Affies’ openers too good for young St Stithians
The Affies’ openers showed off their batting prowess and made a statement to their future opponents, demonstrating that they won’t easily be easily beaten in 2024, in a big win over St Stithians College on Saturday.
The experienced Jorich van Schalkwyk, who earned SA Schools‘ colours at the end of last year, continued his good form of the last couple of months. With Affies chasing 182, he took the game to the Saints’ attack who, it must be said, were without their SA u19 fast bowling star, Kwena Maphaka, who has been in exceptional form in recent matches.
Van Schalkwyk top-scored with a wonderfully constructed 70 runs from 88 deliveries. His partner, the newbie, Henré Smith, matched him, also contributing 70.
Together, they laid a solid foundation for a successful run chase, sharing in a dominating 129-run partnership for the first wicket.
With only 63 more runs required to win, the pressure was off Vihan Pretorius, who made his way to the crease at number three. He did what was needed, compiling a mature 26, to see the Pretoria school to an emphatic victory.
Petrus Rautenbach was the pick of the Affies’ bowlers, snapping up three wickets for only 27 runs. Ruben Groenewald provided good support with his return of two wickets for 32 runs.
It was a difficult day at the office for the young Saints’ side. Emile Odendaal, though, met the challenge head-on for the Joburg school, top scoring with 45 runs.
Saints, though, ran into trouble from the outset and stumbled to 67 for 5. Cayden Sunker (37, 64b) and Rushil Bhula (29, 72b) then provided some respite for the Joburg side, which gave their innings more substance.
Their partnership of 48 runs, although not huge, allowed Saints to overcome their poor start and reach 181 for 9 in their 50 overs.
Summarised scorecard
St Stithians 181/9 (Emile Odendaal 45, Cayden Sunker 37, Rushil Bhula 29; Petrus Rautenbach 3/27, Ruben Groenewald 2/32); Affies 182/1 (Jorich van Schalkwyk 71, Henre Smith 70*, Vihan Pretorius 26*; Cayden Sunker 1/36). Affies won by nine wickets.
