Coetzer, Gimmies down defending champs in Potch
An impressive victory on Saturday morning for the North West Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two champions, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, has set up a mouth-watering rematch with their provincial runners-up, Hoërskool Rustenburg, in one of Saturday afternoon’s semi-finals in Potchefstroom.
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Their six-wicket triumph over the Central Region’s defending champions, St Andrew’s School, saw Gimmies advance to the knock-out stage as the only unbeaten side in the tournament.
Opening batsman, Christivan Coetzer, chose the perfect moment to rediscover his best form. His match-defining 67 at the top of the order, which featured a telling late acceleration, came from just 45 deliveries and included five towering sixes and two fours.
He was well supported by Lukas Kotze, who contributed a fifty on day one. Kotze continued his fine run of form with a composed 31 as Gimmies completed a successful run chase off the first ball of the 20th over. For Saints, FG Botha came good, with his 49 from 42 balls playing a pivotal role in lifting the Bloemfontein side to a competitive total.
Rustenburg dominated their game against Hoërskool Kalahari. Tristan van der Linde led the way with the bat, recording his first half-century of the weekend, but it was a devastating spell from Callie Fryer that truly decided the contest. After contributing a valuable 33 with the bat, he ripped through the Kalahari top order, claiming 4/4 in a sensational three-over burst.
From the opposite end, Thian Labuschagne provided excellent support, capturing 3/18, and, between them, the pair shared seven wickets for only 28 runs in the opening eight overs, which effectively ensured a successful defence of their 140-run total. In the end, Rusties cruised to a 53-run victory.
Saints will meet Hoërskool Trio in Saturday afternoon’s second semi-final after the Kroonstad outfit outplayed St Patrick’s Christian Brothers College by seven wickets at the JB Marks Oval on Saturday morning.
Anthonie Pelser was the standout performer. He produced a devastating spell that wrecked the Kimberley side’s innings. After making an early breakthrough, he struck three times in a single over and finished with an exceptional 4/8 from his four overs, as St Patrick’s was skittled for just 62.
Summarised scorecards
St Andrew’s School 140/7 (FG Botha 49, Reuben van Aarde 28; Ruhann Steenkamp 2/21, Damian Kruger 2/24); Potchefstroom Gimnasium 142/4 (Christivan Coetzer 67, Lukas Kotze 31; Ryle Beckmann 2/25). Potchefstroom Gimnasium won by six wickets.
Hoërskool Rustenburg 140/4 (Tristan van der Linde 50, Carl Fryer 33, Andries Fryer 22; Shane Corner 1/7); Kalahari 87/10 (Kopano Mosienyane 36; Carl Fryer 4/4, Thian Labuschagne 3/18). Hoërskool Rustenburg won by 53 runs.
St Patrick’s Brothers College 62/10 (Omphile Magwaca 17; Anthonie Pelser 4/8, Jayden Jones 2/0); Trio 66/3 (Dylan Young 26*, Pedri Wilken 24*; Daniel Feder 2/21). Trio won by seven wickets.
Semi Finals
Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Hoërskool Rustenburg – Ibbies Oval
St Andrew’s School vs Hoërskool Trio – NWU Oval
