The opening round of the Western Province Cricket Association First Division Ama20s tournament proved to be a tough one for the first team of Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC), as they finished the weekend with one crucial victory amid three defeats.
The team’s campaign highlighted displays of individual brilliance but signalled early challenges in consistency as they adjusted to the fast-paced format.
SWCC’s sole victory came against Belhar CC, where they sealed a seven-wicket win. The victory was spearheaded by a stellar all-round performance by man-of-the-match Aqeel Dramat, who was instrumental in restricting the Belhar batsmen, delivering figures of 4/18.
Chasing a target of 106, veteran Larry Morkel anchored the innings, guiding SWCC home with a composed 63* runs off 54 balls.
Outside of their truimph, SWCC suffered steep defeats against Avondale CC, UCT and Varsity College.
In the loss to UCT, Scott Innes (43) and George Hlazo (30) showcased their batting prowess, but the SWCC bowlers struggled to contain the opposition, as they led their team to nine-wicket win.
Against Avondale, SWCC’s batsmen struggled to gain momentum and they battled to handle the pace and accuracy of Avondale’s attack in the shortened contest. The team could only post 79/9 in 12 overs. with opener Lloyd Simpson (17) and Jason Lee Josephs (13) the top scorers. Avondale’s Tevon Abrahams (53*) lead the charge in dismantling the total in just 10.2 overs.
SWCC’s struggle for runs continued against Varsity College, who claimed an eight-wicket victory. Batting first, SWCC could only muster a score of 78/7 in their 20 overs. Hlazo (17) and Paul Castignani (10) were the main contributors.
While the total was small, the SWCC bowlers showed some defiance, with Innes (1/9) in particular bowling tight lines in his four overs.
However, the Varsity College team showed grit as they methodically chipped away at the target and ensured a comfortable win in the 16th over.
The SWCC will hope to turn the tide as they shift focus to their opening 50-over First Division B league match of the 2025-’26 season against Belhar CC at Radloff Park this Saturday (18 October).
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