Kingswood wins derby vs Graeme

The Kingswood College first cricket team beat Graeme College firsts in a derby match. St Andrew’s travelled to East London, where they lost to Selborne.

St Andrew’s firsts lost the toss and were sent in to bat in good batting conditions. The St Andrew’s batsman set up a strong position for the session into lunch on 94/2, along with a healthy run rate.

David Rushmere gained control and built momentum during the innings with 41 off 38 balls and opener Murray Koster looking solid on the other end.

David’s wicket saw a mini collapse, before St Andrew’s recovered to 131/4 with Murray Koster still at the crease.

At 143/6, Selborne applied the pressure with their spinners and soon after lunch, St Andrew’s were all out for 160 runs.

“Selborne’s innings was beautifully manufactured by Matt Dewar who finished on a flawless 54, not out seeing his team home with a fine win by 6 wickets,” said St Andrew’s coach Carl Bradfield.

In the derby game, Kingswood got off to the perfect start with a good opening partnership between the consistent Justin Potgieter (63) and James Rippon (33).

A few soft wickets meant that Graeme had the opportunity to get back into the game, but a flat bowling and fielding performance meant the King- swood batsmen were never under too much pressure.

James Kelly (55) and Aidan Hawkesworth (35) helped guide Kingswood to a good total. Mark Amm bowled superbly in the middle of the innings, claiming 4 for 62. He was well supported by Sihle Mginywa (3 for 34), and Romario Fritz (2 for 15).

Kingswood were bowled out for 237, leaving Graeme around 55 overs to bat on a friendly wicket. The Graeme batsmen didn’t take advantage of the conditions and found Kingswood to have a lot more intensity with the ball.

Hilton Krige (4 for 12) and Josh von Holdt (2 for 20) pegged Graeme back immediately.

Romario Fritz batted for most of the innings, showing some good determination, but when he got out for 61, Kingswood were all over Graeme.

The Graeme lower order tried to hold out for the draw, but were eventually dismissed with 15 balls remaining. Kingswood won by 97 runs. “On a surface which didn’t help the bowlers much, Kingswood had to toil for their wickets, but the Graeme batsmen will feel that they made it a little too easy for them throughout the innings,” said Graeme first team coach Gregg van Molendorff.

“Both squads are young but both also have some exciting potential for the future.”