Mixed fortunes for Grey 1st X1
School’s other sides clean up in Western Cape
FOUR Grey cricket teams travelled to the Western Cape for three matches against quality teams from the Boland and Western Province. The first team had mixed fortunes, beating Paarl Boys’ High in an extremely tight finish, but losing to Wynberg and drawing with Paul Roos.
The first game was against Paul Roos where Grey lost the toss and were put into the field.
The Grey bowlers did not quite hit their straps early on, however.
Paul Roos compiled a decent total of 220 in their 65 overs, despite some good bowling towards the end.
Chasing was not going to be easy – especially after Grey lost early wickets.
Grey could not get a solid partnership together and ended up blocking out for a draw at 107-9.
Tiaan van Vuuren faced 66 balls for nought not out to force the draw
In the next game, a very hot day greeted the Grey cricketers and after losing the toss they were asked to bowl first again.
But this time Grey bowlers put pressure on the Paarl Boys’ batsmen.
Spin was the preferred method of attack and all spinners played their part.
Matthew Biggs bowled a solid 18 overs, taking 2/49 and Nick Fowler took 4/45. This restricted Paarl Boys’ to 190 all out, leaving Grey 55 overs to get them.
With a slow outfield and a flat pitch this was a difficult task, but with some solid partnerships Grey looked like getting close.
Nick Fowler had scored a solid 46, but enter Sean Callaghan who smashed 33 from just 15 balls to leave only seven runs off the last over.
Tristan Stubbs duly obliged and ended up 48 not out. A fantastic win for Grey by two wickets.
The following day, Grey lost their eighth straight toss and Wynberg had no hesitation in batting first.
The strong Wynberg batting lineup batted very well to accumulate an impressive 262/6 in 45 overs.
On a small ground this total was gettable, however with wickets again falling as pressure mounted, the only man who stood firm was Tristan Stubbs who scored a solid 66, with little support.
Grey ended up with 176 all out and lost by 86 runs.
The other three Grey teams acquitted themselves well, not losing any of the nine matches
Graeme v Kingswood
THE Kingswood College first team put in a good performance to beat Graeme College by 97 runs on Saturday.
Both squads are young but also have some exciting potential for the future.
On the day, Kingswood dominated in all areas and 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 try to get back into the game, but a flat bowling and fielding performance meant that the Kingswood 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 four for 62. He was well supported by Sihle Mginywa (3/34), and Romario Fritz (2/15).
Kingswood were bowled out for 237, leaving Graeme about 55 overs to bat on a friendly wicket.
The Graeme batsmen did not take advantage of conditions, and Kingswood had more intensity with the ball.
Hilton Krige (4/12) and Josh von Holdt (2/20) pegged Graeme back immediately.
Romario Fritz batted for most of the innings, going out for 61.
The Graeme lower order were eventually bowled out with 15 balls remaining in the day. Kingswood won by 97 runs. Kingswood won the second, third and U14A matches, and Graeme won the U15A match.