Gibson shines with century as Midstream impresses in Finsbury B Section debut
Newcomers to the Finsbury League B Section, Midstream College, and regulars, Hoërskool Montana, made emphatic statements in their opening fixtures, with both recording impressive victories over traditionally strong sides from the Noordvaal region on Saturday.
The Midrand-based Midstream College earned promotion to the B Section after defeating Hoërskool Centurion in the promotion-relegation play-off at the start of the 2025/26 season, and they wasted little time in proving they belong at the higher level.
Opening batsman Keegan Gibson led the way in a commanding 101-run home victory over Hoërskool Marais Viljoen, contributing a superbly composed 108. His knock featured only three fours and two sixes, which underlined his control and ability to rotate the strike without undue risk.
Gibson was well supported by 44 from the experienced Dian de Villiers, while a brisk 33 from Ryan Strauss helped to boost the hosts to 233 all out from 48 overs. Rieshaeel Hashim was the visitors’ standout bowler, claiming 3/30 from seven overs.
In the batting-friendly Highveld conditions, a target of 234 is often considered attainable, but a disciplined and collective bowling effort from Midstream proved to be too much for the visitors.
Tehan Maré led the attack with 3/15, while Barto Oosthuizen (2/14), Dian de Villiers (2/26) and Rikus Cilliers (2/31) each claimed two wickets. Riyaan Marques top-scored with 35, but Marais Viljoen never threatened the Midstream College total and was bowled out for 134 in the 36th over.
In Pretoria, a similar story unfolded as Hoërskool Montana overcame Hoërskool Nelspruit. The Mbombela-based side has made the move down to the B Section after being relegated from the A Section by Hoërskool Kempton Park.
Opening batsman Marko Rudolph anchored the Monties‘ innings with a patient 74 from 106 deliveries, which included seven fours and a six. Captain Juan Theunissen added 46, while late contributions of an unbeaten 24 each from Reinhardt Swart and Du Preez Prinsloo lifted the hosts to 218/7 from their 50 overs.
The match was then shaped by an outstanding spell from Johvanne Conradie, whose 4/18 dismantled the Nellies‘ middle order. His haul included the key wicket of Jean Maritz, who top-scored with a determined 48. Gherdu van Eeden supported Maritz with 35, and the pair shared a 94-run partnership that briefly revived their run chase.
Once that stand was broken, however, the innings unravelled, and Nelspruit was bowled out for 146, leaving Hoërskool Montana with a convincing 72-run victory.
Summarised scorecards
Midstream College 233/10 (Keegan Gibson 108, Dian de Villiers 44, Ryan Strauss 33; RJ de Beer 3/28, Rieshaeel Hashim 3/30); Marais Viljoen 132 (Riyaan Marques 35, Hendré Cilliers 29, Jared Mentz 24; Tehan Maré 3/15, Barto Oosthuizen 2/14, Dian de Villiers 2/26, Rikus Cilliers 2/31). Midstream College won by 101 runs.
Montana 218/7 (Marko Rudolph 74, Juan Theunissen 46, Reinhardt Swart 24*, Du Preez Prinsloo 24*; Kesha Moore 2/23, Uwaiz Miller 2/25); Hoërskool Nelspruit 146 (Jean Maritz 48, Gherdu van Eeden 35; Johvanne Conradie 4/18, Liam Vorster 2/14). Montana won by 72 runs.
