Champions seal trophy with a day to spare
STELLENBOSCH. – The Northern Champions have once again lived up to their name.
After the fourth day of Cricket South Africa‘s Cubs Week (for u19 teams), the Champions are already assured of lifting the trophy again this year. On Wednesday, the final day of the tournament, they will face the Southern Superstars at the Coetzenburg Oval.
All the matches on the fourth day in Stellenbosch were shortened due to light morning rain. The Champions’ clash against the Western Legends at Maties’ C Field was reduced to just 24 overs per side.
The Legends batted first and were restricted to 118 runs, with FG Botha (37) and Eduard Dreyer (31) offering the most resistance. Mohammad Rasool (2/16), Nico Loggerenberg (2/25), and Kamogelo Matlala (2/26) were the key bowlers for the Champions.
The Champions secured a bonus-point victory by eight wickets, with Sheldon Kruger (39*) leading the charge. Moeketsi Beya (34) and Reuben van Zyl (26) also impressed with the bat.
This marks the third time since 2022, when the new franchise names were introduced, that the Champions have been crowned the winners. Last year, the United States of America u19 team claimed the title, while the Coastal Conquerors took the inaugural crown in 2022.
The Conquerors defeated the Superstars by 40 runs on Tuesday in a match shortened to 38 overs per side.
Ben Hockly (59) scored another half-century for The Conquerors, taking his tournament tally to 214 runs at an average of 71.3.
There is no doubt that the Conquerors’ opening bowlers, Rowen Rajah (2/23) and Dayalan Boyce (2/31), have been the best new ball bowling duo at this year’s tournament.
The Central Gladiators claimed their first victory of the tournament by beating the Eastern Warriors by 78 runs. The team’s opening batsman, Bafana Mthunzi (63), was in destructive form.
His innings powered the team to 272/6 in their allotted 43 overs. Troy Gordon (45) and Morteza Manack (41) also made valuable contributions with the bat.
Summarised Scorecards:
Coastal Conquerors 195/7 (Ben Hockly 59, Joshua van Biljon 39, Kyle White 29*, Thandolwethu Zama 29; Taywin Adams 3/37); Southern Superstars 155/9 (Luca Plekker 45, Taywin Adams 25*; Rowen Rajah 2/23, Dayalan Boyce 2/31, Roxton Payne 2/36). Coastal Conquerors won by 40 runs.
Central Gladiators 272/6 (Bafana Mthunzi 63, Troy Gordon 45, Morteza Manack 41, Cole Francis 28*, Extras, Tahseen Hanslo 22; Corbin Tidbury 2/32); Eastern Warriors 194 (Dawid Vermaak 44, Daveric Petersen 33, Randy Syce 31, Corbin Tidbury 24, Extras 20; Kyle Butler 4/19, Cole Francis 2/24, Morteza Manack 2/45). Central Gladiators won by 78 runs.
Western Legends 118 (FG Botha 37, Eduard Dreyer 31; Mohammad Rasool 2/16, Nioco Loggenberg 2/25, Kamogelo Matlala 2/26); Northern Champions 119/2 (Sheldon Kruger 39*, Moeketsi Beya 34, Reuben van Zyl 26; FG Botha 1/30). Northern Champions won by eight wickets.
