Locals win as cricket season kicks off

Defending champions Cuylerville, as well as Sidbury and Salem, all made solid starts to their Grahamstown Cricket Club (GCB) 1st league season last weekend. Both the GCB 1st & 2nd leagues got underway in rainy conditions.

Cuylerville vs Willows at Shaw Park

Willows won the toss and sent Cuylerville in to bat in a reduced 40 overs match and scored 196 all out. Greg Clayton (57) and Charlie Muir (37), gave the home side a solid start with a 56 run opening stand. Willows fought back nicely and took wickets at regular intervals, with Batsa Hassan (3/30 in six overs), veteran Melville Daniels (2/27 in eight) and Winston Johnson (2/16 in eight) were among the wicket takers. Richard Muir smashed 27 runs (two 6s and three 4s) in the end.

Willows lost an early wicket in their run chase, but newly appointed captain Mohammed Sonday stood firm and went on to top score with a patient 50 (five 4s).

Cuylerville’s slow bowlers Warren Tarr (5/39 in eight) and Steven Gornal (4/17 in five), were the destroyers-inchief. Willows stumbled to 113 all out, losing by 83 runs.

Sidbury vs Port Alfred

Sidbury recorded a clinical win over Port Alfred. Batting first, the home side made 239/2. John Grewar top score with 108 (12 fours, one 6) while Grant Stone contributed 68 (eight 4s). Port Alfred managed to score 185, losing by 54 runs. Siseko Mayinge (4/41) and Wade Goliathtly (3/16) were top wicket takers for Sidbury.

Salem vs Manley Flats

Salem batted

first and scored 257/9 in their 47 overs.

Nicholas Zimmerman top scorer with a brilliant 115 runs while Chris Van der Meulen added a fine 44. Manley’s were bowled out for a mere 107 runs. Kevin Sykes (3/7) and Ross Pittaway (3/31) took wickets for Salem. Salem won by 150 runs.

Kenton vs Early Birds

Kenton batted first and put up a huge 314/6. Ian Botha scored a hurricane 131 not out and Christoff Groenewald 40. Viren Cook took 5/9 and Johnny Peters 3/10 for Kenton. Early Birds scored 28 all out and lost by 286 runs.

Rainbows vs Sidbury

Rainbows made 88 all out and Sidbury 63 all out. Anele Bile took 6/28 and Braun Olckers 6/11 for Rainbows and Sidbury respectively. Rainbows won by 25 runs.

The Southwell and Makana Sona game was rained out.