Cavaliers cruise to quarter finals
KNYSNA - After a resounding 10-wicket win over Kranshoek Cobras last weekend, Knysna Cavaliers have progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2022/23 SWD T20 Competition.
The second and final round of Pool A fixtures were played on 16 October, two weeks after the T20 competition kicked off, with Cavaliers top of the pool ahead of Pirates United in second and Kranshoek Cobras in third, while Plett Pioneers in fourth place had already been knocked out. Cavaliers, Pirates and Cobras all stood a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals but Cavaliers were in the driving seat.
Pirates vs Cobras
The final two Pool A matches were played at Loerie Park in Knysna last Sunday with Pirates and Cobras facing off in the morning game. Cobras won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the decision worked in Pirates' favour. Marshall Philander topscored for Pirates with 79 to steer his side to 151-7 in their 20 overs. Johan Faroa was Cobras' best bowler, taking three wickets for 27 runs in four overs.
The Cobras' run chase never fully kicked into gear, despite Rehalco Hartley topscoring with 40 runs. Cobras were bowled out for 82, handing Pirates a 69-run triumph to ensure they finish second in Pool A. Renaldo van Rooyen was Pirates' top bowler with three wickets for 22 runs in four overs.
Cavaliers vs Cobras
In the afternoon game, Cavaliers captain JP Ellis won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that came to good effect. Lester McClean's 12 runs was the top score and more than half the team's runs as Cobras were skittled over for only 22.
Sean Whitehead was the star Cavaliers bowler, taking six wickets for only one run in 2,5 overs.
Cavaliers openers Dean Dollie (15*) and Johan Smal (7*) made light work of the chase, reaching the target of 23 in only 2,5 overs to earn a 10-wicket win. Wayne Oraai and Kevin Brouers turned their arms over for Cobras but didn't take any wickets.
The win sees Cavaliers finish top of the group, progressing to the quarter-finals where they will face George Cricket Club on 29 October.