Crusaders open 6-point lead at top of the table

LOCAL cricket fans would have been preoccupied with the Test match between the Proteas and Australia at Kingsmead last weekend.

While the old foes exchanged blows in a game which the visitors won, it was business as usual in the Kwazulunatal Cricket Union Premier League.

Last Sunday’s action saw Crusaders open up a six-point lead at the top of the table, while their nearest rivals, Chatsworth Sporting, succumbed to a ruthless Clares outfit.

Crusaders have dominated the competition over the past decade and it is difficult to see them relinquishing their lead now with just three rounds of matches left to play.

Mishkal Ramsaroop (34) and

Ryan Reeves (58) helped Clares to a competitive 208. In response, Michael Erlank stood firm with an excellent 89. But with wickets falling around him, Sporting were bowled out for 157.

While it was a big blow for the Chatsworth team’s title ambitions, the result pushed Clares into third.

UKZN provided a stern test for Crusaders, but the Durban North outfit managed a precious 11-run win.

Crusaders were bowled out for 153 with Reuben Hatting (50) and Tyron Koen (48) getting some of those runs.

The university outfit’s top order found it tough going with only Richard Wissing (44) offering resistance to the Crusaders’ bowling attack. In the end, they could only manage 142.

Elsewhere, Berea Rovers picked up a one-run victory over King Cetshwayo and Pinetown beat a hapless DHS Rhythm side by 62 runs.

Delta recorded a much-needed win against an improved African Warriors team. Solid contributions from Lungelo Dlamini (31), Sihle Ponase (40) and Tawanda Mawarie (46) guided Warriors to 200. Zak Paruk and Muhammad Aziz were enterprising with the ball for the Overport team, taking three wickets apiece.

Nashen Govender (30) and Darren Pearce (33) gave Delta the perfect start, while Junaid Syed (38) and Thirushen Naidoo (47) helped them reach target.