Asuperior run-rate for Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) ensured victory in a rain-affected match against Edgmead CC this past Saturday (24 February) at the Alan Olsen Oval in Radloff Park.
Edgemead batted first in the First Division B clash and performed relatively well against the SWCC bowling attack as they scored a decent total of 196/9 in the allotted 50 overs. Top performing bowlers for SWCC were Jason Lee Josephs (2/33), Robert Uys (2/50) and Geoff Scott (2/56).
In the batting department SWCC batted confidently and at a high run-rate. Despite losing an early two wickets, it was Tim Boyd (63) and Allistair Simpson (53*) who really stole the show.
After 31 overs with the score at 131/2, the match had to be called off due to rain, but it was enough for SWCC to claim the win according to the Duckworth-Lewis method, which gave them victory by eight wickets. This weekend SWCC will face Bishop Lavis CC in an away fixture.
In First Division A, Hottentots-Holland Cricket Club (HHCC) hosted United CC at the Navy Sports Ground in Gordon’s Bay, where the match was reduced to 40 overs due to a wet outfield.
HHCC won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing wickets at regular intervals HHCC were struggling at 80/8. Yaaseen Smith came in and played with some freedom, smashing three sixes and three fours on his way to 32, as HHCC scored a lowly but defendable 136 all out.
In reply United batsmen came out all guns blazing as their openers raced to a 50-run partnership. The total proved way too little as United cruised to a six-wicket win, handing HHCC another loss. This coming weekend sees HHCC travel to Athlone to face Avendale CC in a relegation clash.
In First Division D, Helderberg Cricket Club (HCC) hosted Mitchell’s Plain CC at Helderzicht. HCC won the toss and elected to field first.
HCC bowled well under overcast conditions with Damian Jooste (4/38) and Gary-Jon Sylvester (3/15) the pick of the bowlers. They restricted Mitchell’s Plain to 148 all out in 42 overs.
In response, HCC made light work of the chase as Jooste starred with the bat (57*) and ably supported by Sylvester (32) as the home side reached the target in just 32.2 overs.
HCC will travel this weekend in an away fixture against Khayelitsha CC.
In the Second Division, Strand Cricket Club (SCC) continue to impress with their winning streak following a bonus point win against Cape Forces CC in a match played at Gustrouw Sports Fields.
SCC won the toss and decided to bowl first. After early breakthrough by the home team, Cape Forces recovered and batted well to go into the break with the score at 83/2. SCC came back with very disciplined bowling and wrapped up the innings by bowling out Cape Forces for 144. Pick of the bowlers were Winston Isaacs (3/38), Fahiem van Niekerk (3/14) and Junaid Siljeur (2/19).
At the change of innings the opening batting pair of Lesley Taylor and Yasin Januarie (17) started briskly before an unfortunate run out ended the 30-run stand. Adeeb Bailey (21) and Taylor carried on before Bailey got dismissed. A steady partnership between Taylor (44*) and Logan Savory (33) steered Strand home for a bonus point win. This weekend Strand CC will host Philippi CC at Gustrouw.
