, Queens will aim to stake its claim in the school’s first appearance at the national showpiece. Among the teams vying for the crown, they’ll face stiff competition from the 2025 runner-up, Saints Christian School. The Potchefstroom school, along with Nomandi Junior Secondary and the Nkowankowa Hub, has the advantage of playing in last year’s national tournament.
“The main focus has been about adaptation, fitness, and the ability to play the full 20 overs with the same intensity throughout,” Manatsa said. “Also, our ability to score runs against spinners, running between the wickets, getting our batting and bowling combinations right, and understanding how they can benefit from each other, as well as what their roles are.”
Queens opens their challenge against the KwaZulu-Natal champions, the Chatsworth Hub, on Thursday, 5 March, and will be eager to make an immediate impact in its quest to ensure the trophy stays in Central Gauteng.
Road to the final
The Bezuidenhout Valley school’s road to the national showpiece included strong performances in the CGL play-offs in November, which reflected the side’s pedigree and fearlessness.
Manatsa’s charges showed intent from the first ball of the CGL finals, first disposing of Hoërskool Randburg with a combination of flair and talent.
They then made light work of Jeppe High School for Girls in the final, limiting their neighbours to 75/9 from 16 overs, behind Choma’s 3/3, after posting 165/9, which was anchored by Matlaila’s valuable 34.
Their local form translated into regional success at the Gauteng and Mpumalanga finals, where they outplayed the Mpumalanga champions, Hoërskool Middelburg, to book their place at The Final Showdown in Pretoria.
With pride, bragging rights and a claim to being the best schoolgirl T20 side in the country on the line, Manatsa admitted that it would be difficult to win the country’s most prestigious T20 schools’ tournament. But he believes in his players’ abilities.
“We try as much as we can not to think about the fact that it’s our debut. We want to remain present and enjoy the moment. Nerves are there,” he admitted. “However, that just shows we care, and we want to do well in this final round of the Switch SchoolsSA20.
“We emphasise doing the basics or the simple things at practice, so that we limit the stress we might come across.
“Most importantly, it’s about trusting the process and believing that our abilities will take us all the way.”
Corbin Tidbury is one of the brightest young talents who will feature at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown. Photo: Supplied.
Most coaches would have delayed Corbin Tidbury‘s 1st XI debut by a few matches, having watched the 14-year-old in action against lower teams only. If pushed, a cautious coach might have batted him at six or seven before considering moving him up the order to his natural position, at four.
However, Odwa Xonxa, the Graeme College 1st XI coach, wasn’t “most coaches”. He had seen enough young cricketers to recognise a prodigious talent when it crossed his path.
“He had more time on the ball than his agemates and even the older kids,” Xonxa recalled.
“I remember throwing at him from up close and at a decent pace in one of our first sessions. He had shots that gave him full access to the field,” he explained.
The teenager began his career in the kitchen of his family’s farmhouse, where his father, Aubrey, threw plastic balls to young Corbin and his older brother, Aidan. From there, they progressed to playing in the lounge.
Most parents think their children are uniquely talented. Almost all of them are wrong. Aubrey belongs to the minority that recognised an unusual talent in his son.
When the lounge grew too small for the boys, he constructed an outdoor net for them. boys. Aidan, who is four years older than Corbin, did most of the bowling, which prepared his younger brother for playing in older age groups when he joined Aidan at Lilyfontein School in East London.
“It was great having both brothers playing many games together at Lilyfontein. I think the four-year age gap has assisted Corbin in facing some pace at an earlier age,” Aubrey said.
Corbin Tidbury’s development was helped by the presence of Freddy “Andy” Wong, his maternal grandfather. Wong, whom Aubrey described as a formidable cricketer in his youth, enjoyed a successful school career with the De La Salle School (now Port Rex Technical High School) 1st XI from 1962 to 1964 before he joined the Hamiltons (Hams) Cricket Club.
Wong poured his cricket knowledge into the talented youngster, while his brother Terry, another former De La Salle star, who also played for the Hams and Bohemians cricket clubs, filled in the gaps. Aubrey also mentioned Jason Niemand and Daniel Swift, the Lilyfontein 1st XI coach, as people who had a significant impact on Corbin’s early development.
Their combined efforts meant that he arrived at Graeme College a few steps ahead of other players of his age. Xonxa, who believes that if a player is good enough, then they must be old enough, soon integrated him into the 1st XI.
Playing up is easy when one has a big frame. Tidbury, though, isn’t bigger or more imposing than his peers. However, that wasn’t a problem. He held his own against older and bigger players.
He contributed 21 from 19 balls in his debut match at Graeme. The next two games brought him back-to-back centuries. Those outstanding performances persuaded Xonxa that the 14-year-old was good enough to represent the Eastern Province u16A team.
At the 2024 CSA u16 National Week, he demonstrated his all-round ability, including a safe pair of hands, which brought him nine catches. He kept wicket in a few matches and pulled off four stumpings, too. He was given eight overs to bowl and picked up 1/21, while he added 48 runs with the bat to help the province win the national title.
Corbin Tidbury always has his eyes on the ball. Photo: Supplied.
Facing Zimbabwe’s Peterhouse in a Makhanda Cricket Festival match in January 2024, a month after the u16 National Week, Tidbury was on course to become one of the youngest Graeme College players to earn a place on the institution’s Suttie’s Springbok Skin, an honour granted to 1st XI players when they register their maiden centuries. He had 95 runs to his name.
Then, he edged a ball to the wicketkeeper. The edge was so faint that Tidbury was the only one who had heard the knick clearly. The Peterhouse wicketkeeper appealed half-heartedly. Tidbury didn’t wait for the umpire to decide whether he was out or not. He walked.
His father, Aubrey, described that moment as being worth more than 200 runs or better than any awards his sons could win at a match.
“I have always spoken about that as one of my proudest moments,” he admitted. “It is a gentleman’s game, and I have drummed it into my boys from a young age that if you know you nicked the ball, you walk.
“I have never tolerated bad sportsmanship and have constantly reminded my boys to be humble and try to be a good example to others.”
Growth is not linear, so it was not surprising that despite his undeniable talent and tirelessness in the nets, Tidbury produced mixed results in the middle in 2025. Still, he stood head and shoulders above his peers.
At the end of the year, he returned to the u16 National Week and left there with the Batter of the Tournament and All-rounder of the Tournament awards.
Instead of heading home, though, he set off for Bloemfontein to join the CSA Invitational XI at the Khaya Majola Week. There, he played a prominent role for the Invitational side, helping them to claim four victories in five matches, while their last game was rained out.
Tidbury, who has a rigorous self-imposed training schedule of four days a week, not including the net sessions he has with his brother, Aidan, is focused on continued growth.
His big dream is to be as good as Aiden Markram. However, for the moment, his focus is squarely on helping Graeme College go as far as they possibly can at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown.
Josh van Biljon played a gem of an innings, scoring 162 not out, to lead DHS to an emphatic victory over Westville. Photo: Brad Morgan.
A massive 198-run partnership for the third-wicket powered Durban High School (DHS) to a convincing 73-run limited-overs victory over Westville Boys’ High on the Theobald Oval on Saturday.
The visitors’ decision to bowl first brought them two early wickets, but then it backfired badly.
Suliman Jadwat and Aktar Basha were removed before they had reached double figures, which left the home side on 46/2 in the 11th over. Unfortunately, for Westville, they next tasted wicket-taking success 35.4 overs later, and in that time, opening batsman Ismaeel Omar and captain Josh van Biljon advanced the total by almost 200 runs.
It has been a quieter season for Van Biljon than he would have liked. It’s not that he’s been bad. No, not at all. However, given his consistent run scoring for the DHS 1st XI in recent seasons, he would have expected more big scores from himself this season. Yet, he had seldom pushed on in 2026. It left observers wondering when that would happen. The answer was Saturday, in Durban. That was bad news for Westville.
Van Biljon was the aggressor, and Omar his trustworthy lieutenant, as they united to make it an energy-sapping, tough day in the field for the visitors.
When, at last, their stand was broken by Misbah Nair bowling Omar, the opener had notched a century. He faced 137 balls and struck eight fours.
Van Biljon, meanwhile, continued to add to his big innings. By the time that 50 overs had been bowled, he was on 162 not out, and DHS had reached 294/3, which, on the Theobald Oval, is a substantial total and a tough target to chase. He had faced only 132 balls, dispatching 13 of them for fours and another seven for six.
In an effort to dislodge Omar and Van Biljon, Westville used nine bowlers. None was particularly successful. Perhaps, though, their best performer was Lwandle Bulose, who returned 1/20 from four overs.
Westville had a mountain to climb, and their ascent didn’t start well, with opener Aiden Baudach, their most consistent batsman this season, being trapped in front by Taine Havermann for six. Josh Morley removed the very capable Ewan du Toit cheaply, and Seth Edwards ran out Ashton Kidgell for nine, which left the visitors in a spot of bother on 44/3 in the tenth over of their reply.
Tristin Delvin joined the skipper, Kyle McGough, in the middle and they gained a foothold, adding 49 for the fourth wicket before Delvin was LBW to Tristan Quail for 20.
Aarin Rasmussen was in and out quickly, but Jamie Hasselbach and his captain then settled in, partnering for 65 runs before McGough’s strong resistance came to an end when he was bowled by Taine Havermann for 73. He had hit nine fours and a six in his 95-ball stay.
Hasselbach found an able ally in Misbah Nair, and they tacked on another 45 runs before Hasselbach fell to Seth Edwards for a hasty 67 from 52 balls, which included five fours and four sixes. Edwards, though, was just getting started, and he didn’t need long to make a big impact. He claimed another three wickets, and Westville’s innings lasted only 2.4 more overs before they were dismissed for 221.
Edwards rushed DHS to victory with a sparkling spell that brought him 4/13 in 2.5 overs. Taine Havermann’s contribution was 2/47 from eight overs, but those two were the key wickets of Aidan Baudach and Kyle McGough.
Summarised scorecard
Durban High School 294/3 (Josh van Biljon 162*, Ismaeel Omar 101; Lwandle Bulose 1/20); Westville Boys’ High 221/10 (Kyle McGough 73, Jamie Hasselbach 67, Tristin Delvin 20; Seth Edwards 4/13, Taine Havermann 2/47). Durban High School won by 73 runs.
Maritzburg College’s cricket mascot, Mikey, enjoys a day out at Goldstone’s. Photo: Brad Morgan.
A decision to bat first on Goldstone’s didn’t pay off for Glenwood High when they took on Maritzburg College in a limited-overs clash on Saturday. Instead, under heavy pressure from the College attack, they laboriously clawed their way to 116 all out after 49 overs.
Only two batsmen achieved a strike rate of 50 runs per 100 balls, and seven were held to single-figure scores as the hosts struck early to claim the initiative and tenaciously held onto it throughout the Glenwood innings.
Both openers, Akhil Sinath and Kamo Moloto, were disposed of within the first five overs. From there, it became an uphill slog for the visitors. Sebastian Oertel, batting at three, was their top scorer with a stubborn 19, which took him 76 balls.
He shared the Green Machine‘s largest partnership with Charles Nkwanyana, 38 for the fifth wicket, but it took 102 deliveries. Glenwood’s batsmen showed plenty of grit, but were unable to break the shackles of the College attack.
Their tail wagged, though, lifting the visitors from 77/8 to 100/9, and, ultimately, to 116/10, which was heavily boosted by 34 extras.
Luke Venter and Kyle de Bruyn did the bulk of the damage, and their figures were almost identical. Venter sent down seven overs, one maiden, and picked up 3/19. De Bruyn’s return differed only in that he conceded one more run.
Others’ analyses revealed how dominant the College bowlers were: Greg Hosking finished with 1/9 from seven overs, Akhil Bharath took 1/10 from eight, and Ethan Fabre bagged 1/22 from 10.
College’s reply wasn’t the smoothest, but it moved at a faster pace than Glenwood’s innings. The visitors, though, made some early inroads, and the home side was reduced to 37/3 in the ninth over, with Qhamani Sikhutshwa leading Glenwood’s response by picking two of those three wickets.
He later added another, removing Luka Puddu, the fifth College wicket to fall, which left the Red, Black, and Whiteon 61/5 in the 15th over. That, however, was where Glenwood’s wicket-taking successes ended.
Rory Schirge and captain Reece Willson combined for an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 59 from only 68 balls to steer the home side to a five-wicket victory with 24.5 overs to spare.
Schirge was 26 not out, with two fours and a six, while Willson weighed in with an unbeaten 29, the highest score of the match, to see his side across the line.
Sikhutshwa was the pick of the Glenwood bowlers, grabbing 3/36 in 8.5 overs, while the skipper, Kreesan Pillai, returned 1/26 from seven.
Summarised scoreboard
Glenwood High 116/10 (Extras 34; Sebastian Oertel 19; Kyle de Bruyn 3/18, Luke Venter 3/19); Maritzburg College 120/5 (Reece Wilson 29*, Rory Schirge 26*; Qhamani Shikutshwa 3/36). Maritzburg College won by five wickets.
