Do or die weekend for HTS Middelburg and Merensky
A remarkable return of 372 runs, three consecutive centuries, and seven wickets from Hoërskool Dr Malan‘s Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg in the opening three matches of the D Section of the Finsbury League has all but positioned Dokkies for a potential promotion push into the C Section.
Jansen van Rensburg, supported superbly by Ruben Muller and Francois Smith, has spearheaded a dominant campaign that has seen Dokkies rack up three bonus-point victories and the maximum possible 15 log points, a healthy seven clear of Hoërskool Ben Vorster in second place.
The log leaders will, however, be forced out of their comfort zone this weekend when they travel to Klerksdorp to face Hoërskool Wesvalia, who have seven log points following an emphatic 90-run victory over HTS Middelburg.
Awaiting Jansen van Rensburg and company will be Wessies‘ in-form Jandré Greyling, who impressed against HTS Middelburg with a composed 65 and a five-wicket haul. He’ll present one of the biggest threats to the Meyerton school’s dominant campaign.
In Heidelberg, the Black Caps of Ben Vorster will be eager to turn the tables on Heidelberg Volkskool. Last year, Volkies cruised to a 10-wicket win in Tzaneen, and Ben Vorster would love nothing more than to claim a victory in Heidelberg.
This year’s Ben Vorster side, however, appears to be better balanced than the 2025 team, with the contest between Cubs Week representative Rivoningo Chauke and the Volkies’ leading batsman Dave Pelzer shaping up as a high-quality individual battle within a fiercely competitive clash.
Meanwhile, in Tzaneen, Merensky Landbou Akademie enjoys home-ground advantage for a second consecutive week. The Plasies welcome HTS Middelburg for a clash with crucial relegation implications.
Merensky will need to quickly put last week’s narrow eight-run defeat to the Ben Vorster in the Tzaneen derby behind them if they are to keep their D Section D status alive. They’re winless thus far.
HTS Middelburg is also still chasing a first victory, and they will be equally desperate for points. A win on the road could be enough to secure their place in the D Section for next season. They’ll need it because net run rate favours Merensky.
History has shown, however, that away victories in the Finsbury League are notoriously difficult to come by. With so much on the line, Saturday’s encounter in Tzaneen won’t lack intensity or intrigue.
