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Die feit dat daar laas in 2019 ‘n kampioen in die NWU-Pukke 16-reeks gekroon is, maak nie eintlik meer saak nie. Dit is belangriker dat die seuns en hul afrigters weer kan uitsien om rugby te veel en weer die vriendskapbande binne in die reeks te kan hervat. 

Maar net vir die rekord toe die 2020-seisoen afgeskop het, was Pionier van Vryheid opsoek na sy derde titel as kampioen op ‘n streep. Die reeks is kort na sy aanvang in 2020 kortgeknip weens die grendeltydperk wat ingestel is om die Covid-19 pandemie te beveg.

Pionier is dus steeds die verdedigende kampioen. 

Pionier het in 2019 vir Leeuwenhof Akademie met 41-12 in die eindstryd verslaan, terwyl die span in 2018 as kampioen gekroon is, na hy die einste Leeuwenhof in die eindstryd met 38-13 verslaan het. 

Pionier begin sy aanslag op die titel vanjaar op sy tuisveld teen die Hoërskool Piet Retief. Die ander twee skole in Groep B is Volksrust en Ferrum.  

Leeuwenhof Akademie kan vanjaar weer ‘n sterk aanslag op die titel loots. Die feit dat hy een minder wedstryd in die groepfase sal speel, kan dalk in sy guns tel. Die Hoërskool Overvaal moes ongelukkig aan die toernooi onttrek en dit veroorsaak dat al die spanne in Groep C ‘n loslootjie het. 

Die span van Bedfordview sal teen Bekker van Magaliesburg asook Riebeeckrand in sy twee groepwedstryde te staan kom. Die Mambas van Bekker stoot ook altyd ‘n omgekrapte span in die veld. 

In Groep A sal Oosterland, Stoffberg, Pretoria-Noord en Delmas teen mekaar sake uitspook. In Groep D sal die ou aartsvyande van die Noord-Weste – Wolmaransstad, Vryburg, Fochville en Schoonspruit mekaar die stryd aansê.

Die bepalings vir dié reeks is (tuisspanne eerste vermeld): 

26 Februarie 2022

Stoffberg vs Oosterland
Delmas vs Pretoria-Noord
Pionier vs Piet Retief
Volksrust vs Ferrum
Bekker vs Leeuwenhhof
Schoonspruit vs Wolmaransstad
Vryburg vs Fochville

5 Maart 2022 

Delmas vs Stoffberg
Pretoria-Noord vs Oosterland
Ferrum vs Pionier
Piet Retief vs Volksrust
Leeuwenhof vs Riebeeckrand
Fochville vs Schoonspruit
Wolmaransstad vs Vryburg

12 Maart 2022 

Stoffberg vs Pretoria-Noord
Oosterland vs Delmas
Ferrum vs Piet Retief
Volksrust vs Pionier
Riebeeckrand vs Bekker
Wolmaransstad vs Fochville
Vryburg vs Schoonspruit

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Die eerste skote in die 2022-seisoen het Saterdag op Glencoe tydens die Hoërskool Sarel Cilliers se jaarlikse rugbydag geklap. 

Welkom Gimnasium het soos gebruiklik hul seisoen hier in die noorde van KwaZulu-Natal afgeskop. Gimmies het teen Glenwood in die vernaamste voorwedstryd van die dag te staan gekom. Die span van Glenwood het as die Dark Greens op die veld gedraf weens die feit dat die skool van Durban nog besig is om sy eerstespan vir 2022 te finaliseer. 

Die Gimmies is egter ook steeds nie op volsterkte nie, maar die wedstryd sou die span van Welkom ‘n goeie indikasie gegee het van hoeveel werk daar nog voorlê.

Die span van Welkom het Glenwood se Dark Greens met 17-12 verslaan. Die besoeker vanuit die Noord-Vrystaat het teen rustyd ‘n voorsprong van 7-0 geniet nadat hulle meestal op die agtervoet in dié helfte was. 

Gimmies se binnesenter, Julian Samuels, is na afloop van die kragmeting as die Speler van die Wedstryd aangewys. Hy het een van sy span se drie drieë afgerond en gewys dat hy vanjaar nog heelwat spanne se verdedigingslyne op die proef gaan stel. 

Die wenspan se kaptein en kantman, Wian Fourie, het ook ‘n uitmuntende vertoning gelewer. Hy het vir Glenwood by die afbreekpunte hoofbrekens besorg. Hy het minstens ses keer omgekeerde besit hier bewerkstellig, terwyl hy ook ‘n hele paar strafskoppe hier vir sy span afgedwing het. Nog ‘n uitblinker vir Gimmies was sy regtervleuel, JJ Arendse, wat verlede jaar die Griffons op die Cravenweek sou verteenwoordig het indien die toernooi sou plaasvind. 

Welkom Gimnasium se volgende kragmeting is teen Grey-kollege van Bloemfontein. 

In die hoofwedstryd van die dag het Sarel Cilliers se Blue Lions oor te veel skietgoed vir Amanzimtoti beskik en oortuigend met 50-5 as oorwinnaars van die veld gestap.  

Puntemakers:

Welkom Gimnasium 17 (7) – Drieë: Julian Samuels, JJ Arendse, Rayvian Cupido. Doelskop: Connlin Treurnicht. Glenwood (Dark Greens) 12.

Ander eerstespan uitslae: 

Sarel Cilliers 50, Amanzimtoti 5; Ferrum 35, Voortrekker (Pietermaritzburg) 0; Vryheid Landbou 19, Greytown 19; Glenwood (Barely Green) 22, Dundee 14; Glenwood (Light Green) 55, Hoërskool Vryheid 6; Pongola 36, Amajuba 5; Ferrum II 43, Ixopo 5; Sarel Cilliers II 26, Vryheid Landbou II 0. 

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Soos gewoontlik gaan die groot honde mekaar die stryd aansê tydens die NMI Toyota Menlyn Noord/Suid-toernooi wat vanjaar weer deur die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria aangebied sal word. Die gasheer speel op die Saterdag van die toernooi in die hoofwedstryd van die dag teen Paul Roos Gimnasium van Stellenbosch.

Dit sal die span van die Eikestad se eerste verskyning op die gesogte toernooi wees. Paul Roos sou in 2020 sy buiging tydens Affies se 100ste bestaansjaar op die toernooi gemaak het, maar weens die Covid 19-pandemie kon daar nie ‘n Noord/Suid-toernooi in 2020 aangebied geword het nie.

Buiten Paul Roos sal HTS Drostdy van Worcester, Glenwood van Durban en Pretoria Boys’ High ook vanjaar vir die eerste keer ‘n verskyning in die toernooi maak. Die spanne wat verlede jaar in aksie was en nie vanjaar weer in die Jakarandastad te sien sal wees nie is – die Hoërskool Outeniqua, Marais Viljoen, HTS Middelburg en Duineveld.

Veral Outeniqua se Kwaggas laat ‘n leemte op die toernooi. Die Rooi Bulle van HTS Middelburg se rugbyprogram het tydens die grendeltyd sonder twyfel ‘n knou gekry. Verwag maar dat die Rooi Bulle weer hard gaan werk om saam met die groot honde te blaf.

Op die eerste dag van die Noord/Suid-toernooi sal Grey-kollege en die Hoërskool Stellenberg vir die eerste keer teen mekaar op eerstespanvlak te staan kom. Die wedstryd tussen Garsfontein en HTS Drostdy se Donkies behoort ook vir heelwat belangstelling te sorg. Die Donkies se nuwe Direkteur van Rugby, Hans Coetzee, se laaste wedstryd aan stuur van sy geliefde Monument in 2016 was teen die einste Garsies.

Garsies het destyds die halfeindstryd van die Virsekerbeker met 35-20 gewen. So Coetzee sal sonder twyfel ‘n appeltjie met Garsfontein te skil hê.

Gepraat van Monnas, hul kragmeting op die Saterdag teen Paarl Gimnasium beloof om een van die hoogtepunte van die toernooi te wees. Gimmies spog vanjaar met ‘n bulspan, maar die Wit Bulle is ‘n span wat nooit afgeskryf kan word nie.

Vrydag, 25 Maart 2022

07:30 – Garsfontein II vs HTS Drostdy II
08:45 – Menlopark II vs Hoër Jongenskool Paarl II
10:00 – Grey-kollege II vs Stellenberg II
11:15 – Waterkloof II vs Welkom Gimnasium II
12:30 – Monument II vs Paarl Gimnasium II
13:45 – Pretoria Boys’ High vs Hoërskool Nelspruit
15:15 – Garsfontein vs HTS Drostdy
16:45 – Waterkloof vs Welkom Gimnasium
18:15 – Menlopark vs Hoër Jongenskool Paarl
19:45 – Grey-kollege vs Stellenberg

Saterdag, 26 Maart 2022 

08:00 – Glenwood II vs Noordheuwel II
09:15 – Helpmekaar II vs Durbanville
10:30 – EG Jansen II vs Oakdale Landbou II
11:45 – Affies II vs Paul Roos Gimnasium II
13:00 – Glenwood vs Noordheuwel
14:30 – Helpmekaar vs Durbanville
16:00 – EG Jansen vs Oakdale Landbou
17:30 – Monument vs Paarl Gimnasium
19:00 – Affies vs Paul Roos Gimnasium

Maandag, 28 Maart 2022 

07:45 – Menlopark II vs HTS Drostdy II
09:00 – EG Jansen II vs Stellenberg II
10:15 – Helpmekaar II vs Paul Roos Gimnasium II
11:30 – Grey-kollege II vs Waterkloof
12:45 – Garsfontein II vs Hoër Jongenskool Paarl II
14:00 – Glenwood II vs Paarl Gimnasium II
15:15 – Affies II vs Durbanville II
16:30 – Menlopark vs HTS Drostdy
18:00 – Grey-kollege vs Waterkloof
19:30 – Garsfontein vs Hoër Jongenskool Paarl

Dinsdag, 29 Maart 2022

07:45 – Monument II vs Oakdale Landbou II
09:00 – EG Jansen vs Stellenberg
10:30 – Monument vs Oakdale Landbou
12:00 – Glenwood vs Paarl Gimnasium
13:30 – Helpmekaar vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
15:00 – Noordheuwel II vs Welkom Gimnasium II
16:15 – Noordheuwel vs Welkom Gimnasium
17:45 – Affies vs Durbanville

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The Western Legends managed to bag a one-wicket victory over the Coastal Conquerers to open their CSA Cubs Week campaign in Stellenbosch.

It was a tense finish as Rico Fryer (33) and Jayden Davids (23*) shared a 40-run partnership over the eighth wicket. Davids also shared a 35-run partnership over the ninth wicket with Mvula Chabalala (16) to get the Legends close to victory.

In the end, they reached the target with two overs to spare. Chabalala (5/35) was also the hero with the ball in hand as he picked up a five-wicket haul. The Conquerers was restricted to 201 with only Adrian Fischer (95*) running out of partners before he could reach his century.

Fischer grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he wasn’t initially picked for the tournament. He replaced Slade van Staden who had to withdraw shortly before the tournament. The opening batsman, Fischer, faced 130 deliveries in his innings of which he struck eight fours.

The defending champions, the Southern Superstars (formerly Cape Cobras), were in a devastating mood in their opening match against the Northern Champions.

The Superstars bundled the Champions out for a mere 96 runs. Abdullah Bayoumy (3/13), Jesse Prodehl (2/12), and Tyler Williams (2/14) caused the most damage with the ball.

The only batsman of the Champions that managed to keep the Superstars bowlers out was, Christiaan du Toit (31). The Superstars managed to get past the target with seven wickets in hand with Meeka-eel Prince (33) laying the foundation.

The Eastern Warriors’ Casey Keevy (69*) and Ethan Frosler (40*) shared an unbeaten 101-run partnership over the fourth wicket as their team eased past the Central Gladiators by seven wickets.

The Warriors are selected from players from Eastern Province and Border. Both these sides had a Khaya Majola Week at the end of last year they would rather want to forget. They have however made a huge statement with this victory to open their campaign at the Cubs Week.

Esa Gangat (4/32) and Bune Hlonela (3/8) caused most of the damage with the ball as the Central Gladiators only managed 139 before being bowled out. 

Daar wag ‘n fees van krieket op die Kaap met van die land se voorste krieketskole wat van Vrydag af op die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl se krieketfees in aksie sal wees. Die krieketfees vind van 7 Januarie tot en met 10 Januarie plaas. 

Boishaai kom in sy eerste kragmeting teen die Hoërskool Garsfontein van Pretoria te staan. Al die wedstryde tydens die eerste dag word op die tydkrieket-formaat beslis. 

Nog ‘n wedstryd wat vir heelwat aksie behoort te sorg is dié een tussen Paarl Gimnasium en Potchefstroom Volkskool. 

Die tweede en derde dae se wedstryde sal oor 50 boulbeurte beslis word, terwyl spanne kan ooreenkom om die laaste dag se wedstryde tot ‘n Twintig/20-wedstryd te verkort. Dit hang natuurlik van die spanne van die noorde se reisplanne af asook die feit dat die binnelandse skole reeds volgende week oopmaak. 

Die spanne sal vir die eerste twee dae nog hul Cubsweek-spelers in hul geledere hê voordat dié spelers hul in Stellenbosch vir die jaarlikse spogweek van Krieket Suid-Afrika in Stellenbosch moet aanmeld. 

In totaal is daar 24 krieketspanne in aksie. Die skole wat aan die fees deelneem is Boishaai, Garsfontein, Paarl Gimnasium, Potchefstroom Volkskool, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Noordheuwel, Stellenberg, Brackenfell, Curro Durbanville, Grey-kollege, Durbanville, St. John’s College, Helpmekaar-kollege, Westville Boys’ High, Parel Vallei, Northcliff, Noord-Kaap, Montana, Cornwall Hill College, Somerset College, Hans Moore (Benoni), JTG Cricket and Boland RPC.

Die bepalings is: 

Vrydag, 7 Januarie 2022 – Tydkrieket

Hoër Jongenskool Paarl vs Garsfontein
Paarl Gimnasium vs Potchefstroom Volkskool
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Noordheuwel
Boland RPC vs Northcliff
Stellenberg vs Helpmekaar
Parel Vallei vs Grey College
Brackenfell vs Westville Boys’ High
Curro Durbanville vs St. John’s College
Durbanville vs Cornwall Hill College
Somerset College vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium
Noord-Kaap vs Montana
Hans Moore vs JTG Cricket

Saterdag, 8 Januarie 2022 – 50 boulbeurte

Hoër Jongenskool Paarl vs Westville Boys’ High
Paarl Gimnasium vs Westville Boys’ High
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs St. John’s College
Boland RPC vs Hans Moore
Stellenberg vs Garsfontein
Parel Vallei vs Potchefstroom Volkskool
Brackenfell vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium
Curro Durbanville vs Helpmekaar
Durbanville vs Northcliff
Somerset College vs Cornwall Hill College
JTG Cricket vs Montana

Sondag, 9 Januarie 2022 – 50 boulbeurte 

Hoër Jongenskool Paarl vs Helpmekaar
Paarl Gimnasium vs Cornwall Hill College
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Hans Moore
Boland RPC vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium
Stellenberg vs JTG Cricket
Parel Vallei vs Noord-Kaap
Brackenfell vs Grey College
Curro Durbanville vs Noordheuwel
Durbanville vs Garsfontein
Somerset College vs Montana
Northcliff vs Potchefstroom Volkskool
Westville Boys’ High vs St. John’s College

Maandag, 10 Januarie 2022 – 50 boulbeurte/T20 

Hoër Jongenskool Paarl vs St. John’s College
Paarl Gimnasium vs Westville Boys’ High
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Garsfontein
Boland RPC vs Montana
Stellenberg vs Cornwall Hill College 
Parel Vallei vs JTG Cricket
Brackenfell vs Hans Moore
Curro Durbanville vs Potchefstroom Volkskool
Somerset College vs Helpmekaar
Noord-Kaap vs Noordheuwel 
Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Northcliff

The annual Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week of 2022 already has champions on board. Since the last Cubs Week in Stellenbosch back in January 2021, CSA has announced a new domestic structure and the franchise system has been dissolved.

Therefore, the franchise teams that attended the annual Cubs Week since the inaugural tournament back in 2009 also received a face-lift. One of the new names is the Northern Champions (formerly the Titans).

The Northern Champions consists of players chosen from the Titans (formerly Northerns), Easterns, and Limpopo. The other new names for the teams are the Central Gladiators, Coastal Conquerors, Eastern Warriors, Southern Superstars, and the Western Legends.

The Central Gladiators were formerly known as the Lions. They are consisting of players from Gauteng and Mpumalanga. In the past, they have also utilised the services of players from North West, but the latter has joined forces with the Western Legends under the new structure.

The Legends’ other unions are the Free State and Northern Cape. The move to make North West part of this region has without a doubt strengthened the team as well as given more opportunities to quality players within the system.

The Coastal Conquerors were formerly known as the Dolphins and consists of KwaZulu-Natal and KwaZulu-Natal Inland. The Eastern Warriors were known as the Warriors and the team is still chosen from the best Eastern Province and Border has to offer.

The Southern Superstars were formerly known as the Cape Cobras and the region consists of Western Province, Boland, and South Western Districts.

The Cubs Week will take place from 10 to 14 January 2022 in Stellenbosch.

The teams:

Central Gladiators: Nkanyiso Mkhize (Gauteng), Christopher King (Gauteng), Zack Momberg (Gauteng), Talha Chavoos (Gauteng), Greg Ford (Gauteng), Kyle Glennistor (Gauteng), Tshepo Stafa (Gauteng), Richard Seletswane (Gauteng), Dean Bacher (CSA Invitation XI), Reuben du Toit (Gauteng), Simo Potelwa (Gauteng), Billy van Zyl (Gauteng), Ravat Yusuf (CSA Invitation XI).

Coastal Conquerors: Banele Cele (KwaZulu-Natal), Romashen Pillay (KwaZulu-Natal), Alexander Vermeulen (KZN Inland), Thabiso Ndlela (KZN Inland), Nathan Ngugi (KwaZulu-Natal), Oyama Ntshona (KZN Inland), Bonga Shezi (KwaZulu-Natal), Ntandoyenkosi Zuma (KZN Inland), Jake Carstens (KZN Inland), Chad Laycock (KwaZulu-Natal), Makabongwe Ngcobo (KZN Inland), Nathan Trevethan (KwaZulu-Natal), Slade van Staden (KZN Inland).

Eastern Warriors: Siphamandla Bashe (Eastern Province), Butsha Mfazwe (Border), Ben van der Merwe (Border), Casey Keevy (Eastern Province), Ian Baard (Eastern Province), Akhona Ratyana (Border), Olwakhe Goqoza (Eastern Province), Daniel Ristow (Eastern Province), Cameron Williams (Eastern Province), Russel Peterson (Eastern Province), Cormey van der Watt (Eastern Province), Ethan Frosler (Eastern Province), Bune Hlonela (Border).

Northern Champions: Nathan Steyn (Easterns), Amaan Khan (Easterns), Christiaan Daniels (Titans), Khaif Patel (Limpopo), Letsholo Selemela (Titans), William Tshoke (Titans), Schalk Engelbrecht (Titans), Arnaud du Plessis (Titans), Dewan Marais (Easterns), Modise Maloka (Titans), Christiaan du Toit (Titans), Sinethemba Ngeyane (Easterns), Shelton Ngobeni (Limpopo).

Southern Superstars: Nathan Jacobs (Boland), Abdullah Bayoumy (Western Province), Jesse Prodehl (Western Province), Basil George (South Western Districts), Liyema Waqu (Western Province), Tyler Williams (Western Province), Cameron Fraser (Western Province), Juan James (Western Province), Maahir Joseph (Western Province), Abel Mokwena (Western Province), Gysbert Wege (Boland), Bongile Mfunelwa (Western Province), Meeka-eel Prince (Western Province).

Western Legends: Mvula Chabalala (Free State), Matthew Davids (Free State), Jayden Davids (Free State), Mbongiseni Mhlanga (Free State), Stefan Nel (Free State), Sello Sesing (Free State), Joe Meyer (Free State), JP King (CSA Invitation XI), Hanro Swanepoel (North West), Rico Fryer (North West), Corné Prinsloo (North West), Bathabile Masigo (North West), Tshireletso Tikoe (North West).

 

Gauteng came out on top by seven wickets against the Titans in the main match of the annual Khaya Majola Week in Potchefstroom.

No team managed to finish the tournament unbeaten. Gauteng, Western Province, and KwaZulu-Natal all suffered only one defeat during the week.

The Titans recorded 226/7 in their adjusted allotted 48 overs thanks to a century by their opening batsman, Kieron Croome. A light rain shower interrupted the Titans’ innings causing the Duckworth/Lewis-method to come into effect.

Nkhanyiso Mkhize (3/40) was the pick of Gauteng’s bowling attack.

Gauteng’s opening batsman, Reuben du Toit (96), just missed out on his century. His stumps were rearranged by spin bowler Divan Engelbrecht to spoil his party.

Du Toit’s opening partner, Ronan Hermann (53), as well as their team’s captain, Billy van Zyl (55), also weighed in with half-centuries. The newly chosen SA Schools’ captain, Schalk Engelbrecht, removed two batsmen for 28 runs as he once again showcased his talent.

Hermann was also named Player of the Week for his excellent performances with the bat. He finished the week as the top run-scorer with 344 runs at an average of 114.67 runs per innings. This included an unbeaten century of 152 runs against Boland on the opening day.

This innings by Hermann is the fourth-highest since 1994 at the Khaya Majola Week. The record for the highest-ever individual innings at the tournament belongs to Rilee Rossouw who smashed 182 runs against Kei back in 2006.

Western Province managed to end KwaZulu-Natal Inland’s unbeaten streak at the week with a convincing eight-wicket victory. KZN Inland was restricted to 105/7 in their allotted 20 overs with Western Province’s SA Schools’ spin bowler, Jesse Prodehl (2/27), causing most of the damage.

Maahir Joseph (64) and Meeka-eel Prince (41*) made the highest contributions for WP as they cruised home.

Dean Bacher, captain of the CSA Invitation XI, produced a superb all-around performance to lead his side to a 43-run victory over the Free State. Bacher (92) was run-out before he could reach his century. He faced only 63 deliveries as he placed Free State under pressure.

He followed this up by picking up five wickets for only 27 runs. Bacher is the son of former Proteas opening batsman Adam Bacher.

Eastern Province managed to secure their first victory of the week by beating Limpopo by eight wickets. The Limpopo’s SA Colts player Khaif Patel would however be happy with how he managed to conclude his week. He first contributed 41 runs with the bat before dismissing two batsmen for only 24 runs.

Border also managed to break their winless streak on the final day by defeating Northern Cape by 36 runs. The team’s captain, Ben van der Merwe (42), finished his week on a high thanks to a solid innings.

Summarised Scorecards:

Titans 226/7 (Kieron Croome 102, Divan Engelbrecht 44; Nkanyiso Mkhize 3/40); Gauteng 239/3 (Reuben du Toit 96, Ronan Hermann 53, Billy van Zyl 55). Gauteng won by seven wickets.

T20

KwaZulu-Natal Inland 105/7 (Makabongwe Ngcobo 28; Jesse Prodehl 2/13); Western Province 109/2 (Maahir Joseph 64, Meeka-eel Prince 41*). Western Province won by eight wickets.

Easterns 134/8 (Sinethemba Ngenyane 42, Christiaan Conradie 30; Hanro Swanepoel 3/18, Johan Mahne 2/23); North West 45 (Johan Mahne 10; Khaya Sithole 3/6, Amaan Khan 2/4, Uwais Saloojee 2/5). Easterns won by 89 runs.

Boland 100/9 (Nathan Jacobs 27; Nathan Ngugi 2/13, Ronan Varday 2/13, Rasen Naidoo 2/34); KwaZulu-Natal 101/4 (Chad Laycock 45*, Nathan Trevethan 28; John Vermaak 1/4). KwaZulu-Natal won by six wickets.

Invitation XI 168/5 (Dean Bacher 92, Nicklis van Onselen 39); Free State 126 (Matthew Davids 24*, Marco Fouché 24, Alex McIntyre 23; Dean Bacher 5/27, JP King 2/18). Invitation XI won by 43 runs.

Limpopo 110 (Khaif Patel 41; Cameron Williams 2/18, Viwe Gana 2/19, Lisa Namba 2/22); Eastern Province 112/4 (Casey Keevy 48; Khaif Patel 2/24). Eastern Province won by eight wickets (D/L-method).

Mpumalanga 108/6 (Hannes Feuth 30, Lukas van der Walt 23; Kamvelihle Qusheka 2/12, Francois Ackerman 2/14); South Western Districts 109/1 (Anoxolo Khitsini 54*, Keenan Arries 43*). South Western Districts won by one wicket.

Border 135/6 (Ben van der Merwe 42, Ryan Muir 30, Imitha Maphuma 24, Bradley de Kock 22; Itumeleng Sekonyela 4/11); Northern Cape 99/6 (Naziel Adams 49, Biopelo Mancwe 20; Bune Hlonela 3/16). Border won by 36 runs.

 

Schalk Engelbrecht of the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria was announced as the captain of the South African Schools’ side of 2021. The team was announced at the start of the final day of the Khaya Majola Week in Potchefstroom by the convenor of selectors, Patrick Moroney.

Engelbrecht is the third player from Affies to captain the national schools’ side. The first was Jacques Rudolph in 1999 after Thami Tsolekile could not play in the annual match after sustaining an injury. The second SA Schools’ captain from Affies was Francois le Clus in 2004.

SACS from Cape Town is the school with the most representatives in the national team with two players, Meek-eel Prince and Liyema Waqu, getting the nod from the selectors.

The two national sides won’t play any matches this year. The selection panel also picked 13 players per team to receive their caps in 2021. The panel consisted of Moroney, Deon Botes, Graham October, Gregg Hobson, and Burton de Wett.

The captain of Free State, Joe Meyer (St. Andrew’s School), was named the captain of the SA Colts side. Meyer recorded a century on the fourth day to secure his place in the team. The highest wicket-taker of the week so far, Nicholas Adendorff, also made the Colts side.

The teams: 

SA Schools: Schalk Engelbrecht (Captain) (Affies, Titans), Christiaan Daniels (Menlopark, Titans), Khaya Fakhude (King Edward VII, Gauteng), Ronan Hermann (Noordheuwel, Gauteng), Nathan Jacobs (New Orleans, Boland), Bongile Mfunelwa (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province), Meeka-eel Prince (SACS, Western Province), Jesse Prodehl (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Richard Seletswane (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Nathan Trevethan (Westville Boys’ High, KwaZulu-Natal), Slade van Staden (Hilton College, KZN Inland), Alexander Vermeulen (Michaelhouse, KZN Inland), Liyema Waqu (SACS , Western Province).

SA Colts: Joe Meyer (Captain) (St. Andrew’s School, Free State), Nicholas Adendorff (Merensky, Limpopo), Abdullah Bayoumy (Newlands Cricket High, Western Province), Basil George (Sao Bras Secondary, South Western Districts), Kyle Glennistor (Northcliff High School, Gauteng), Olwakhe Goqoza (Victoria Park High, Eastern Province), Juan James (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), JP King (St. John’s College, Gauteng), Chad Laycock (Glenwood, KwaZulu-Natal), Bathabile Masigo (Die Wilge, North West), Nhlanhla Mashego (Dalpark High School, Easterns), Dewan Marais (Marais Viljoen, Easterns), Shelton Ngobeni (Phalaborwa HUB, Limpopo).

After the first four days of the annual Khaya Majola Week in Potchefstroom, there is not much difference between the top four teams at the tournament.

Gauteng, the Titans, Western Province, and KwaZulu-Natal are without a doubt the outstanding teams at this year’s tournament. Gauteng and the Titans will face each other on Wednesday in an exhibition match over 50 overs on the JB Marks Oval.

Both sides suffered their first defeats of the week on the penultimate day. Gauteng lost by a solitary wicket against Western Province in a closely contested clash. In the end, it was the batting heroics of Abdullah Bayoumy (57*) that got Western Province past the target with only one delivery to spare.

Juan James (61) and Tyler Williams (25) also played major roles in the victory with the bat. Kyle Glennistor (4/33) was once again the pick of Gauteng’s bowling attack.

For Gauteng, Khaya Fakude (58), Ronan Hermann (49), and Richard Seletswane (45) all weighed in with valuable contributions with the bat in hand.

The Titans suffered their first defeat against KwaZulu-Natal Inland, while the latter kept their unbeaten record intact—the only side to do so during the first four days of the tournament.

The Titans were restricted to 171 with Alexander Vermeulen (4/25) and Thabiso Ndlela (4/30) causing most of the damage. In the end, it was the tailenders Kris Watt (48*) and Alexander Vermeulen (25*) who saw Inland home with three wickets to spare.

KZN Inland will attempt to finish the tournament unbeaten in their final match against Western Province on Wednesday.

The exhibition match on the JB Marks Oval will be a 50 overs encounter while the rest of the matches of the final day will be Twenty/20 clashes.

The Free State’s captain, Joe Meyer (114), steered his side to a 102-run victory over Limpopo. This was Limpopo’s first defeat of the tournament. Meyer received some valuable support from Alec McIntyre (58) and Marco Fouché (37).

The CSA Invitation XI’s Nicklis van Onselen (65*) was in a devastating mood. He only faced 42 deliveries as he helped his side to secure a convincing victory over Eastern Province in the 15th over.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Chad Laycock (133*) recorded an impressive century against the hosts, North West. He faced 133 deliveries of which he dispatched 18 past the boundary rope. Two of these boundaries were maximums.

Laycock and Nathan Trevethan (58) shared a 173-run partnership over the third wicket.

Northern Cape’s spin bowler Jody Barend (5/33) produced the best bowling performance of the day against Mpumalanga. It was over still not enough to prevent his side from suffering a 71-run defeat.

 

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs):

Gauteng 230/9 (Khaya Fakude 58, Ronan Hermann 49, Richard Seletswane 45, Billy van Zyl 27, Zack Momberg 22; Liyema Waqu 2/48, Tyler Williams 2/53); Western Province 233/9 (Juan James 61, Abdullah Bayoumy 57*, Tyler Williams 25; Kyle Glennistor 4/33, Greg Ford 2/36). Western Province won by one wicket.

Titans 171 (Divan Engelbrecht 44, Jaco Beneke 32, Kagiso Ngwenya 22; Alexander Vermeulen 4/25, Thabiso Ndlela 4/30); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 172/7 (Kris Watt 48*, Alexander Vermeulen 25*; Edumisa Delemnyanga 3/47). KZN Inland won by three wickets.

North West 229/9 (Tshiteletso Tikoe 57, Johan Mahne 40, Rico Fryer 39, Tebogo Mathe 36; Bonga Shezi 3/50, Ronan Vardaya 2/21, Zedan Mohamed 2/36); KwaZulu-Natal 232/3 (Chad Laycock 133*, Nathan Trevethan 58; MJ Mostert 2/29). KwaZulu-Natal won by seven wickets.

Boland 210/8 (Paul Senekal 64, John Vermaak 58, Extras 24; Amaan Khan 3/16, Damien Smith 2/29, Blaine Peterson 2/38); Easterns 181 (Christiaan Conradie 39, Jayden Mostert 29, Amaan Khan 26; Sanele Qubuda 4/45, Nathan Jacobs 3/18). Boland won by 29 runs.

Free State 274 (Joe Meyer 114, Alec McIntyre 58, Marco Fouché 37, Matthew Davids 21; Thabiso Mohlasedi 3/74, Nicholas Adendorff 3/75); Limpopo 172 (Kamogelo Madibana 36, Muhammed Sagir 29, Nicholas Adendorff 23, Extras 24; Foster Lubbe 3/22, Matthew Davids 2/20, Stefan Nel 2/26). Free State won by 102 runs.

Eastern Province 103 (Ziphosihle Ruiters 26; Samuel Bobraine 4/14, Dean Bacher 3/9); CSA Invitation XI 105/1 (Nicklis van Onselen 65, Ulli Bronkhorst 24*). CSA Invitation XI won by nine wickets.

Mpumalanga 192 (Jayden Scholtz 40, Stefan Leemans 31, Lukas van der Walt 27, Joshua Greeff 23; Jody Barend 5/33, Karabo Masiu 3/28); Northern Cape 121 (Naziel Adams 32, Extras 25; Desmond Visser 3/21, Suhail Patel 2/20). Mpumalanga won by 71 runs.

South Western Districts 169 (Extras 33, Thabo Dywili 24, Liyabona Malifi 21; Lisakhanya Lwana 4/40, Thozama Totana 2/26); Border 146 (Bradley de Kock 51*, Bune Hlonela 21; Basil George 3/13, Francois Ackermann 2/16). South Western Districts won by 23 runs. 

 

After the first three days of the Khaya Majola Week in Potchefstroom, there are only four unbeaten sides left. The four unbeaten sides are Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal Inland, the Titans, and Limpopo.

The third day’s play saw a lot more sunshine than the first two days, but the scores were still quite low.

Gauteng kept their unbeaten status intact thanks to an eight-wicket victory over Eastern Province. The team’s opening batsman Ronan Hermann continued his excellent run of form with an unbeaten 70 runs.

Hermann is now the top run-scorer at the week with 240 runs. His average is also 240 runs per inning. The non-travelling replacement for the South African u19-side is making sure the selectors don’t forget about him.    

Gauteng will face Western Province in their next match. The latter suffered their first defeat of the tournament against the Titans on Monday. The Titans were restricted to 174/9 in their allotted 50 overs with Arnaud du Plessis (53*) and Christiaan Daniels (40) making the biggest contributions with the bat.

The spin bowler Schalk Engelbrecht (3/25) was once again outstanding as Western Province was bowled out 14 runs short. Western Province’s Bongile Mfunelwa (47) and Siseko Sobekwa (33) made valuable contributions with the bat.

The Titans will face KwaZulu-Natal Inland in their next match. The team from the coast kept their unbeaten record intact with a six-wicket victory over Mpumalanga.

KZN Inland’s pace bowler Kris Watt (4/24) was the pick of his side’s bowling attack as Mpumalanga could only reach 121 before being bundled out.

Limpopo stayed unbeaten with a three-wicket victory over the CSA Invitational XI. Their seam bowler Nicholas Adendorff continued his excellent form by removing three batsmen from the crease at the cost of only 14 runs.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs):

Boland 104 (Extras 27; Salmaan Shabbir 2/11, Nathan van der Westhuizen 2/11, Corné Prinsloo 2/17, Hanro Swanepoel 2/18); North West 105/7 (Bathabile Masigo 34, Thireletso Tikoe 21; Marcell Dampies 3/26). North West won by three wickets.

Eastern Province 128 (Siphamandla Bashe 46, Russell Petersen 24; Tsepo Stafa 3/23, Kyle Glennistor 3/26); Gauteng 131/2 (Ronan Hermann 70*, Khaya Fakhude 35; Mikhyle Brass 1/20). Gauteng won by eight wickets.

Northerns 174/9 (Arnaud du Plessis 53*, Christiaan Daniels 40, Modise Maloka 28; Cameron Fraser 2/10, Liyema Waqu 2/33, Jesse Prodehl 2/40); Western Province 161 (Bongile Mfunelwa 47, Siseko Sobekwa 33, Jacques Jooste 23*; Schalk Engelbrecht 3/25, Christiaan Daniels 2/20, Letsholo Selemela 2/24). Northerns won by 13 runs.

Free State 103 (Sello Sesing 26, Joe Meyer 20; Zedan Mahomed 2/9, Rasen Naidoo 2/20, Bongumusa Shezi 2/24); KwaZulu-Natal 106/5 (Nathan Trevethan 43, Minenhle Ntombela 30*; Mvula Chabalala 2/30). KwaZulu-Natal won by five wickets.

South Western Districts 176 (Keenan Arries 67; Jody Barend 3/33, Itumaleng Sekonyela 2/19, Thlalefo Kgape 2/35); Northern Cape 85 (Daylon Beukes 30; Basil George 3/17, Anoxolo Khitsini 2/24). South Western Districts won by 91 runs.

Border 134 (Ryan Muir 36, Thozama Totana 21; Nathan Steyn 2/21, Uwais Saloojee 2/26, Mahlatsi Theko 2/34); Easterns 136/2 (Dewan Marais 85*, Nhlanhla Mashego 24). Easterns won by eight wickets.

Mpumalanga 121 (Stefan Leemans 32; Kris Watt 4/24, Jake Carstens 2/18, Oyama Ntshona 2/34); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 122/4 (Slade van Staden 45, Jake Carstens 22; Akhulile Mkatu 2/21, Johan van Antwerpen 2/25). KZN Inland won by six wickets.

Invitation XI 126 (Dean Bacher 32, Nicklis van Onselen 28; Nicholas Adendorff 3/14, Khaif Patel 3/14, Masilo Moremi 2/29); Limpopo 128/7 (Edward Clements 37, Khaif Patel 30; Samuel Bobraine 3/12, Samuel Willemse 3/16). Limpopo won by three wickets.