Genis the architect of Waterkloof’s downfall
That’s 16 wickets in just three Noordvaal matches.
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Hoërskool Middelburg‘s 1st XI will remember 2 November for a long time.
They had already made history by qualifying for the semi-finals of the Fain Noordvaal tournament, but the Middies took it another step further by knocking out the defending champions, Hoërskool Waterkloof, in what was, arguably, the biggest upset of the 2024 school cricket season so far.
It’s hard to believe that young Gavin Genis is still only 16 years old after witnessing his BMT in a showdown against one of the country’s most prolific and aggressive schoolboy batting lineups.
Defending only 155, the Middelburg off-spinner bowled his side to victory by snaring a third consecutive five-for, which included three of Waterkloof’s big fish.
In nine overs, Genis sent down 34 dot balls while picking up six wickets and conceding 51 runs to increase his tally in the Noordvaal competition to an astonishing 16 in just three games.
The all-rounder also delivered with the bat, contributing a vital 32 runs. He combined with Hendré Nel, who made 33, in a vital partnership of 54 runs for the ninth wicket, to help the Middies to 155 all out after 44.4 overs. Opener, Zubair Desai, however, led the way with the willow. His fighting knock of 36 runs was the top score for the home side.
Eduan Strydom provided superb support to Genis, returning 4/44 to restrict the Klofies to only 117 all out in just 19 overs. Wian Ruthven was the Pretoria side’s mainstay scoring a bitter-sweet half-century. His 54 came from just 40 balls and included five fours and four sixes, but his departure, the ninth man out, left Waterkloof on the brink of defeat.
The Klofies will, however, have a finalist in the Fain-Noordvaal competition this year after their u15 side hammered Hoërskool Kempton Park by 178 runs. After some early trouble, thanks to a good start from Kempies’ Tristan Brits (4/26) and Tiaan Pretorius (2/15), Jean Cloete stepped up to the plate.
Showing good composure, he sent 13 balls to the boundary in an innings of 94 runs. Lian Claasen weighed in with an important knock of 56, while Mieder Erasmus chipped in with a quick 37 runs to see Waterkloof to a respectable total of 259 all out.
They felt confident defending that total and it showed in their bowling, with William van den Berg making early inroads on his way to a return of 3/24.
Rivan Booysen (2/10) and Mieder Erasmus (2/0) chipped in with two wickets each as the Kempies stumbled to a disappointing 81 all out in reply.
Summarised Scorecards:
Hoërskool Middelburg 155/10 (Zubair Desai 36, Hendré Nel 33, Gavin Genis 32; Marcus Bakker 3/26, Jaydon Blom 2/4, Johan Feuth 2/21); Waterkloof 117/10 (Wian Ruthven 54; Gavin Genis 6/51, Eduan Strydom 4/44). Hoërskool Middelburg won by 38 runs.
u15 semi-final
Waterkloof 259/10 (Jean Cloete 94, Lian Claasen 56, Mieder Erasmus 37; Tristan Brits 4/26, Tiaan Pretorius 2/15, Zian Ferero 2/43); Hoërskool Kempton Park 81/10 (Anthony Stockigt 29; William van den Berg 3/24, Mieder Erasmus 2/0, Rivan Booysen 2/10). Waterkloof won by 178 runs.
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