The upward trajectory of Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) continues as it secured another First Division B victory when it hosted Montrose CC at Radloff Park, now renamed the Alan Olsen Oval, on Saturday (19 November)
Early-morning rain delayed the start of proceedings, with the encounter commencing at 12:30 only and the match being was reduced to 35 overs.
SWCC won the toss and opted to bowl first, with the visitors getting off to a good start. They, however, lost regular wickets as Nigel Dirks tightened the screws in the bowling department.
The Montrose CC batsmen found it hard to score runs, but in the last seven overs SWCC didn’t bowl too well as they gave away 54 runs in just 42 balls.
Montrose CC set a very competitive score of 173 in its 35 overs, leaving SWCC a required run rate of five runs per over for the win.
The pick of the Somerset West bowlers was Dirks (3/25) and Eugene Geldenhuys (2/32).
The SWCC opening pair of Larry Morkel and Matthew Dickson shared another 40-run stand before Dickson lost his wicket.
Wilhelm Esterhuizen then joined Morkel at the crease and the pair shared a 66-run partnership, and batted at the required run-rate.
Both batsmen lost their wickets in the latter part of the innings, but Jan Rademan and Wiehann Meyer made sure SWCC secured the win in the 33rd over.
The top scorers for Somerset West were Morkel (82) and Rademan (25*).
V Somerset West will host Yorkshire CC in their next league encounter at the Alan Olsen Oval this Saturday (26 November).
