The Grahamstown Cricket Board (GCB) returned over the past weekend, for the continuation of the 2018/2019 season. All of the teams were in action on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 January.
Sidbury vs Willows
Willows Cricket Team let their chances slip through their fingers against a defiant Sidbury side on Sunday 13 January in Sidbury, losing by 54 runs.
Sidbury batted first and did well to manage 217/8 in their allotted 50 overs. They recovered well after finding themselves at 122/6 at a stage. All rounder, Carl Van Niekerk did extremely well in very difficult batting conditions and scored an outstanding and patient 89 runs. He was well supported by Hugh Oxenham who scored an aggressive 49 runs, while Francois Nel contributed 25. Van Niekerk and Oxenham shared a century partnership for the third wicket and put the Willows side under pressure. Club veteran, Melville Daniels scooped (3/44 (10)) and was his side’s best bowler. He received support from Marquin Loutz (2/42 (10)), Cole Wessels (1/33 (10)), Winston Johnson (1/42 (10)) and Liam Agnew (1/22 (7)).
Willows had a bad start to their run chase and lost wickets regularly. However, it was the inform Loutz who once again came to his side’s rescue and went on to top score with a brilliant 56 runs. He and Daniels (39) looked set to carry their side through for a victory as they shared a 89 run partnership. Their hopes were damped, however, by an economical bowling spell by leg spinner Van Niekerk, who secured the win for his side. He took an impressive 5/20 in his 10 overs. Bryce Howarth took (2/17 (7)). Willows were bowled out for (163 (48.1))
Southwell vs Makana Sona (Sunday)
The GCB First log leaders Southwell extended their lead with a 4 wicket win over Makana Sona. They were again devastating after they trashed Manleys on Saturday in a 183 run victory.
The game was over before lunch time as the home side reached the target with six wickets down. Southwell dismantled Makana out for just 80 runs. Dylan Kruger was the pick of the bowlers with impressive bowling figures of 4/4 (3 overs), while excellent support came from Murray Hobson (3/22 (7)) who is also the leading wicket-taker in the GCB first league. Fred Rubidge took (2/22 (5)).
Southwell reached the target with six wickets down as Makana make them fought hard for their win.
Southwell vs Manleys Flats (Saturday)
Log leaders Southwell recorded a trashing 183-run bonus point win over Manleys, scoring 275/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
– Chris Roberts 114, Kyle Van Niekerk 37, Dylan Kruger 24
Manleys 92 (29.2)
* Adam Cotton 4/30 (8), Murray Hobson 3/18 (7), Johan Du Preez 2/21 (6)
Southwell won by 183 runs & bonus point
Second League
Station Hill vs Port Alfred
Port Alfred 137
* Cody Jones 3/18 (7), Leeroy Olivier 2/9 (3), Franklin Jacobs 2/19 (5)
Station Hill 138/5 (23)
– Franklin Jacobs 53, Alvin Marney 47*, Riaan Jacobs 16
Hill won by 5 wickets & bonus punt
Cuylerville vs Manleys Flats
Barry Gleaves (117*) and Dave Duncan (106*) scored both impressive centuries for Manleys Flats.
Cuylerville 291/8 (50)
– Simon Du Plessis 85, Greg Fletcher 40, Allistair McCerrow 70
* Craig Fourie 2/36 (10), Grant Barrows 2/20 (10)
Manleys 292/2
– Barry Gleaves 117*, Dave Duncan 106*
* Morne Van Wyk 1/50 (9), Warren Tarr 1/48 (10)
Manleys won by 8 wickets
Southwell vs Kenton
Kenton 153 (34)
* Hannes Visser 3/18 (10), John Knott 5/52 (10)
Southwell 154/5 (44)
– Harry Dixon 44, Richard Moss 28
Southwell won by 5 wickets
Rainbows vs Early Birds
Rainbows 217
– L Mangi 71, S Nelzima 37, T Shotana 21
Early Birds
* A Mgwenda 4/20 (7), L Mlonyeni 3/11 (4)
Rainbows won by 158 runs & bonus point
