Garsie Ysbere set for titanic battle with Waterkloof in Noordvaal semis
Garsfontein’s 1st XI, known as the Ysbere, have booked themselves a mouthwatering showdown against Waterkloof in the semifinals of the Noordvaal Gunn & Moore competition after comfortably beating Hoërskool Nelspruit on Saturday.
Nelspruit won the toss and elected to make use of the batting-friendly Highveld conditions. However, the visitors were pegged back by the loss of two early wickets before Jaydon Meyer led a recovery with a fighting knock of 47 from 48 deliveries.
John Duncan also played his part, providing much-needed support for Meyer, with a run-a-ball 30, while Branden Bouch contributed a vital 25 not out.
Garsies’ Nayleo Sanna enjoyed a fine outing with the ball, capturing 4/34 from his nine overs. Sanna’s star turn, with good support from the rest of the attack, resulted in Nellies being bowled out in the 43rd over for 207.
The strong Garsie batting line then dominated at the crease. Xander Venter led their charge with an unbeaten 61 from just 45 deliveries, while Gustav Beer made a telling 58 not out from 48 balls.
They benefitted from a sturdy platform which had been laid by opening batsman Reuben van Zyl, who made 43. The trio’s consistent contributions were too much for the Nelspruit attack and Garsfontein cruised home, reaching the required target in only the 27th over.
Potchefstroom Gimnasium also booked a place in the semi-finals after seeing off Hoërskool Monument.
Gimmies, wielding the willow first, posted a respectable 240 all out. James Wood shone with a controlled 59 from 82 deliveries. In support of Wood, Caiden Seleka showcased his abilities with an important 43, while Zavier van Niekerk delivered a crucial cameo of 32, to set up a difficult chase for the side from Krugersdorp.
Joshua McCoy was the pick of the Monnas’ bowlers, sending four batsmen packing for 43 runs.
In pursuit of 241 to win, Monument’s run chase looked comfortably set at 53/2. However, they were soon in deep trouble as Philip du Plessis tore through their middle order, snatching four wickets.
Ibrahim Haffejee, with a splendid 42 from 39, did a good job of stemming the tide, but rain then ended the contest, which resulted in Gimmies taking a win by 18 runs via the Duckworth Lewis Method.
Summarised scorecards:
Nelspruit 201/10 (Jayden Meyer 47, John Duncan 30, Branden Bouch 25*, Davico Kruger 20; Nayleo Sanna 4/34); Garsfontein 209/3 (Ander Venter 61*, Gustav Beer 58*, Reuben van Zyl 43; Jayden Meyer 1/28). Garsfontein won by seven wickets.
Potchefstroom Gimnasium 240/10 (James Wood 59, Caiden Seleka 43, Zavier van Rensburg 32, Marnu Cronje 28, Ruan Lotz 22; Joshua McCoy 4/43, Antoni van Niekerk 2/34); Monument 195/8 (Ibrahim Haffejee 42*, Thlowi Davies 27, Antoni van Niekerk 21; Philip du Plessis 4/46). Potchefstroom Gimnasium won by 18 runs via DLS.
