Hottentots-Holland Cricket Club cemented their position at the top of the Western Province First Division B league following a victory over Blue Bells CC in Grassy Park at the weekend.
HHCC won the toss and decided to bowl in windy but clear conditions. A couple of wickets fell early, but Blue Bells strung good partnerships together and eventually ended on a defendable 191 (all-out).
HHCC’s Fuad Behardien was outstanding with the ball as he bagged 5/46. He was well supported by veteran spinner Abdul Aziz Temoor (2/35).
After a good opening stand of 41 runs by Uthmaan Sha (24) and Irshaad Salie (15), the visitors quickly lost wickets in succession and were struggling on 90/5.
The HHCC captain and ever-reliable Waleed Smith stepped to the crease along with Temoor, taking the game away from Blue Bells with a quick-fire 64-run partnership.
Smith (61) and Temoor (35), along with a rapid innings from Yaaseen Smith (25*), guided HHCC to a three-wicket win which keeps them comfortably leading the log.
The HHCC second team faced neighbours Helderberg CC in a Reserve D league derby.
Helderberg batted first and only managed to score 121 (all-out) with Gasant Moller (4/35), Riyaad Oliver (2/27) and Shuaib Salie (2/27) the pick of the HHCC bowlers.
HHCC then made light work of the total as they chased it down with seven wickets to spare. Rashaad Salie (55) was in fine form with the willow, along with Hishaam Slamdien (31*) and Abdullah Arnold (24) as HHCC claimed a bonus-point victory.
The HHCC third team hosted Durbanville CC at Abattoir Sports Ground in a 3B League encounter.
The hosts batted first and scored a mammoth 233/6 in 35 overs. Dawood Josephs (59), Edwin Daniels (34) and Rewayne Viljoen (31) starred with the bat.
In their innings, Durbanville came out guns blazing in pursuit of the target. The match came down to the wire when the visitors needed a run off the last ball.
Ebrahim Pedro of HHCC managed to keep his nerve and claimed a wicket off the final ball as the match ended in a memorable draw. Pedro (2/22) and Abu Bakr Rhoda (2/35) were the best HHCC bowlers.
The HHCC women travelled to Goodwood to face Northerns-Goodwood CC, with the hosts batting first and scoring 168/3 in their 20 overs. The HHCC lasses struggled in their innings, scoring 47 (all-out).
V This weekend, the first team host Altius United CC at the Navy Sports Ground in Gordon’s Bay, the seconds take on Ottomans CC (away), the third team face Somerset West CC and the women host Milnerton CC.
