A perfect cricketing weekend for the local teams saw wins and losses as some wrapped up their fixtures until next year, while others play their final matches for December this weekend.
In First Division A, Hottentots-Holland Cricket Club (HHCC) won the toss and decided to bowl first against the log leaders, Victoria CC, on Saturday 7 December.
The HHCC bowlers began with a strong performance, maintaining disciplined bowling lines that effectively limited the opposition’s run rate. By the time they reached the drinks break at the 14-over mark, Victoria had scored 56/2.
After drinks, Vics came out with a positive approach, built substantial partnerships throughout their innings and were all bowled out for 242 in the 50th over.
The pick of the bowlers were Achmat Smith (2/55) and Shakoer Baderoen (2/41).
HHCC started their batting campaign cautiously with the opponents putting up a proper challenge for the local boys. By the 15th over, HHCC managed a total of 44/2. The opponents applied further pressure and the locals unfortunately stumbled by losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to build partnerships. HHCC were all bowled out for 122 in the 37th over. The pick of the batsmen was Naeem Rhoda (38) and Shakoer Baderoen (17).
HHCC will play home this Saturday 14 December against Primroses CC at the Naval College, as well as Monday (16 December) against Rylands CC.
In First Division B, Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) went down to a narrow six-run loss against Bishop Lavis CC.
SWCC won the toss and opted to bowl first in perfect conditions. The opening bowlers maintained tight lines, but the Bishop Lavis batsmen displayed patience and skillful play, gradually reaching a total of 144/8 in their allotted 40 overs.
The pick of the bowlers for SWCC were Gouws Koen (3/36) and Varun Cherian (2/24).
After the change of innings, SWCC suffered an early collapse, putting them on the back foot for the remainder of the game. Despite some valiant efforts to recover, they ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 138 in the 40th over. The top performing batsmen were George Hlazo (36) and Jason Lee Josephs (26). SWCC’s next game will be in the new year.
In First Division D, Helderberg CC celebrated a win against Fish Hoek CC.
Fish Hoek won the toss and elected to bowl first, but Helderberg were on song and this worked to their advantage.
Gary-Jon Sylvester led the charge as he amassed 80* and was supported by Declan Fredericks with a knock of 33, as Helderberg set a total of 212/6 in 41 overs. At the change of innings Fish Hoek were never really in the game as Helderberg outplayed them in all aspects of the match. Fish Hoek were bowled out for 46 to give the local lads an impressive 166-run win. Sylvester starred with the ball (4/15) and Aidan Salie with figures of 3/11. They take on Seacrest CC this weekend.
Also in First Division D, Strand CC clinched victory in an entertaining match-up against Belville South CC.
Strand lost the toss and were put in to bat on a damp wicket. Despite the challenging conditions, they managed to build a slow but steady innings, reaching 154 all out in 40 overs. The top scorer was Lesley Taylor with 51 runs.
At the change of innings, Bellville South was leading as they restricted Strand to 94/1 after 22 overs. However, Strand’s team showed resilience and determination, eventually bowling out Bellville South for 149/10 in the 38th over, turning the tables in their favor. The pick of the bowlers were Gesant Moller (4/17) and Adeeb Bailey (2/22).
Strand’s next fixture will be against Fishoek CC away this weekend.
