Graeme tops again in clash with Union
Romario Fritz stars with 93 on difficult pitch
AFTER Graeme College snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Union High last year, the weekend match between these rivals was eagerly anticipated.
In the two-day match, Union batted first in hot conditions and got off to the perfect start as the Graeme bowlers struggled to find a rhythm.
Luke McNaughton (40) put the bowlers under pressure, but when he was dismissed, Graeme were lucky to get a few more wickets.
Three silly run-outs let Graeme in the door and allowed them to build pressure for the first time.
With pace off the ball, the Union batsmen struggled to get back on top despite a superb 30 by Sinethemba Ndulula.
They were eventually bowled out for 128.
Graeme made a solid start and reached 44/1 at the close.
The second day saw great determination from the Graeme top order despite losing Garwin Dampies early.
Romario Fritz continued his incredible year, batting for most of the innings to make 93 on a pitch that was difficult for scoring.
Jeremy Beyleveld (49) gave the innings impetus and enabled them to reach 266/8 declared.
Liam Agnew blasted 32 off 14 balls, leading to the declaration.
For Union, Terrance Siyaya (3/34) was ideally suited to the conditions and bowled superbly, along with the Union spinners.
Under the format being played, Graeme needed five second-innings wickets to force a win.
The home side had another superb start and developed some really good partnerships.
With only two wickets down at drinks and Matt Harper resolute at the crease, Graeme needed to pick up their intensity.
With the first ball after drinks, Agnew made a breakthrough and Graeme took advantage.
Harper (26 not out) batted brilliantly to hold up one end, but Union lost their fifth wicket on 66 to give Graeme victory by an innings and 72 runs.
Agnew claimed 2/1 and Mark Amm 2/27.
In the U15A Twenty20 match, Union scored 106 and looked as if they had done enough to win.
However, a late surge by Graeme got them home by one wicket in the last over.
On Saturday, Union batted first again in their 40-over match, scoring 157.
Erron Visagie (2/23), Ase Mbanga (2/23) and Jaden du Plessis (2/24) picked up the wickets.
Graeme looked as if they had the match sewn up, with Ethan Richardson hitting a superb 63 not out.
However, a lower-order collapse left him stranded and Graeme were bowled out for 129, Union winning by 28 runs.
The Graeme 2nd team defeated Port Alfred 1st by 67 runs after totalling 143 in their 40 overs.
Seth Faltain and Aaron Richardson each scored 37.
Dylan Riley then took 3/13 to lead the way as Port Alfred were bowled out for 77.
The Graeme U14 side also won their match against Port Alfred U15A after making 96.
In reply, Graeme bundled the Port Alfred side out for 79, winning by 17 runs.
Connor Pieterse claimed 4/10, and Viwe Gana 3/19.