Hottentots-Holland Cricket Club (HHCC) remains rooted at the bottom of the First Division A log standings following yet another loss, this time to Strandfontein CC in a clash played at the Navy’s Sports Ground on Saturday (10 February).
Strandfontein CC won the toss and decided to bat first in clear conditions. The visitors made a good start and took full advantage of the first power play. HHCC then turned to its spinners, Shameel Abels (1-42), Abdul Aziz Temoor (3-49) and Yaasien Railoun (2-38), to slow the run rate and grab crucial wickets. Strandfontein were 180/8 after 41 overs but lacklustre death bowling coupled with power hitting saw Strandfontein CC romp to 250 all out.
At the change of innings HHCC were in trouble at 7/2, but Irshaad Salie and captain Yaasien Railoun steadied the ship with a quick 70-run partnership.
After Railoun fell for 20, Fuad Behardien joined Salie at the crease and kept the runs ticking. Salie then departed for a well-played 76 and HHCC then began to lose crucial middle order wickets at vital times. The total proved a bit too much as HHCC fell 40 runs short of the target, being dismissed for 211. Salie (76), Behardien (28) and Railoun (20) were the top scorers.
This coming week sees HHCC travel to Ravensmead to face Tygerberg CC.
In First Division B, Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) scraped to a five-run victory over Bonteheuwel CC at Radloff Park.
SWCC batted first and scored at a realtively slow but steady run-rate to reach a total of 162 all out.
SWCC then bowled well to restrict the Bonteheuwel batsmen, who edged closer to the total but ultimately lost their last wicket in the 42nd over to be bowled out for 157, handing SWCC a memorable victory.
This weekend SWCC are on the road as they face St Augustine Cricket Club in an away fixture.
In First Division D, Helderberg Cricket Club (HCC) celebrated a dominant victory over Peninsula CC at the Helderzicht Sports Grounds in Somerset West.
Peninsula CC won the toss and elected to field first, which worked in HCC’s favour as they romped to 246/8 in 50 overs.
The in-form Gary-Jon Sylvester top scored with 77, and was supported by Gregan Mouers (33) and Dexter Hindley (29).
At the change of innings HCC continued to bully the game and exerted pressure on Peninsula CC who only managed to score 113 all out.
Sylvester (17-3), Hindley (43-3) Damian Jooste (26-2) and Shane Fredericks (21-2) had a good day with ball in hand.
HCC will play away this weekend against Sherwood-Manenberg CC.
