Warriors in search of elusive victory in Sunfoil Series battle
THE Warriors will be pushing for that elusive win when they start their Sunfoil Series cricket match against the Titans in Benoni this morning (10am).
Strangely, there have been no results in all six of the four-day domestic matches played so far this season which means the log has been kept nice and tight.
The Warriors played good cricket in both of their games away to Lions and then at home to the Cobras last week. But, frustratingly, they have been unable to push on to victory on pitches which have been mostly conducive to batting.
The Warriors batsmen have cashed in already with four hundreds spread between Eddie Moore (two), Jon-Jon Smuts and Jerry Nqolo.
“It’s good to stay in contention in terms of the way we have started. The past two seasons we didn’t start that well. It’s positive that we began well this time around,” Warriors coach Malibongwe Maketa said this week.
“The most positive thing is that the young players have worked hard during the winter and have been rewarded.”
To underline Smuts’ value to the Warriors, he is both the competition’s highest runs-scorer (238) and the leading wicket-taker (10). So he will be a key player for the Eastern Cape franchise this weekend.
The pitch at Willowmoore Park is likely to produce a result so the Warriors will be aware that they need to be on top of their game.
“Benoni is definitely a result pitch. It deteriorates more in terms of looking at other grounds around the country. There’s been very little rain up there and I foresee a result and it’s probably one of the games we have to make sure we pitch up and win,” Maketa said.
And how would his team make sure they do just that?
“All we have to do is carry on with what we have been doing. Our processes have been really good. We’ve made runs in the first innings in both games to make sure we stay ahead of the game and we’ve put opposition under pressure by bowling in partnerships. It’s just a pity we haven’t been able to force a result.”
The Warriors welcome back Kolpak players Simon Harmer and Colin Ackermann for this game so competition for spots in the starting lineup will be at a premium. Colin Ingram is not available this week due to a side-strain.
“The way the young batters have started is really pleasing. We have been striving to have everyone pushed in their position. With the three Kolpak guys having arrived back and with everyone scoring runs it gives you a selection headache, but it’s a good one to have.
“We have always wanted to be in the place where selection is hard like at other franchises where they have a few international players.”
Meanwhile, David White was not considered for selection as he is still recovering from a cracked finger.
The squad is: Colin Ackermann, Tladi Bokako, Gihahn Cloete, Clyde Fortuin, Simon Harmer, Sisanda Magala, Eddie Moore, Lesiba Ngoepe, Anrich Nortje, Jerry Nqolo, Lutho Sipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts (capt), Yaseen Vallie.
INTERNATIONAL cricket takes centre stage in East London today as the World Cup qualifier between Kenya and the Netherlands is set to be battled out at Buffalo Park.
A cracking match should be in store as the two world cup hopefuls go all out in what could be a defining weekend of cricket.
The sixth round match was set to be held at the Nairobi Gymkhana Club grounds in Nairobi but was moved due to political uncertainty and security concerns ahead of the October 17 Presidential election re-run.
“We were planning to play in Nairobi and I know the Kenyan team must be really disappointed to not be playing there but with everything going on it