Helderberg Cricket Club (HCC) enjoyed a spirited start to their 2026-’27 WPCA First Division C Ama20 campaign, securing a brilliant opening victory over Hanover Park CC before narrowly missing out in a nail-biter against Belhar CC.

Playing in Belhar on Saturday 10 October, HCC demonstrated immense bowling discipline to defend a modest total and claim a 21-run victory over Hanover Park.

Batting first, HCC scored 102/7 in their 20 overs, with top top-order contributions from Ebrahiem Latief (20) and Junaid Sylvester (18) setting a steady platform, before Chad Bailey (15*) injected late momentum.

HCC’s bowling unit restricted Hanover Park to just 81/9. Aden Williams (3/8) was the standout performer, back by Gregan Mouers (2/17) and Sylvester (1/11).

Returning to Helderzicht Sports Ground to face Belhar CC on Sunday 11 October, HCC fell just six runs short of a weekend sweep.

Belhar took first strike, posting 114/6 in 20 overs. Bailey (3/13) starred with the ball for HCC along with Latief (2/28) and Mouers (1/7).

In their chase, the hosts fought valiantly through a solid knock from Blaze Roos (43), while Kyle Pillay (12*), Declan Fredericks (11), and Sylvester (11) kept them in the hunt, but were not enough as they were restricted to 108/6.

Meanwhile, Somerset West CC (SWCC) enjoyed a flawless start to their First Division C season, picking up two victories. On Saturday, SWCC defeated Sherwood Manenberg by 19 runs after posting 143/6 thanks largely to Jason Lee Josephs (44) and Lester Jellen (31*).

On Sunday, SWCC secured a 53-run bonus-point victory over Vikings, restricting them to 73/7 after Josephs again led the charge with 45 runs and figures of 2/16.

In First Division B, Hottentots Holland CC (HHCC) has a tough opening weekend, losing by 10 wickets to Avendale CC.

In their fixture against Bishop Lavis CC, HHCC scored just 86 runs with Yaseen Smith (27) and Fuad Behardien (22) contributing. Bishop Lavis chased down the target to win by seven wickets.

This weekend sees another double-header of Ama20 fixtures.

• Saturday 17 October: HHCC vs Emeris (Wynberg); HCC vs Macassar CC (Riverside Park); SWCC vs Montrose (Radloff Park).
• Sunday 18 October: HHCC vs Wynberg (Naval Grounds); HCC vs Blue Downs (Blue Downs).