The second team of Strand Cricket Club (SCC) ended a six-match losing streak when it came out top against Bonteheuwel CC in a Reserve G league encounter on Saturday (10 December).
It was the side’s first win of the season as the newly established team admits to struggling to adapt after playing in Division 3C last season.
Playing away in Bonteheuwel in overcast weather with rain expected in the afternoon, Strand CC captain Aqeel Fenton chose to field after winning the toss.
Bonteheuwel CC were two players short and played with only nine players, which gave Strand an advantage on which they hoped to capitalise. Strand’s Leathan Savory took the new ball and kept a consistent line and length, applying pressure on the home team to look for ways to score.
Bonteheuwel’s opening batsmen targeted young SCC spinner Morne Daars, but he was up to the challenge and took three wickets to give Strand the advantage.
Spinner Vernon Swartland then started his spell and caused further damage with four wickets in just four overs, helping Strand to restrict the home team to 136/8 at the close of their innings.
In their innings, Strand’s opening batsmen lost their wickets early, but veteran batter Ebrahim Gafieldien stepped to the crease and, together with Savory, built a decent partnership by each contributing more than 40 runs and leading their side their first victory, with a bonus point, for the season.
The Strand CC third team locked horns with an experienced Victoria CC in a Division 3C outing at Gustrouw Sports Grounds on the same day.
The hosts lost the toss and were sent into bat, which proved a good toss to lose as they romped to 200 runs in their allotted 35 overs.
The top-scoring batsmen were Rafiek Fredericks (61), Isador Armien (47) and Johan Cyster (23).
At the change of innings, SCC bowled and fielded with heart and outplayed the Vics side to bowl them all out for 151 in just 21,3 overs, to claim a memorable bonus-point win. The top bowlers for Strand were Renaldo Kleynhans (4/26), Cyster (3/26) and Sherwin April (2/26).
Meanwhile, the SCC first team travelled to Philippi for Second Division A game, but their opponents did not pitch, which handed the local lad a bonus-point win.
This Friday (16 December), the SCC first team will host Heideveld CC at Gustrouw, the third team takes on Varsity CC at Helderzicht and the seconds travel to Hanover Park CC on Saturday (17 December).
