Pirates United keelhaul George
Pirates United Cricket Club's 2nd XI swept aside George Cricket Club's 3rd XI by 9 wickets in an SWD Reserve League fixture at Loerie Park on Saturday 9 November.
Pirates had had a tough start to the 2019/20 season prior to the game, having lost two of their first three games with the third a game against George Madibaz which the latter forfeited to Pirates by not fielding a side. They had lost their first game against Cavaliers by 125 runs and their next game against Thembalethu by 3 wickets, and were looking to kick-start their season when they locked horns with George CC, who had won two of their three previous encounters.
The match got off to a delayed start due to wet patches on the Loerie Park pitch which were caused by some unexpected rain on Friday night, but after swift work by the groundsman, Pirates elected to bowl first – a decision that paid off immediately.
Opening bowler Zynn Plaatjies got the home side off to a brilliant start by claiming the wicket of Justin Edwards in the very first over, leaving George at 0/1 after three balls.
The away side would reach 23 before losing two quick wickets to find themselves reeling at 26/3. A quick few runs helped get them to 53 before losing their fourth wicket, after which Pirates would plough through the George batting lineup, eventually bowling George out for a measly 77 runs. Plaatjies would be Pirates' best bowler for the day, recording figures of six overs, two wickets, for only 15 runs.
With only 78 runs needed to win, Pirates openers James Goliath and Shaun Stevens strode out to the crease hoping to steer their side to victory with minimal struggle.
Stevens would fall for 13 with the home side only on 14, while Warren Pietersen joined Goliath at the crease. The pair would take their time with the run chase, taking no risks despite the small target.
Goliath would top-score with 26 while Pietersen notched up 24 runs of his own and help guide Pirates to a convincing 9-wicket victory to record their first win of the season.
Pirates will be taking on Cavaliers in the Knysna cricket derby for the second time this season at Loerie Park this Sunday.