Young EP player named match ace
EASTERN Province broke Gauteng’s three-year winning streak on day two of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Gauteng had not lost a game at Coke Week since their main match versus Western Province in Potchefstroom in 2012.
But at the University of Free State’s main oval on Saturday, EP’s Jade de Klerk got the match-turning run-out of Muhammed Mayet (15), earning him the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award for his inspired effort.
De Klerk also got rid of Mitchell van Buuren (62), Ntokozo Mahlaba (0) and Justin Watson (0) in quick succession after the run-out to help secure the victory.
He finished with bowling figures of four for 62.
Gauteng were bowled out for 154 runs with only two deliveries left in the day’s play.
Lutho Sipamla got the final wicket when he removed Connor de Boer (0) who had frustrated EP for 21 deliveries.
Gauteng’s Katlego Thena will be disappointed with the loss after taking a remarkable 5/29 to restrict EP to 226.
“It is a special feeling to win the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day title,” De Klerk said.
“But without my teammates and their support I would not be standing here to accept the award.”
Award lead judge Robin Peterson said: “There were a lot of good performances today.
“Jade de Klerk’s run-out was really special and changed the game for his team, plus with the wickets he took, he really contributed to his team winning the game.”
Elsewhere, Easterns managed to upset Western Province thanks to a century by Louis Geldenhuys (104).
They also won the match on the first innings.
Geldenhuys’s ton was one of four on the day. Free State’s Christopher Schreuder (126 not out), Boland’s Benjamin Henderson (120 not out) and SWD’s Jean du Plessis (104 not out) were the other three.
Opening batsman Schreuder struck 14 fours and two sixes in his outstanding innings at the Mangaung Oval against KwaZulu-Natal Inland.
He shared a partnership of 93 runs for the second wicket with Raynard van Tonder (49).
He also joined forces with Phillip Visser (53 not out) for an unbeaten partnership of 131 runs over the fourth wicket.
Benjamin Henderson helped Boland to 321/5 with his unbeaten century in their first innings against Limpopo.
The latter replied with 214/8 to force a draw.
Jean du Plessis scored his century in his team’s victory after the first innings against Northern Cape.