Pioneers too strong for weakened NMU side

The SWD Premier League competition was concluded with NMU Madibaz, who will take on Union Stars in the qualifier for a place in the Premier League final, suffering two defeats last weekend.

On Saturday, Pioneers from Plettenberg Bay (110/1) were too strong for the George students, who only fielded seven players, winning by nine wickets. NMU were restricted for 108/6.

Knysna Cavaliers (321 all out) beat NMU (44 all out) by 278 runs on Sunday.

All eyes will be on the Premier League final on Sunday where top of the table finishers, George, will take on the winner of Saturday's qualifier. The defending champions, Union Stars, will host NMU at the Bridgton Sports Ground.

The final on Sunday will be contested at the REC Ground in Oudtshoorn.

The summarised score cards are:

Pioneers beat NMU Madibaz by 9 wickets: NMU MADIBAZ 108 (Wiaan Oosthuizen 32*, Devon Olivier 29, Claude Terblanche 3/21, Keith Oraai 2/31). PIONEERS 110/1 (Jacques Ahrendse 53, Mark Vermeulen 27*).

Knysna Cavaliers beat NMU Madibaz by 278 runs: KNYSNA CAVALIERS 321 (Maurice White 38, Jade Kolbee 38, B Barnard 36, Neville McLean 35, JP Ellis 33, Francois Bonthuys 31, AB van der Walt 22, Wiaan Oosthuizen 3/53, Daniel Miskey 2/52, Joshua de Ponte 2/87). NMU MADIBAZ (Joshua de Ponte 31, Neville McLean 5/9).

Photos: Hugo Redelinghuys See more photos at www.georgeherald.com Josh Kleu stroking the ball towards the boundary.

Devon Olivier (29) withstood the Pioneers bowling attack but eventually ran out of partners.

Josh du Ponte testing the Pioneers batsmen with his fast bowling.

Wian Oosthuizen scored an unbeaten 32* for NMU against Pioneers but his side fell short by nine wickets.