Pacaltsdorp still top of the Premier League
Pacaltsdorp United successfully defended their title as the Premier League champions of South Western Districts Cricket on Saturday at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.
As in the previous season, against the same opponents, Pacaltsdorp recorded a comprehensive victory – this time by 154 runs, over Knysna Cavaliers
The defending champions, who won the toss, got off to a solid start, thanks to an opening partnership of 71 runs between Randy Wesso (49) and Bradley Carolus (33).
After a 52-run partnership for the second wicket between Wesso and Hanno Kotze (32), a score in the region of 280 was on the cards.
The Cavaliers' bowlers, however, clawed their way back, but a valuable knock from Heath Richards (64 from 66 balls; 3x6, 3x4) allowed Pacaltsdorp to post 247/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Keenan Vieira 3/47 (10 overs) was the pick of the bowlers.
The Cavaliers' batters were in disarray from the start as they could not stand their ground against a fine bowling display from the champions and were dismissed in the 24th over for a modest 93 runs.
Mesuli Vuba – batting at number 10 – was the top scorer with an unbeaten 35*.
For the champions, Warren Bell (4/27), Liyabona Malife (2/19) and Linford Crotz 2/15 were destructive with the ball.
The summarised score card is:
PACALTSDORP UNITED 247/9 – 50 overs (Randy Wesso 49, Bradley Carolus 33, Hanno Kotze 32, Heath Richards 64, Arendt Visser 25, Keenan Vieira 3/47, JP Ellis 2/30, Mesuli Vuba 2/37). KNYSNA CAVALIERS 93 all out – 23.2 overs (Mesuli Vuba 35* Warren Bell 4/27, Liyabona Malife 2/19, Linford Crotz 2/15). Pacaltsdorp United won by 154 runs.