Battle of the Swarts lights up Hilton vs Paul Roos, St Alban’s stuns Michaelhouse
Hilton College‘s Hart-Davis Oval saw superb batting performances from the Swarts – Charles, of Hilton, and Cornel, of Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) – on Monday. When it was over, PRG had scored a win over the home side on the second last day of the 64th Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week.
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Although he fell nine runs short of what would have been a well-deserved century, Cornel Swart, of Paul Roos, would have possibly derived a little more pleasure than Hilton’s Charles Swart, because his side won. Taking nothing away from the class and the importance of the Hiltons top-order batsman’s fine knock of 101, but the innings from the Stellenbosch middle-order batsman played a massive role in his team’s victory.
He spent 124 balls at the crease and struck eight fours and one six. Liam Basson, who contributed 42, and Matthew Seymore, who chipped in with 41, both played pivotal roles as PRG posted a respectable 253 all out.
Hilton’s experienced spearheads with the new ball, captain Ethan van Heerden and Natenzi Denenga, both enjoyed good outings. They were at their most dangerous when they returned for second spells. Van Heerden led the way with his return of 4/51, while Denega delivered a healthy return of 3/32.
Charles Swart’s innings lasted 117 deliveries, 14 of which he despatched to the boundary. He contributed almost half of his side’s runs to give the hosts a glimmer of hope. The prospect of a win began to shine more brightly when Van Heerden joined him in the middle and backed up his strong bowling performance with a vital 35.
However, Dion Slabber and Keauno Williams had other plans and they ripped the heart from the Hilton batting lineup. Both claimed three wickets and those returns, combined with a two-wicket haul from Dian Winkel, stopped the home side 35 runs short of their required target.
In Balgowan, a man-of-the-match performance by Boago Motlhabedi saw St Alban’s College upset Michaelhouse by two wickets on the Roy Gathorne Oval.
Motlhabedi played a key role with both the bat and ball, claiming 2/41 before contributing a match-winning innings of 59 runs to help the side from Pretoria successfully chase down 163.
Liam Basch also delivered a strong all-round performance, knocking over 3/23, which he followed with an important 30. Tim Hewett will also get a special mention in the team meeting for his contribution of 2/29 with the ball.
Michaelhouse captain Cameron Strudwick was the standout for the home side with the willow in hand, keeping the ship afloat towards the end of his side’s innings, with 38 runs.
The seamers, Ross Moller and Harry Vickery did well for Michaelhouse, bagging two scalps each to keep their side in the hunt and very nearly seeing them to victory. The day, though, belonged to St Alban’s.
Summarised scorecards
Paul Roos Gimansium 253 (Cornel Swart 91, Liam Basson 42, Matthew Seymore 41, Extras 39; Ethan van Heerden 4/51, Natenzi Denenga 3/32, Kyle Christie 2/31); Hilton College 218 (Charles Swart 101, Ethan van Heerden 35; Dion Slabber 3/45, Keauno Williams 3/50, Dian Winkel 2/24). Paul Roos Gimnasium won by 35 runs.
Michaelhouse 162 (Cameron Strudwick 38, Extras 32, Sebastian Hofmeyer 23, Ethan Muir 21; Liam Basch 3/23, Tim Hewitt 2/29, Boago Motlhabedi 2/41); St Alban’s College 163/8 (Boago Motlhabedi 59, Liam Basch 30, Extras 21; Ross Moller 2/29, Harry Vickery 2/31). St Alban’s won by two wickets.
