Strand Cricket Club (SCC) hosted neighbours Macassar Cricket Club (MCC) in a high-stakes First Division D derby that saw the visitors edge closer to historic promotion at Gustrouw Sports Ground on Sunday (15 February).
The home team’s winning toss was quickly scuppered by a clinical opening spell. Robin Pretorius and debutant Jayden Rabie set the tone, each claiming a wicket in their very first over to leave SCC reeling.
While Strand attempted to steady the ship wickets fell at regular intervals, and only a handful of batsmen managed to find their footing against Macassar’s relentless bowling attack. Ebrahim Latief (35) and Wayne Cloete (29) were the top scorers.
SCC was eventually bundled out for 138 in the 35th over, with MCC’s dominance spearheaded by Morten Jantjies (3/21), Pretorius (3/31) and Rabie (3/41)
Chasing 139 for victory, the crowd was treated to a masterclass by opening batter David “Hussey” Sebastian, who took control of the chase and anchored the innings with a 70-run innings. His composure at the crease ensured the visitors reached the target with clinical efficiency to secure the vital victory.
MCC were also in action against Bellville South CC on Saturday (14 February), where captain Rowayne Sinden’s decision to field first handsomely paid-off as they dismissed Bellville South for a only 99 runs in 22 overs. The destruction was led by vice-captain Pretorius (4/36), who was supported by Celenski van Graan (3/51). Bellville South suffered a catastrophic collapse, sliding from 28/1 to a dismal 41/6 as the relentless MCC attack got to work.
In the chase Macassar openers Shafiq Johannes (20) and Michael Valentine (17) gave the necessary platform as the team eventually crossed the finish line in the 38th over to secure a gritty victory.
MCC have leapfrogged into second spot on the log and need only two more wins to secure promotion to First Division C.
In Strand’s match on Saturday, they suffered a tough defeat against Seacrest CC at a gusty Rocklands Sports Ground.
After winning the toss SCC saw Seacrest post a massive target of 257. The visitors’ attack was led by Sharwaan Naidoo (3/22) and Ricardo Naidoo (3/45), who bowled with great discipline in difficult conditions. But the chase never gained momentum. SCC lost early wickets and were eventually bundled out for 109. Lesley Taylor and Ebrahiem Latief top-scored with 17 each, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap in a challenging outing for the local team.
In First Division A, Hottentots Holland CC (HHCC) faced a difficult double-header, falling to Primrose CC by 48 runs and Northerns-Goodwood CC by 14 runs. Against Primrose’s 182/10, HHCC’s Yaasien Railloun (4/42) and Abdul Aziz Temoor (3/15) impressed with the leather, but only Rashaad Salie (53) offered resistance in a 134-run total.
On Sunday, Northerns-Goodwood posted 211 runs, and HHCC fought back through Na-eem Rhoda (48) and Fuad Behardien (38), but stalled at 197/10.
In First Division B, Bonteheuwel CC dominated Somerset West CC (SWCC) with a 112-run victory. Batting first, Bonteheuwel posted 222/9, despite Ghaulied van Schalkwyk’s 3/53. In reply, SWCC only managed to score 110 runs.
In First Division C, Helderberg CC (HCC) snatched a dramatic one-wicket win over Atlantis CC. Dexter Hindley (6/22) delivered a masterclass to bundle Atlantis out for just 93. HCC’s chase nearly faltered despite Tyrone Abrahams’ 46 runs, but the final pair of Bailey Kapfumo (11*) and Enver van Boom (7*) showed nerves of steel to guide the team home.
๏ฎ This coming weekend only Macassar CC will be in action, travelling to lock horns with Seacrest CC.
You must be logged in to post a comment.