Coetzer hits 7th ton in big win over Liggies
Cristivan Coezer is the envy of his North-West Schools counterparts, and with good reason.
The opening batsman of Potchefstroom Gimnasium‘s First XI notched his seventh century of the calendar year to maintain the Gimmies’ unbeaten run in the North West Schools 50-over League.
The boys from Potch are now the clear favourites to take home the title, shortly after winning the Switch Schools SA20 title barely a week ago. This will establish them as strong contenders in the Fain Noordvaal Tournament, following all five leagues north of the Vaal River.
The century from Coetzer, as well as numerous other contributions with the bat, on Wednesday, 1 October, saw the Gimmies cruise to a mammoth 199-run victory over Hoërskool Lichtenburg in Potchefstroom. Ulrich Botha, Coetzer’s opening partner, and Lukas Kotze also shone with 85 runs each.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the hosts amassed a big first innings total of 348/5 in just 30 overs as part of a shortened fixture.
Coetzer led the way with 126 runs, established in T20 fashion as he only faced 50 deliveries, smashing 12 sixes and 10 fours at an astronomical rate of 252. Botha also scored at a rate of more than 100, accumulating 85 runs from 74 deliveries. The pair’s massive 192-run partnership for the first wicket paved the way for a comfortable victory.
The bleeding didn’t stop after Coetzer had departed, with Kotze, batting at three, also in a destructive mood. He continued the trend of scoring at a rapid pace, hitting eight fours and six sixes before Johan Duvenhage ran him out. His innings lasted only 39 balls.
Duvenhage would emerge as the Liggies’ top scorer on the day. He opened their innings and batted patiently for 43, off 72 balls, against the economical bowling from the home side.
Caiden Seleka, younger brother of the North West Dragons’ leg spinner, Caleb Seleka, did most of the damage with the ball, picking up three wickets. Unfortunately, Duvenhage’s only support came from Luan Snyman, who contributed a quickfire 39. The Liggies were eventually all dismissed for only 150, suffering a big defeat at the hands of the front-runners.
In Rustenburg, two of the other big names in North West faced off. Eduard Dreyer scored a marvellous century at the top of the order to pave the way for a 139-run victory for Wesvalia over Hoërskool Rustenburg. Dreyer made 116 at just more than a run a ball and with Luken Maritz (60), batting at three, made the most of their time in the middle for an important 125-run partnership that laid the foundation for a total of 292 before the last wicket fell in the 50th over.
Thian Labuschagne was impressive for the hosts, boasting 3/36 in his allotted 10 overs, but he couldn’t quite replicate his form with the bat. The Wessies bowled to their strengths and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Janré Greyling was the most impressive with figures of 3/17 in seven overs, while Dreyer backed up his batting with 2/15.
Unfortunately for the Rusties, only Tristan van der Linde had answers to the visitors’ questions. He was eventually dismissed for 69 (77b), and with that, the home side’s hopes were dashed as no other batter managed to pass the 30-run mark. Rustenburg were dismissed for 153 in the 36th over, which was disappointing considering the batting talent in their ranks.
Summarised scorecards:
Potchefstroom Gimnasium 348/5 (Cristivan Coetzer 126, Ulrich Botha 85, Lukas Kotze 85, Caiden Seleka 37; Oratile Masa 2/62); Hoërskool Lichtenburg 150 (Johan Duvenhage 43, Luan Snyman 29; Caiden Seleka 3/45, Damian Kruger 2/17, Henré Cronje 2/19, Bennet Keet 2/31). Potchefstroom Gimnasium won by 199 runs.
Wesvalia 292 (Eduard Dreyer 116, Luken Maritz 60, Extras 28, Ziandré Stopforth 24, Jordan Lategan 21; Thian Labuschagne 3/36, Hendré Robinson 2/9, Manfred Wenhold 2/39, Marnus de Witt 2/68); Hoërskool Rustenburg 153 (Tristan van der Linde 69, Henlo van Rooyen 24, Extras 22; Janré Greyling 3/17, Eduard Dreyer 2/15). Wesvalia won by 139 runs.
