Eagles Cricket News

Can the no-name brand tame the Superstars?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:04:57 +0200

THE no-name brand against the Protea-laden superstars; that may be a bit of an over-simplification of Friday’s Standard Bank Domestic Pro20 final between the bizhub Highveld Lions and the Chevrolet Warriors.

In the first place the Lions do have their own superstars such as Neil McKenzie, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Alviro Petersen but it is very much the unsung heroes such as Robbie Frylinck, Ethan O’Reilly, Jonathan Vandiar and Aaron Phangiso who have played significant roles in getting their side through to the final and with it qualification for the Champions League as well.

The Warriors have been the prime suppliers of players to the Proteas for the last couple of years and the Kallis’, Bouchers and Makhaya Ntinis are the players you expect to be the movers and shakers when it comes to the business end of the big competitions.

Kallis certainly did it in the semi-final and the final of the MTN40 and Ntini reminded a lot of people that there is mileage left in his tank in the semi-final of the Pro20.
The Lions have been under-performers for the last couple of seasons and even for most of this one. So what has changed things around?

Alviro Petersen is a good man to answer that one. He is captain-elect but was out of the country with the Proteas when the change was made and will leave the leadership reins with Thami Tsolekile for the completion of the current campaign.

So what has he noticed that is different?

“I think everybody got a general wake-up call when the captaincy was changed. There was a general feeling that, if the captain could be sacked, then everybody else’s place would be on the line as well.

“One thing that has helped is that we don’t have too much analysis and pre-conceived ideas. The players just stick to the basics and it has worked for us.

“There is also a natural hunger among young players who want to prove themselves on the biggest stage available to them. And there isn’t anything much bigger than the Standard Bank Pro20 final in our domestic cricket.

“There will be a huge crowd and reputations are there to be made against players of the calibre that the Warriors possess.”

Good news for the Lions is that Craig Alexander, who has missed the whole season through injury, and Andre Nel, who has missed much of it for the same reason, are both fit again.

Like O’Reilly, Alexander is a 150km/h man while Nel’s experience of the big time counts for a lot.

But it will be a tough call to leave out any of the young Lions who have served their franchise so well. After all Pro20 cricket is a young man’s game.

Both coaches, Dave Nosworthy and Russell Domingo, have some tough calls to make in finalizing their playing XIs.

Northerns Collapse out of CSA Women's Provincial League

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:01:22 +0200

The semi-finals of the CSA Women’s Provincial League were packed with drama as the star-studded, Northerns, crashed out of the league with an eight wicket loss to Western Province on Saturday and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) defeated Gauteng in a 99 run victory.

Northerns won the toss and elected to bat first and were all out for a paltry 56 runs. None of the five national players; Dane van Niekerk, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Marcia Letsoalo and Charlize van der Westhuizen made their mark, and Innocentia Khonyane was the only player who made more than 15 runs, making a top score of 17 not out. The pick of Western Province’s bowlers was Lee Jacobs, who took four wickets for 11 runs off six overs.

In reply, Western Province sailed to their win in 19.4 overs with the loss of only two wickets and Lee Jacobs was again the top performer scoring an unbeaten 20.

In Lenasia, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Women continued their unbeaten streak over the 2009/2010 CSA Women’s Provincial League when they beat Gauteng by 99 runs. It was a moment to savour for coach, Horatius Sokhanyile, who watched his ladies struggle in the previous season; “I’m swelling up with pride today when I look at my ladies, this win was not easy, but it showed just how strong they are and how determined they are and can be in the face of adversity.”

Gauteng won the toss and elected to field. KZN were all out for a competitive score of 205, with captain and former national team player, Denisha Devnarain top scoring with 41 runs from 71 balls.

In reply, Gauteng only managed 106 all out, with Kirstie Thomson top-scoring with 38 runs. KZN’s success was due mostly to consistent performances from Chloe Tryonne and Rasika Maharaj, who took three wickets each.

The final of the CSA Women’s Provincial League takes place on Saturday, 20 March where KZN will host Western Province in what is sure to be a cracker of a match. Western Province would like to be the team to beat KZN for the first time in the league this season, but KZN coach is determined to win this one; “We understand that Western Province are a disciplined team and play very good cricket, but we won’t allow them to walk all over us,” Sokhanyile remarked.

Kallis, Boucher fit for Pro20 Final

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:56:05 +0200

JACQUES KALLIS and Mark Boucher have both recovered from injury and will be available to the Chevrolet Warriors for the Standard Bank Domestic Pro20 Final to be played against the bizhub Highveld Lions at Axxess DSL St. George’s on Friday evening.

Boucher suffered a back spasm that ruled him out of the second Test match against India last month as well as part of the ODI series while Kallis suffered a hamstring strain while batting in the final ODI.

The pair have played nearly 600 ODIs between them and will be a significant boost to what is already a very powerful Warriors squad.

Warriors coach Russell Domingo will be left with the pleasant problem of working out who to leave out of a squad that has swept all before them in limited overs cricket this season.

Kallis displayed stunning form for the Warriors in both their successful MTN semi-final and final and will be keen to help his new franchise put more silverware on the shelf.

The other Proteas who were injured during the Indian tour are also recovering well. JP Duminy (split webbing) and Graeme Smith (fractured finger) are still a full week away from returning to action in the Indian Premier League and may well have to sit out their franchises’ opening fixtures.

Albie Morkel (ankle ligament) has made a full recovery but Roelof van der Merwe (hamstring) still has some way to go.

Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge Reignites School Rivalries

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:46:27 +0200

The Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge has not only reawakened the fierce rivalry among schools across the country, but has been a showcase of a thrilling display from the country’s rising youth cricketers. The competition is reaching an exciting climax, with the finals now almost two weeks away.

Most of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) 15 affiliates head into the semi final and final phases of the provincial rounds this week, while others prepare for the all important Franchise Final which will determine who takes part in the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge Finals on 27-28 March at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.

The Lions Franchise Final will take place between King Edward School VIII (KES) and Klerksdorp High School on Friday, 12 March. KES were victorious against fellow neighbours St Johns in the Gauteng final, after a strong performance in the group matches. Klerksdorp High School beat Potchefstroom Gymnasium by 14 runs to earn themselves the title and the bragging rights in the North West province.

Northerns winners, Hoerskool Menlo Park, are awaiting the winners of the 2^nd Regional Final between Middleburg High School and Hoerskool Jeugland. Menlo Park cemented their place in the Franchise Final on Sunday after they thrashed Limpopo winners, Hoerskool Ben Vorster by seven wickets, in the 1^st regional Final. Middleburg High School are the Mpumalanga champions while Hoerskool Jeugland put in a forceful showing to claim the Easterns title with a 13-run victory over CBC Boksburg on Monday.

The race for a place to represent the Warriors Franchise is speeding up, finalists from the South Western Districts (SWD), Border and Eastern Province will take part in a three-way round-robin Franchise Final, with the winner having the opportunity to bring more silverware to the Franchise at the finals. Oakdale Agricultural High School from Riversdale beat Outeniqua High School from George to walk away with the R20 000 prize money for being the provincial winners in the SWD. Hudson Park from East London are awaiting the winner in the match between Lindani High School from Healdtown and Dale College from King Williams Town in the Border area. Eastern Province are also in full swing with the semi finals and finals scheduled for this week.

Grey High School in Bloemfontein edged out St Andrews by eight wickets with one ball to spare in a close encounter on Saturday. Grey have been a powerhouse in breeding quality cricketers over the years, and it seems they are continuing with the same tradition after their impressive showing. Grey High will play the winner of the Griqualand West region, who are having their semi finals and finals this coming weekend.

Maritzburg College will have to get by either Durban High school (DHS) or Glenwood High School, who are the firm contenders in the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal competition. Maritzbug College won the Inland competition after finalists St Charles forfeited their position, and will contest the Franchise Final taking place on the 18^th of March at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead. KZN Coastal’s regional final will take place on the 16^th of March.

The prime of the Western Cape’s Traditional High Schools will be contesting for a stake to represent the Cape Cobras Franchise. Paul Roos Gymnasium and Paarl Boys High will battle it out in a day/night match on Wednesday, reigniting the rivalry among Boland’s premier cricketing schools. In Cape Town, the semi finals promise to provide spectacular action when Rondebosch Boys High School play against Sherwood/Mannenburg and Bellville Technical High School face Wynberg Boys High School.

Grey College Twenty/20-champions of the Free State

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:17:48 +0200

Grey College defeated St. Andrew's by eight wickets in the Twenty/20-final of the Free State at the OUTsurance Oval. St. Andrew's recently defeated Grey College for the first time in 18 years. Saints batted first and scored 115 runs in their alotted 20 overs thanks to opening batsman, Brett Hall's half century.

Grey Colleges reached the target with only a ball to spare after Pierre Marais (51) and Andries Gous (45) laid the foundation for the victory. Grey will now face the champions of the Northern Cape for the title of champions of the central franchise. The champion will represent the Eagles in the national schools' competition.

The teams:

St. Andrew's: Brett Hall, Tyron Cameron, Simon Khomari, Mokone Mofokeng, Keagan Rafferty, Simon Lisene, Johan van Dyk, Pieter Ross, Dillon Wilkinson, Craig Jones, Gary Groenewald.

Grey College: Elmar Deysel, Corne Dry, Derick du Plooy, Nick Venter, Dwaine Calder, Nic Linde, Pieter Smith, Dawid Pawson, Pierre Marais, Andries Gous, Vasili Orros, Heinrich Roberts.

By Hannes Nienaber

Lions power into the Standard Bank Pro20 Final

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:08:39 +0200

Career best figures from Richard Cameron blasted the bizhub Highveld Lions into the Final of the Standard Bank Pro20 Series after a 10-run win against Nashua Titans at Supersport Park on Friday. The all-rounder ended with impressive stats of 4/23 in his four overs, and led the rampage on the Nashua Titans batsmen.

Cameron kept a calm head after a blistering start from the Titans duo of Blake Snijman and Gulam Bodi. The pair battered 84 runs off 49 balls for the opening partnership and gave the Titans a solid start, before the soft dismissal of Snijman for 68 off some alert wicket-keeping from Thami Tsolekile. Snijman belted 55 runs off 30 balls, including five (4’s) and three (6’s), after showing his intentions with a massive six off the first delivery of the innings. The wicket of Snijman gave the platform to Cameron, who bagged the key wickets of Bodi (26), AB de Villiers (10), Jacques Rudolph (24) and Heino Kuhn (13). Robbie Frylink (2/38) picked up two wickets in the final over of the match and dashed any hopes of the Titans achieving the 20 runs required off the six balls. The Titans had kept in tune with the run-rate, reaching 100 runs off 68 balls in comparison to the 70 balls it took the Lions reach 100 runs, however the Titans wilted towards the end of the race.

Earlier on, it was Master Blaster Batsman Jonathan Vandiar who powered the Lions to the highest total of the 2009/2010 Standard Bank Pro20 Series. Vandiar hammered the Titans bowlers in his innings of 68, hitting six (4’s) and four (6’s) off only 43 balls. Vandiar and his opening partner Neil Mckenzie got the visitors off to a flying start, with their 50-run partnership coming off 35 balls. The pair were on the attack, with Morne Morkel feeling the fire after going for 18 in his first over. Paul Harris outdid Mckenzie, who was stumped by Kuhn in the first over of his spell and was also responsible for the wicket of Cameron (7), in his second over. Harris bowled superbly for his 3/32, with Basheer Walters keeping it tight with 2/31. The two quick wickets however didn’t keep the runs at bay with Vandiar and Vaughn van Jaarsveld scoring 53 runs off 28 balls for the third wicket. Vandiar and Van Jaarsveld (16) fell in quick succession leaving it to Zander de Bruyn and the explosive Tsolekile to produce the fireworks at the end. The two blasted together a partnership of 35 runs off 18 balls, to give the Lions a commanding score, and with that, a place in the Final against the Chevrolet Warriors at Axxess DSL St George’s in a week’s time.

Unbeaten and Going strong

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:06:38 +0200

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Women will look to continue with their unbeaten streak when they clash with Gauteng Women in the semi finals of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Women’s Provincial League on Saturday, 6 March in Lenasia. KZN cruised into the semi-finals after winning all of their round robin games and finished top of the Central region log with forty points, and a net run-rate of 3.21.

Coach, Horatius Sokhanyile, is delighted with his team’s progress to date: “We are of course pleased with the ladies’ performance this season and especially in this tournament. Their performance has shown the yard stick of our hard work. To come back from last season’s performance the way they did shows the mindset of the team.”

KZN also boast the top two bowlers in the league, Chloe Tryonne and Rasika Maharaj, and also have two batters lying in fourth and sixth in the batting averages, Nikita Sole and Trisha Chetty showing their worth with the willow.

Sokhanyile had special praise for Maharaj and Tryonne: You have to watch out for Rasika Maharaj and Chloe Tryonne, their performance in bowling and batting has been a revelation.”

While KZN go into the semi-finals with a lot of confidence, they refuse to underestimate their opponents, Gauteng, the leading team on the Highveld log. A good strategy will never go amiss and the coach knows where they have to work hardest, “My ladies are aware of the four top players in Gauteng’s line-up. Our line of bowling attack will be one inch outside off stump,” he explained.

Regardless of the result, it will prove to be a semi-final to remember, with some of the top female cricketers in the country battling it out. In the second semi-final, Western Province take on Northerns, who finished second on the Highveld log and progressed by virtue of the highest run-rate.

Teams for Semi-finals:

KZN: Denisha Devnarain (Captain); Trisha Chetty; Nadine Moodley; Nivasha Ramnath; Hayleigh Wheeler; Chloe Tryonne; Prudence Gcabashe; Nicole Nel; Rasika Maharaj; Kayleigh Taap; Nikkita Sole; Deyanka Naidoo

Gauteng: Cri-Zelda Brits (Captain), Kirstie Thomson, Savannah Cordes, Nicole Daniels, Yumna Plowker, Morgan Prim, Jameelah Shaikjee, Celeste Niehaus, Beverley Chlulee, Bennita Van Der Merwe, Nonkhululeko Thabethe, Shaakira Mohammed, Hester Watson, Tanya Brits

Western Province: tbc

Northerns: Charlize Van Der Westhuizen (Captain), Marcia Letsoalo, Lerato Malesa, Mignon Du Preez, Maria Makhubo, Melisa Smook, Kay Harichand, Dane Van Niekerk, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp ,Innocentia Konyane (wk), Boitumelo Maboa

CSA First-Class Competition set for close finish

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:04:43 +0200

With less than a month to go in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) First Class Three-Day Competition, it is anybody’s prediction as to who will walk away with Amateur Cricket’s premier title. Eastern Province (EP) lead the pack on 145.02 points, with Gauteng in second on 139.34 points and Northerns in third on 127.62 points, with the next round of matches starting today (Thursday).

EP travel to Cape Town to face a strong Western Province team, who are also in with a sniff, lying in sixth place on 115.94 points with three matches to play. EP have won six matches, the most by any team, with four draws, and can further strengthen their grasp on the trophy with a win against Province. Michael Smith has been the form man, with an average of 67.10. Another player who has had a fantastic return to amateur cricket is Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) batsman, Michael Price. Price has tallied up 726 runs this season, and will play a major for EP, according to coach, Piet Botha.

“We have played a good brand of cricket this season and one of the strengths of the team has been their ability to play in partnerships. We have our dominant batsmen like Michael Price and Michael Smith, but we also have the guys like Kelly Smuts that chip in with the odd 30’s and 40’s and create big partnerships, ” said Botha.

Reece Williams has been the force with the ball for EP, with 44 scalps to his name, including three five-for’s and one 10 wicket haul. The 21 year-old former SA U19 player moved to the Eastern Province for his studies this season, and is second behind Imran Tahir (51) with the most wickets, at an average of 18.88. NMMU’s Simon Harmer’s wicket-taking form has shot up as the season has progressed, only last weekend he grabbed 5/58 against Northerns and is one for the future.

“ Reece has been phenomenal this season. He was part of our academy programme over the winter and has been a cog in our bowling attack. The other young bowlers such as left-arm seamer Brandon Viret and spinner Simon Harmer have also been superb for us, and have given the team an exciting balance,” said Botha.

Third placed Northerns have a tricky fixture when they travel to face defending champions, Griqualand West. Northerns will have to do without some of their top performers in Christiaan Schoeman and young leg spinner Shaun Von Berg who are off to India on the Titans’ player exchange programme and Mandla Mashimbyi who is on Titans duty. They will however, have the experience of Sean Nowak and François le Clus, who will lead the young blood coming into the team.

“We have obviously been dealt huge blows with the withdrawals of our top players but I am confident that that youngsters that we have can come and play a big role for us this weekend. The experienced players will have a lot more responsibility on their shoulders but it is an exciting time for the debutants,” said Northerns’ coach, Malibongwe Maketa

Gauteng have a bye this weekend with Easterns, who are also strong title contenders, at home to Free State, who came away with an excellent victory against South Western Districts last weekend.

Fixtures

Western Province v Eastern Province; Cape Town

Boland v North West; Paarl

Easterns v Free State; Benoni

Griqualand West v Northerns; Kimberly

Namibia v KwaZulu-Natal; Windhoek

Table

CSA Provincial Three-day Challenge 2009/10
P	W	L	Tied	D	Bat	Bowl	Penalty	Pts
Eastern Province	10	6	0	0	4	48.02	37	0	145.02
Gauteng	11	5	1	0	5	51.34	38	0	139.34
Northerns	10	4	2	0	4	48.62	39	0	127.62
South Western Districts	12	3	5	0	4	43.62	44	0	117.62
Easterns	10	4	2	0	4	44.64	32	0	116.64
Western Province	10	4	3	0	3	37.94	38	0	115.94
Griqualand West	11	3	2	0	6	44.96	37	0	111.96
Free State	11	2	3	0	6	47.10	34	1	100.10
Border	11	1	6	0	4	37.08	36	0	83.08
KwaZulu-Natal	10	2	2	0	6	29.96	32	0	81.96
Namibia	10	1	4	0	5	33.48	35	0	78.48
North West	10	0	1	0	9	46.98	30	0	76.98
Boland	10	1	3	0	6	32.24	30	0	72.24
KwaZulu-Natal Inland	10	0	2	0	8	30.54	27	0	57.54
Bonus points are awarded an the first 85 overs of each team's first innings as follows:
Batting: 1 point on reaching 100 and 0.02 points for each run thereafter
Bowling: 1 point for taking 2 wkts, 2 for 4 wkts, 3 for 6 wkts and 4 for 8 wkts.

Cape Cobras crash out of Standard Bank Pro20 Series

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:25:55 +0200

The Chevrolet Warriors sent the Nashua Cape Cobras crashing out of the Standard Bank Pro20 series with a 10 run victory at Sahara Park Newlands on Wednesday. The Warriors went into the match with a one-nil lead in the three-match contest and will now await the winners between the bizhub Highveld Lions and the Nashua Titans, for the final contest at Axxess DSL St Georges on Friday 12 March.

The Cobras would have been confident after they restricted the Warriors to 121/6 after 20 overs. Johan Botha (29*) was the top scorer for the Warriors, with his unbeaten 58-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Craig Thyssen (27*) lifting the visitors to a total of substance, after they were left stumbling at 63/6 after 14 overs. Thyssen blasted 27 off 18 balls and deservedly received the master blaster batsman of the match award. The Warriors were in trouble from the onset losing Jon-Jon Smuts (10) and danger-man Colin Ingram (2) in the first four overs. Opener, Ashwell Prince contributed with a patient 25 off 27 balls, amidst the rampage from the Cobras bowlers. The Cobras bowlers were all amongst the wickets, with Justin Kemp (2/8), Monde Zondeki (1/14) and Vernon Philander (1/19) the outstanding performers.

22 off the final over was always a tough ask for the home team and despite having big hitters Kemp and Vernon Philander at the crease, the Cobras had however left it too late. Pressure is the name of the game in the Standard Bank Pro20 Series and the Warriors’ bowlers managed to choke up the Cobras’ batsmen who had a casual approach to the low total, in Pro20 terms. Rusty Theron got the first breakthrough of the innings with the wicket of Robin Peterson (5), who came off a 50 off 46 balls in the first leg in Port Elizabeth last week Friday. Gibbs was the next man to go, caught by Theron at third man for two, the expectant crowd left at murmur, with Makhaya Ntini the only man celebrating. The Cobras continued to lose wickets at crucial moments, Nicky Boje with the wicket of Andrew Puttick for 22 off 39 balls in the 13^th over and Botha grabbing Justin Ontong, who faced 31 balls for his 28, in the 15^th over, two batsmen that had occupied the crease for some time. Ntini was named as the Master Blaster Bowler with his match-winning figures of 2/12, and was well assisted by superb bowling from Theron (2/29) and Botha (1/15). In the end, Kemp and Philander were left with too much to do and struggled to find the boundaries, with the 2009/2010 Standard Bank Pro20 Title now certain to have new holders.

The Nashua Titans host the bizhub Highveld Lions in the fourth semi-final on Friday 6 March at Supersport Park, Centurion. The Titans trail one-nil and will have to win the final two matches to contest the Final against the Warriors next week. The Titans have the advantage of calling on their Proteas players while the Lions will continue to ride with the momentum that has carried them so far. The match will start at 6:00 PM.

Past and Present praise Ntini

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:33:05 +0200

One of South Africa’s most popular sporting icons, Makhaya Ntini, celebrated his illustrious career at a tribute gala dinner at Emperors Palace on Monday night. The evening was dedicated to the “Mdingi Express” after his superb achievement of 100 Test matches for South Africa, with hundreds of guests, ranging from teammates and coaches to administrators, sponsors and avid fans,turning up to pay tribute to one of the most jovial characters in the game.

Border Amateur coach, Raymond Booi, discovered Ntini in the rural Eastern Cape town of Mdingi. Eighteen years on, Booi is full of praise for Ntini, and in awe of the cricketer and person that he has developed into.

“When I found Makhaya way back in 1992, a young boy with not much of a future ahead, I did not think that 18 years later he would have played more than 100 Test Matches for South Africa. He is an extremely hard worker, very disciplined and fit, there is still plenty of cricket in him. I only wish him the best, he just wants to play cricket and will give it his all until he bowls his last ball.,” said Booi.

Proteas assistant coach, Vincent Barnes was equally full of admiration for Ntini, who has been like a family-member over the years: “I got involved with Makhaya about seven years ago for the first time and it has been an absolute pleasure watching him grow, not only as a cricketer but as a person as well. We are very close, he would often come to me for advice, not just about cricket but also about his personal life. He has been a great ambassador and inspiration to so many people in our country across all races and generations, even to myself. His career has had its ups and downs but he has never let those adversities get him down, that is why he has 101 Test matches to show for it,” said Barnes.

Former Proteas captain and opening partner, Shaun Pollock, hailed Ntini for the magnificent feat of playing 101 Test matches for the Proteas. Pollock played 108 Test matches for South Africa with 421 wickets, and believes that Ntini’s excellent accomplishments and impact will never be fully realised.

“Playing 100 tests for one’s country does not happen to many players and it is a huge feather in Makhaya’s cap. He has made a great impact on South African cricket, probably bigger than we can imagine, and has served his country well. He is a fantastic role model to young cricketers and lots of credit must go to him for the way that he has conducted himself on and off the field over the years,” said Pollock.

Shedding Light on Black African Cricket Talent

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:16:57 +0200

Makhaya Ntini, Mfuneko Ngam and Monde Zondeki have one thing in common, they are all pace bowlers, who represented South Africa. Now, a new generation of young batsmen are coming to the fore, carrying the dream of one day representing the Proteas.

Omphile Ramela started his cricket on the back streets of Soweto and his first taste of cricket came from the country’s longest running development programme, Bakers Mini Cricket. Ramela was unlucky to miss out on a place in the SA Schools XI, when he was part of Gauteng’s Under 19 squad in 2005/06, but he refused to give up on his dream. After spending some time at the Lions Academy in Potchefstroom, he moved to the Boland in 2008, to further his studies at the University of Stellenbosch, and his career has grown in leaps and bounds. Ramela is the current captain of the Boland Senior First Class team and the Maties team, who took part in the National Club Championships. From scoring his maiden First-Class hundred, to making his debut for the Nashua Cape Cobras, the 2009/2010 season has been a breakthrough one for the former St Johns scholar.

“This season has been very special for me. Starting off at the Standard Bank National Cricket Academy during the winter to making my Franchise debut, it has been filled with memorable moments. I think every time I do well for my club, province or franchise it always is a special time,” commented Ramela.

Former Proteas coach, Mickey Arthur, called Temba Bavuma “an organised cricketer”, after the youngster held his nerve against the Proteas in a warm-up match for a bizhub Highveld Lions combined XI. Bavuma made his debut for the Lions in 2009 in the MTN40 competition, and blasted 152 for the Highveld Strikers in January. The former U19 and SA Schools player, is a short, nifty player, but is explosive with the willow in hand, much like his favourite cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar. His unbeaten 152 for the Highveld Strikers against Easterns counts as one of his memorable knocks, in a young career that holds much promise.

Another Gauteng product making waves in the game, is former Queens College boy, Grant Mokoena. Mokoena made headlines when he was selected for the SA Schools side after a sterling performance for Border at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Under 19 week in 2005. He was then selected as part of the touring SA Under-19 squad to the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2006, which also included Richard Levi, Wayne Parnell and Dean Elgar. 2009 has been his come-back year, after an absence of nearly two seasons from topflight First Class cricket. He has impressed for the Highveld Strikers and against the visiting England High Performance XI in December. He scored a superb 121 against a world-class attack, which included Ryan Sidebottom and Liam Plunkett and although his career has been temperamental, he has shown the signs of the brilliance that he can still achieve.

Easterns are currently fourth in the CSA First-Class Three-Day Competition, and despite a dominant showing from their experienced campaigners, they have a few youngsters breaking through and scampering up the ladder. Opening batsman, Tumelo Bodibe, was part of the 2009 Standard Bank National Cricket Academy intake and has lit up the amateur scene this season, with his naturally aggressive talent.Mangaliso Mosehle is a class talent. Hard work, dedication and self-belief drive the former SA U19 wicket-keeper, with many tipping him for international honours. Named as the CSA U19 player of the year last season, Mosehle brings more to the table, than just raw innate talent behind the stumps, he is no slouch with the bat. He won the prize at the most dedicated student at the Standard Bank National Cricket Academy and is hot on the heels of Titans’ wicket-keeper, Heino Kuhn.

“Tumelo has improved so much in the last three years. He is more confident and has a huge desire to do well. He has proved himself to be one of the leading openers in first-class cricket, especially after scoring his maiden century and his technique is also one of the best around.

“Mangi’s talent speaks for itself. He is an extremely hard worker, he puts in extra work in his own time and is no doubt one for the future. Both youngsters are always willing to learn and have the right mind sets to take their cricket further,” said Easterns coach, Geoffrey Toyana.

One of the Nashua Dolphins’ upcoming youngsters is 19 year-old Khaya Zondo. Zondo had a dream start to his cricket career when he joined the likes of Herschelle Gibbs, Nicky Boje and JP Duminy as one of the youngest players to make a First-Class debut at the age of 17. Last week Friday, he gave a strong indication of what he is all about, when he put on a superb 70-run fourth wicket partnership under pressure with David Miller, in the Standard Bank Pro20 match against the bizhub Highveld Lions. Zondo scored his maiden First-Class century for KwaZulu-Natal against Namibia last month and has been on the fringes of the Dolphins setup, with that more likely to change, after the KawZulu-Natal Franchise made a pledge to give more opportunities to their home-grown talents.

Young talent is abundant in the country, and with the correct measures in place, and the right support and mentoring, it is only a matter of time before these young cricketers truly make their mark in the game. Many have spoken about the dearth of the African batsmen, but the resources continue produce uncut diamonds, that need some shaping in order for them to sparkle.

Theron seals it for the Warriors

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:11:46 +0200

Rusty Theron was the man of the moment in the Chevrolet Warriors’ three run victory over the Nashua Cape Cobras in the second semi final of the Standard Bank Pro20 Series at Axxess DSL St George’s on Friday. Theron, a man who can do no wrong this season, was against the odds in the final over, but stood his ground to defy the Cobras batsmen who only needed eight runs for victory.

In his magical over, Theron had Vernon Philander caught in the deep with the second ball, starred in Rory Kleinveldt’s run out with the fifth ball, and bowled a dot ball to deny Robin Peterson the required boundary off the final delivery.

Earlier in the innings, it was Justin Kemp and Peterson who swung the match into the Cobras’ favour, featuring in a fifth wicket partnership of 61. The Cobras struggled to 67/4 before the experienced pair came to the crease. Kemp’s patient innings of 42 off 32 balls included three (4’s) and two (6’s), as he passed the landmark of 1000 runs in Pro20 cricket. Peterson reached his half-century in the final over, an occasion that almost went unnoticed by the vocal St George’s crowd who were spurring Theron on. His unbeaten 50 off 46 balls at his former home ground could have changed the Cobras’ fortunes, had his solid innings received more support from the other batsmen. Master Blaster Bowler Theron finished with figures of (2/23), with Nicky Boje (1/25) and Makhaya Ntini (1/31) the other supporting cast.

The Warriors’ two in-form and explosive batsmen, Colin Ingram and Davey Jacobs led the charge for the home team, who were facing the Cobras at home for the second time in a week. The pair put on 96, the second highest partnership of the 2009/2010 Series, only behind the 98 that they put together against the Cobras last week Friday. The Warriors looked in trouble at 53/3, after losing Jon-Jon Smuts (24), Ashwell Prince (5) and Justin Kreusch (11), Prince to a moment of individual brilliance from Richard Levi, who took a stunning one handed diving catch running from mid-off to extra cover. The two got together in the 10^th over, and carried the home side to a decent score of 149 in their 20 overs. Master Blaster Batsman, Ingram, reached his 50 off 36 balls, with a solid straight drive over the bowler for six to mark the milestone. The partnership yielded 11 boundaries, six (4’s) and five (6’s), at just over nine runs an over in challenging and slow conditions. The Cobras bowlers struggled to get wickets, with Monde Zondeki (1/29), Vernon Philander (1/24) and Robin Peterson (1/27) toiling away with economical figures.

The third semi-final heads to Sahara Park Newlands on Wednesday, with the Cobras needing nothing less than a win to keep their hopes of place in the March 12 Final alive.

Proteas get their basics right

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:44:39 +0200

WHEN the Proteas are good they are excellent and, when they are bad…well they are horrid!

Finding the consistency to make sure that the good times far outnumber the bad and particularly when it comes to the knock-out phases of major ICC tournaments will be the main focus for Corrie van Zyl and his coaching staff over the next 12 months.

There are 18 ODIs against a variety of opponents between now and the start of the ICC World Cup and the Proteas have been left with a lot of food for thought following the three-match series against India.

They won the final match against a below-strength Indian side on Sunday at Motera by 90 runs in a performance that was built on the basics that have served South Africa well in the past.

The top four batsmen all got runs with both Jacques Kallis and man-of-the-match AB de Villiers getting centuries while sharing a partnership of 173 for the third wicket that was a record for the Proteas against India as well as for this particular ground.

It was only 15 runs shy of the all-time South African third wicket record set up by De Villiers and Albie Morkel against Zimbabwe two and a half years ago.

The new opening partnership of Hashim Amla and Loots Bosman worked very well to the tune of 113 runs in little more than 15 overs and that laid the foundation for the plunder that followed from Kallis and De Villiers.

The latter two played contrasting innings. Kallis as usual hardly seemed to take a risk yet he still made his runs off only 94 balls and there was no better shot played all day than his lofted off drive to take him to three figures.

De Villiers was at his expressive best, making a mockery of India’s attempts to contain him. He faced only 59 balls for his 104 runs to complete back-to-back centuries in this series.

The other pieces to fall into place in the Proteas’ jigsaw puzzle were an excellent piece of spin bowling by Roelof van der Merwe and the fact that both Dale Steyn and Lonwabo Tsotsobe were able to take important wickets in mid innings.

Steyn was back to his best in his second spell when he removed both Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni (the latter with the help of a brilliant catch by Mark Boucher) and was unlucky not to get Suresh Raina as well.

It is true that ODI cricket is a batting game but the ability of bowlers to take wickets on the sub-continent is critical for any team that wants to win the World Cup.

Tsotsobe has had few opportunities for the Proteas since coming on the scene in Australia at the end of 2008 but has never let the side down and his performance must have given the team strategists much food for thought.

Sunday’s result was not that important in itself but it did serve to remind the Proteas of the type of ODI cricket that serves them best and the basics and discipline they exercised in this outing will put them on the right path to mount a meaningful World Cup challenge.

Kallis (left hamstring) and Albie Morkel (right ankle strain during the warm-up) are both extremely doubtful for the Standard Bank Pro20 series final rounds.

Van Wyk and Van der Wath in provisional World Cup squad

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:38:08 +0200

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA on Saturday named a provisional squad of 30 for the ICC World Twenty20 to be played in the West Indies later this year.

The tournament starts on April 30 with the final scheduled for May 16.

The squad includes four uncapped players in the batting duo of Colin Ingram of the Chevrolet Warriors and David Miller of the Nashua Dolphins and fast bowlers Rusty Theron of the Chevrolet Warriors and Ethy Mbhalati of the Nashua Titans.

The final squad of 15 will be named next month.

The provisional squad is: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors, vice-capt), Yusuf Abdulla (Nashua Dolphins), Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins), Lungile Bosman (Nashua Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Colin Ingram (Chevrolet Warriors), Justin Kemp (Nashua Cape Cobras), Rory Kleinveldt (Nashua Cape Cobras), Charl Langeveldt (Nashua Cape Cobras), Ethy Mbhalati (Nashua Titans), Ryan McLaren (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), David Miller (Nashua Dolphins), Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans), Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans), Makhaya Ntini (Chevrolet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Nashua Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Rusty Theron (Chevrolet Warriors), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors), Roelof van der Merwe (Nashua Titans), Johannes van der Wath (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Vaughn van Jaarsveld (bizhub Highveld Lions), Morne van Wyk (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles).

Proteas wilt under Tendulkar onslaught

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:42:52 +0200

THE Proteas’ Standard Bank squad got a rude awakening to just how much work needs to be done before next year’s World Cup when they were sunk virtually without trace in the second ODI against India at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, on Wednesday.

India’s winning margin of 153 runs equaled their highest ever against the Proteas first achieved at Dhaka in 2003 and enabled them to wrap up the series 2-0. The final match at Ahmedabad on Saturday will thus be a dead rubber.

This match will always be remembered as the one in which the game’s greatest ever ODI player, Sachin Tendulkar, appropriately became the first to score a double century in the 50 overs game. He reached this landmark in the final over of the innings, facing just 147 balls and hitting 25 fours and 3 sixes.

Apart from a couple of run out calls that were referred to the third umpire the innings was as chanceless as can be and was a remarkable display of stamina – apart from his abundant skills – from a man who is in his 36th year and has been virtually ever present throughout South Africa’s emergence from isolation.

He was the lone survivor on either side from South Africa’s last visit to Gwalior in 1991.

As always a standout feature was Tendulkar’s ability to manipulate the field settings and the bowling plans more or less as he liked, no moment being better than a delivery from Dale Steyn that was pitched well outside off stump that was sent racing to the square leg boundary with a dismissive flick of the wrists.

Of such a moment is genius truly made.

For the Proteas the memory will be one of just how far they are off the pace in terms of making a meaningful challenge for World Cup glory in a year’s time on much the same surface and under the same playing conditions that they will encounter then.

Skill execution was poor – as it has been for most of the past summer in this format of the game – and a real worry must be the continuing inability of the Proteas’ top order to bat out their full 50 overs.

ODI cricket is a batting game and this is something that most sides take for granted.

The only real positive for the Proteas was the return to form of AB de Villiers who finished unbeaten on 114 (101 balls, 13 fours and 2 sixes). But he would have been as disappointed as any with the overall performance and it was not surprising that his celebration on reaching three figures was appropriately muted.

There is much work to be done.

Border Aloes win Rural Week

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:38:27 +0200

Border Aloes conquered new heights when they won the Rural Cricket Association of South Africa (RCASA) Cricket Week in Kimberly on Wednesday. In only their second appearance of the annual competition, the Aloes ended top of the log, after a thrilling showing from the young team. Aloes coach, Mfuneko Ngam, was extremely proud of his team.

“Last year we came close, winning three out of four but we came here this year with the goal of taking the trophy home. We had three bonus point wins during the week so it was a convincing performance from the boys, especially Vuyisa Makaphela, who scored 212 runs and was only dismissed once,” said Ngam.

Makaphela is a rising star in the Border region and one of the promising youngsters who are benefiting from the Joint Venture Programme between Cricket South Africa (CSA), Border Cricket Board (BCB) and University of Fort Hare (UFH). The bulk of the players from the Aloes took part in the annual Ngumbela Rural Cricket Development Tournament during December and January, match practice that counted in favour of the team.

“I am so proud of the boys, especially since this is only the second year that they take part in the tournament. Rural Cricket is alive and thriving in the Eastern Cape and the victory at the CSA Rural Week only goes to show that it can only get better for the Alica and Heald Town region, ” said Ngumbela.

A RCASA XI was selected and will play against a SA Forces XI on Thursday, who are made up of players from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Correctional Services. Bilal Ismail from KwaZulu-Natal will captain the side, which will be coached by the successful Aloes coach, Mfuneko Ngam. Boland East’s Ferisco Adams was named as the player of the tournament.

“The players selected proved themselves to the selectors during the week and they are a reflection of the cricket that was played during the week. They were all top performers for their respective teams and will give the SA Forces XI a tough time,” remarked CSA Senior Amateur Cricket Manager, Max Jordaan.

2010 RCASA XI

Danico Philmon (Boland East), Jaco O’ Kelly (Gauteng), Vuyisa Makaphela (Border Aloes), Eugene Swart (KZN), Horatio Cornellissen (Boland West), Byron Buys (Boland East), Bilal Ismail – Captain (KZN), Gerhard Vosloo (Mpumalanga), Xolisa Mjekula (Border Aloes), Ayabulela Gqamane (Border Village), Ferisco Adams (Boland East), Melville Daniels (EP Grahamstown), Mfuneko Ngam (Coach), Shaheed Alexander (Manager).

CSA and Standard Bank hit a six with Schools Pro20 Challenge

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:02:41 +0200

Globally schools sports have become increasingly competitive, and the creation of the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge follows this trend and also extends the bank’s long standing cricket sponsorship into South African schools.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Standard Bank’s pilot Pro20 Schools Challenge started on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 and is now well underway and producing some exciting results.

CSA’s 15 cricket affiliates invited more than 340 cricket playing schools, seen as the next generation of cricket stars, to compete in the 2009-2010 Challenge. As the only nationally coordinated amateur cricket programme, designed to develop and grow future cricketers of South Africa, CSA intends increasing the number of participating schools to 500 within three years.

“We wish to grow and nurture the future cricketers of South Africa, and have extended our support of the game and existing long term partnership with CSA through this sixth cricket sponsorship initiative. The Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge will assist in further developing an ongoing “pipeline” of cricketers for professional cricket in South Africa” states Clement Motale, Director Group Sponsorships Standard Bank.

“Since the introduction of the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge, a positive vibe has been felt and the schools really need to be commended in bringing to the game a sense of camaraderie and school spirit. This has created huge excitement and enthusiasm amongst the participating schools” states a proud CSA President, Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka

The twenty-over competition has seen knock out round robin tournaments played in each of the 15 CSA cricket provinces. By the 8th March 2010, it will be down to the wire with the top provincial teams vying for a spot in the Franchise Finals on 20th March 2010. Only six top teams will play in the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge final on 27-28 March 2010 at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.

“Despite the difficulties with the rainy weather in most provinces we have managed to keep on track and to catch up considerably on the fixtures programme”, states Niels Momberg CSA’s Youth Cricket Manager,” the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge is definitely creating new opportunities. Many schools are enjoying the concept, and the fact that they are seeing more of the wicket is very rewarding.”

The school finalists from the regional and provisional tournaments each receive cash prizes, and the winning school will be presented with R100000 from CSA for new cricket equipment and the upgrading of its cricket facilities.

“The short format game used in this competition allows for our cricket affiliates to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the best cricketing schools, and through the Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge we wish to encourage new audiences to cricket via the twenty over format” says CSA Dr Nyoka.

Free State team to face SWD

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:35:06 +0200

The Free State named one of their strongest teams thus far this season for their encounter against South Western Districts from tomorrow at the OUTsurance Oval in Bloemfontein.

The team (from):

Divan van Wyk, Waldo Lategan, Rilee Rossouw, Jonathan Beukes (captain), Con de Lange, Ramono Terblanché, Michael Erlank, Lefa Mosena, CJ de Villiers, Gino Vries, Victor Mpitsang, Bokang Mosena and Jeandré van Wyk.

By Hannes Nienaber

Bull Ring sets its eyes on local derby clash

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:03:54 +0200

The bizhub Highveld Lions will have the chance to draw first blood when they take on the Nashua Titans in the first semi-final of the Standard Bank Pro20 Series at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday night. The Lions are on the hunt for the their secondPro20 title, since they last won the trophy in the 2006/2007 season. The Lions leaped into the semi-finals after a thrilling two-run victory over the Chevrolet Diamond Eagles at OUTsurance Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

The Lions began their pursuit of a semi-final berth by posting a challenging total of 184/6, the highest total of the 2009/2010 competition. Jonathan Vandiar and debutant Richard Cameron started the fireworks, after the early dismissal of Niel Mckenzie for one, with the score on 18. Vandiar and Cameron put on 52 runs for the second wicket, before Cameron fell for 36 runs while attempting another maximum. Vandiar and Vaughn van Jaarsveld carried the Lions to 95/2 at the halfway mark, cruising at more than nine to the over. Vandiar’s dismissal was soft and unnecessary, a miscued reverse sweep off the bowling of Thandi Tshabalala. He looked in destructive nick, with his 56 runs coming off 40 balls including three (6’s) and four (4’s). Van Jaarsveld (37) followed suit in the following over, with a cameo from Zander de Bruyn (28*) lifting the Lions to their total. Johan van der Wath (2/22) bowled tightly at the end of the innings to peg back the runs, with Tshabalala (2/31) and Jandre Coetzee (0/27) the other economical bowlers.

The Diamond Eagles made a brave attempt at chasing the 185 set by the Lions but they fell agonisingly short, thanks to an inspired comeback from the Lions’ bowlers. The Diamond Eagles looked well on their way, after captain Morne van Wyk took to the attack, smashing 74 runs off 51 balls. He was the anchor in the 67-run second-wicket partnership with Dean Elgar (30) as well as in the third-wicket stand of 66 runs with Ryan Bailey, then along came Robbie Frylink. A superb double-strike from Frylink to dismiss Van Wyk and Bailey in the 17^th over led to the Diamond Eagles’ collapse, as the Lions snatched back the momentum. Needing 19 runs off the last over, with seven wickets down, Reeza Hendricks gave the crowd hope smashing two sixes in two balls, taking the required rate to six runs in two balls. The fairytale for the Diamond Eagles was not to be, as the Lions held on for a tense two run victory.

The second semi-final will be held at AXXESS DSL St George’s on Friday, between the Chevrolet Warriors and the Nashua Cape Cobras. The Nashua Titans outplayed the Chevrolet Warriors by 55-runs at Supersport Park in Centurion. Despite their bonus-point victory, the Titans ended in second-place, one point behind the Warriors who topped the log.

The Titans scored 182/4, after Jacques Rudolph blasted 69 runs off 37 balls, with Gulam Bodi (44) and Heino Kuhn (28) also coming off well with the bat. Garnett Kruger (3/26) and Makhaya Ntini were the best bowlers for the Warriors attack, who were hammered by the 69-run second wicket partnership between Rudolph and Bodi.

In reply, the Warriors batsmen struggled to gain momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Jon-Jon Smuts looked good at the start of the innings, but was dismissed for 34, off the bowling of Pierre Joubert. Joubert (3/23) and Master Blaster Bowler, David Wiese (5/19) led the rout of the Warriors line-up, with the pair picking up eight wickets amongst each other and cleaning up the Warriors for 127.

Standard Bank Pro20 2009/10 Log
P	W	L	Tied	NR	Bonus	Penalty	Pts	Net RR
Chevrolet Warriors	5	4	1	0	0	0	0	16	-0.07
Nashua Titans	5	3	1	0	1	1	0	15	1.11
bizhub Highveld Lions	5	3	2	0	0	0	0	12	-0.17
Nashua Cape Cobras	5	2	3	0	0	1	0	9	0.15
Chevrolet Diamond Eagles	5	2	3	0	0	0	0	8	-0.05
Nashua Dolphins	5	0	4	0	1	0	1	1	-0.74
As at 22 February 2010
Supplied by Andrew Samson
Official Statistician of Cricket South Africa

1^st Semi Final

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 (Day Night)

Lions vs Titans, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Reserve Day, Thursday, 25 February 2010 (Day Night)

2^nd Semi Final

Friday, 26 February 2010 (Day Night)

Warriors vs Cobras, Axxess DSL St George’s, Port Elizabeth

Reserve Day, Saturday, 27 February 2010 (T.B.C)

3^rd Semi Final

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 (Day Night)

Cobras vs Warriors, Sahara Park Newlands, Cape Town

Reserve Day, Thursday, 04 March 2010 (Day Night)

4^th Semi Final

Friday, 05 March 2010 (Day Night)

Titans vs Lions, SuperSport Park, Centurion

Reserve Day, Saturday, 06 March 2010 (T.B.C)

5^th & 6^th Semi Final (If required)

Monday, 08 March 2010 (Where Required – Day Night)

Warriors vs Cobras, Axxess DSL St George’s, Port Elizabeth

Titans vs Lions, SuperSport Park, Centurion

Reserve Day, Tuesday, 09 March 2010 (Day Night)

Day/Night matches will start at 6 PM and Day matches will start at 2:30 PM.

Eight teams left in Twenty/20-tournament

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:05:56 +0200

Eight teams booked their places in the second round of the regional Twenty/20-tournament for schools. The champion will face the champions of the other regions in South Africa to found out who is the country's top team.

Grey College started off well beating Voortrekker in Bloemfontein by nine wickets. Dwaine Calder (3/11) restricting the visitors from Bethlehem to a mere 71 runs. St. Dominic's College of Welkom defeated the other school from Bethlehem, Witteberg, by four runs in their encounter. The Free State u19-player, Mpho Telekoa, leading from the front scoring 66 runs in his teams victory. He was supported well by fellow opening batsman, Damon de Villiers (44).

AHS Kroonstad cruised to victory when they won their encounter against Goudveld by eight wickets. With Luan Janse van Rensburg first grabbing two wickets for a mere 12 runs and then scoring an unbeaten 36 runs to steer his team home. St. Andrews of Bloemfontein defeated AHS Sasolburg, while Welkom Gimnasium won their encounter against Rocklands to book their place in the next round.

The Sasolburg HS vs Fichardtpark match was finally decided by the toss of a coin, as the match was rain interrupted and Fichardtpark (Bloemfontein) could not go through to Sasolburg two days in a row.

Hentie Cilliers went through by default, as Dr Blok (Heidedal Schools) called them to say they could not honour the fixture.

The second round's matches will be played tomorrow.

St. Dominic's College vs Grey College at St Dominic's College 1^st field

Sasolburg HS vs AHS Kroonstad at Sasolburg
Hentie Cilliers vs Grey College II at Henties Park
Welkom Gimnasium vs St. Andrews at St Dominic's College 2^nd field.

Summarised scores:

Voortrekker (Bethlehem) 71 (T. Maree 28, M. Maree 12; Dwaine Calder 3/11, Nic Linde 2/14, Nico Venter 2/18); Grey College 74/1 (A. Gous 40, Pierre Marais 16; J. Wagenaar 1/23). Grey College win by nine wickets.

St. Dominic's College 133/6 (Mpho Telekoa 66, Damon de Villiers 44; J. Botha 2/17, P. Kemp 2/20, R. du Preez 2/33); Witteberg 129/9 (J. Botha 67, J. Dedekind 23; Jason de Silva 3/28, Michael Monaghan 2/22, Kevin Monaghan 2/24). St. Dominic's College win by four runs.

Goudveld 97/8 (Eric 21, Shaun 21; Pierre Uys 3/26, Luan Janse van Rensburg 2/12); AHS Kroonstad 98/2 (Luan Janse van Rensburg 36*, Wayne Wright 33). AHS Kroonstad win by eight wickets.

By Hannes Nienaber