St Andrew’s edge closer to national T20 victory

Grahamstown’s St Andrew’s College have taken a step closer to the Coca-Cola National Schools T20 competition finals after a four-wicket win over Grey High on Sunday.

Eight teams contested a series of matches to determine the best schools T20 side in the Eastern Province, who would then qualify for the Warriors franchise final.

In the EP final, St Andrew’s director of cricket Carl Bradfield said the team had tried to restrict the Grey side to under 140, but the home side managed to post a competitive 148 in their 20 overs.

Heading in to bat, it was Callum Francis who put St Andrew’s in a winning position with a well-played 82 not out off 47 balls.

Speaking about the team’s performance, Bradfield said: “Bowling first, we had to try and restrict them to as little as possible.

“We thought we did not want to chase more than 140, but they got to 148 and we knew it would be a challenge.

“But I think it was about trying to get the players to play their game and not hold back because it was a final.”

Looking ahead to the Warriors final, Bradfield said: “Our preparation will centre around the venue we are given, as conditions will surely play a role in the match.”

Bradfield said it was tournaments like these which exposed school boys to the rigours of knockout cricket and helped them grow their own game.