Good Hope bowlers prove outstanding

GOOD Hope Cricket Club emerged victorious when the final of the 2016/2017 Amacelelegusha Tournament was battled out at the Amacelelegusha Oval in Masingatha on Thursday afternoon.

In a low scoring but competitive final, Good Hope triumphed by 26 runs over defending champs Amagqunukhwebe in an entertaining match.

“I was really chuffed with the team’s performance and I am happy we won the tournament,” said team technical advisor Raymond Booi.

Due to rain on Tuesday and with the field having not dried fully, batting conditions on Thursday were difficult, leading to the low scoring affair.

“The ball was turning like you can’t believe. It was just one of those damp wickets that contributed to the low scoring,” said Booi.

After winning the toss Amagqunukhwebe inserted Good Hope in to bat.

A sterling bowling performance from the 2015/2016 champions led by man of the match Siphamandla Dapo saw Good Hope all out for 101 after 25 overs.

Abongile Ntondini with 27 and Odwa Gqamane with 24 were Good Hope’s top scorers while Dapo terrorised the batsman claiming four wickets for just two runs in one incredible over that produced a hattrick. He was backed up well by Chumani Tile 2/6 and Lukholo Gwangqa 2/18.

Amagqunukhwebe were skittled for 75 in 28.5 overs, with Sithembile Makhongolo’s 13 the highest score.

“Our bowlers were outstanding. They operated so well together and they did extremely well to defend the low score,” said Booi.

Good Hope went through the whole unbeaten. — ROSS ROCHE competition