Macassar Cricket Club (MCC) continued their dominant run in the Western Province Second Division, securing their 17th consecutive win with a victory against Peninsula CC at the Riverside Oval on Saturday 22 February.
Despite an early batting collapse, a crucial partnership and some late pinch-hitting saw MCC secure the win.
MCC won the toss and elected to field, with opening bowlers Celenschi van Graan and Robin Pretorius setting the tone with economical and disciplined bowling. Peninsula were eventually bowled out for just 100 runs in the 33rd over. Morten Jantjies (3/3) was the pick of the MCC bowlers.
Chasing a seemingly modest target, the home side’s innings got off to a disastrous start, as they struggled on 14/5. But a great partnership between 14-year-old Wayden Mampa (32) and captain Rowayne Sinden (24) turned the tide and stabilised the innings. Robert Harding (22) also chipped in to seal the MCC victory in the 32nd over.
MCC maintained their 17-match unbeaten streak, demonstrating their exceptional form this season. The team will next face Heideveld CC (away) on Saturday, followed by a home match against CPUT CC on Sunday.
In First Division A, Hottentots Holland CC (HHCC) faced a challenging end to their season as they suffered two defeats at the weekend.
In their match against Tygerberg CC on Saturday, HHCC won the toss and elected to bat. But their innings got off to a disastrous start, with the team reeling at 31/5 by the 10th over. A resilient 59-run partnership stabilised the innings, but the team continued to lose wickets.
HHCC were eventually bowled out for 136; Abdul Aziz Temoor (39) and Shakoer Baderoen (31) were the top scorers.
Despite a positive start with the ball, HHCC couldn’t contain the Tygerberg batsmen, and although they managed to bag wickets, they couldn’t prevent Tygerberg crossing the line in the 27th over. Marwaan Wanza (4/49) was the chief destroyer.
HHCC then faced Rylands CC on Sunday, losing the toss and being asked to field. They started strong, reducing the log leaders to 31/5 after 10 overs. But Rylands recovered well and managed to post a total of 139/10. Rasool Thomas (4/34) and Yaaseen Smith (3/20) bowled very well.
With a low target set, HHCC faltered dramatically and lost regular wickets to be bowled out for a paltry 69 runs. Baderoen (25) showed the most restraint.
The two defeats marked the end of a difficult season for HHCC, who now await the outcome of other matches which will determine their fate in First Division A.
The other clubs in the basin were also in action on Saturday.
- Somerset West CC vs Vikings CC at Ruyterwacht (First Division B):
Vikings CC 161/10 in 40.1 overs: Jason Lee Josephs 3/9; Gouws Koen 2/12; and Nigel Dirkse 2/22.
Somerset West CC 165/7 in 42.3 overs: Jean de Wet (45) and Larry Morkel (26).
Somerset West CC won by 3 wickets.
- Strand CC vs Pollsmoor CC at Tokai (First Division D):
Strand CC 146/10 in 36 overs: Yasin January (27), Ebrahim Latief (23), Sharwaan Naidoo (22) and Wayne Cloete (21).
Pollsmoor CC 58/10 in 32 overs: Gasant Moller (3/17) and Johan Cyster.
Strand CC won by 88 runs.
- Helderberg CC vs Nyanga CC at Helderzicht (First Division D):
Nyanga CC 113/10 in 43.5 overs: Jody Sylvester 5/16; Gary-Jon Sylvester 2/15; and Aidan Salie 2/21.
Helderberg CC 116/3 in 14.5 overs: Jerome van Niekerk 29; Gary-Jon Sylvester 28; and Jody Sylvester 27 runs.
Helderberg CC won by 7 wickets.
This weekend, Somerset West CC will lock horns with Edgemead CC (away) and Helderberg CC will also be on the road for a match against Mitchells Plain CC. Strand CC will enjoy a bye.
