Annual tournament kicks off tomorrow Stone stars for EP in rural competition

RUGBY

THE third annual Mayoral Cup begins this weekend with Port Elizabeth club rugby teams gunning for the silverware when the opening round-robin games get under way at various venues tomorrow.

This year’s tournament will feature 44 teams from the Nelson Mandela Bay region.

Four clubs will have their women’s teams representing them in the competition, while club giants Winter Rose and St Marks will be looking show their dominance.

Progress, Motherwell, Glen Roses and Kuyga have byes this week.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11am for the women’s teams, while the men’s teams will start at 12.30pm.

CRICKET

THE Eastern Province team got off to a winning start in the Cricket South Africa Rural Competition against Kei at Manley Flats on Saturday, winning by seven wickets.

Kei made a good start after being sent in to bat before the home side’s attack took control of a bowlerfriendly and bouncy pitch.

Kei slumped to a mere 129 runs in 32.2 overs, with Greg Evans (5/26) and Tayler Ntukela (4/31) the destroyers-in-chief.

Leto Mtyita (38 not out off 47 balls) and Anwar Kawar (25 off 27 balls) were the best batsmen for Kei.

In their run chase, EP lost two early wickets before in-form opening batsman Grant Stone came to their rescue.

He top-scored with a flamboyant 66 off 106 balls (nine fours), while Kevin Bennet (18 not out) gave him good support. EP made 130/3 in 32.3 overs. Their next match will be against Boland West on October 21 at Shaw Park.