Sussex crowned Women’s Division 2 champions
The Sussex Ladies' cricket team were crowned the SWD Women’s Division 2 champions after they defeated Knysna Cavaliers by 31 runs on Sunday, 4 February, at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.
Susses showed pure guts and determination against the more experienced Cavaliers line-up.
In extremely trying conditions, with the temperature expected to peak at 39°C, Sussex captain Elzaan Pietersen opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Sussex found themselves under pressure early on, with the loss of two wickets and only 13 runs on the scoreboard.
Courageous
Captain courageous, Elzaan, decided attack was the best form of defence and with the able support of Robin Kannemeyer, shifted the momentum with a 39-run partnership for the third wicket.
The next partnership proved to be vital. It was the highest, contributing 55 runs, as the extreme heat took its toll on the fielding side. Gracey Johnson played a mature innings, while Elzaan blasted her way, with 50 from 37 balls, hitting seven boundaries.
The platform was set for the master blaster, Roné Rhoode, who finished off the innings unbeaten on 19 runs. The star batter of the day, Elzaan, finished on 85 not out with 13 boundaries, helping Sussex to a total of 145 runs in 30 overs. With the runs on board, pressure was now on the Knysna team to counter attack.
Tight opening spell
The Sussex opening bowlers, Tiché Frans and Miqué Karelse, kept the batters in check with a tight opening spell, conceding only 18 runs in the first seven overs. Elzaan took two wickets in the eighth over but the Cavaliers batter, Lee Fredericks, capitalised on anything bowled on the leg side. With Lee at the crease Knysna was in the game, but she could not find the support as only one other batter, Kim Malgas, could get to double figures.
Lee was eventually dismissed by Mique
, with her score on 48 runs (hitting nine boundaries/4s). Knysna Cavaliers were eventually bowled out for 114 runs as Sussex won by 31 runs.
Once again Elzaan was the star with the ball, with figures of four wickets for 18 runs.
Sussex Ladies will be promoted to Division 1 next season, playing against more fancied teams with provincial players. These young, brave ladies are ready for this challenge.
Sponsors
No team can achieve success without the support of sponsors and Sussex Ladies thank all the sponsors who supported them.
Sussex Cricket Club appeals to potential sponsors to please assist the club to grow the game and develop its cricketers. Contact the club executive (sussexcricketclubmosselbay@gmail. com) if you are able to assist in any way. SUSSEX 145/4 (30 overs) (Elzaan Pietersen 85*, Rone Rhoode 19*, Dane Venter 1/21, Chante Stroebel 1/27, Kim Malgas 1/30, Lee Fredericks 1/50)
KNYSNA CAVALIERS 114 all out (23.1 overs) (Lee Fredericks 48, Elzaan Pietersen 4/18, Mique Karelse 3/33, Faithlynn Karelse 1/27)
Sussex won by 31 runs.