Hans Moore downs another giant, Ben Vorster into semis after one-wicket win
Hoërskool Hans Moore kept their unbeaten record intact with an emphatic 23-run victory over Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) in the Northern Regional Playoffs of the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two, in Benoni, on Saturday morning.
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It came as no surprise that Moories’ challenge was led by their talisman, Aidan Shaw. His bat has been red-hot since the opening match on Friday morning, and he followed up a superb century against Hoërskool Garsfontein with a commanding half-century against Affies.
As he did on Friday, Shaw anchored Hans Moore’s innings and controlled the proceedings with maturity and authority.
He faced 50 deliveries and struck five sixes and four fours, on his way to a match-defining 73 before being dismissed by Armin Snyman (2/18), who impressed with the new ball.
Another cornerstone of the hosts’ efforts was Stephan Vermaak, who provided valuable support with a fine all-round performance.
First up, he contributed a brisk 31 with the bat before falling to JP Botha (2/11), who now boasts an outstanding 10 wickets from three matches. Vermaak then delivered the decisive blow with the ball. His 3/15 turned the contest on its head as Affies lost their last seven wickets for just 56 runs.
Xavier van Biljon added further pressure, claiming 2/20, to help seal an outstanding victory for the Benoni school, who moved on to a semi-final showdown against Hoërskool Ben Vorster, brimming with confidence.
The Black Caps dramatically booked their semi-final place by edging out Hoërskool Marais Viljoen by a single wicket after a tense run chase of 118 to win.
Mphotseng Mashalane played a decisive hand with a blistering 38 from only 15 balls, while young Dirk Nortman added a composed unbeaten 21 in a match-winning 48-run partnership.
Ben Vorster pulled off a recovery despite a devastating burst from Ethan van Rooyen (4/20), which tore apart the Limpopo side’s reply. Van Rooyen also top-scored for the Marais Viljoen, with 38, while he and Jadon Pretorius (3/11) combined for seven wickets in quick succession.
Hoërskool Garsfontein, and in particular young fast bowler Nathan Ferreira, hit their stride at the perfect time ahead of their semi-final rematch with Affies later on Saturday. Bowling second change, Ferreira ripped through Merensky Landbou Akademie’s batting, capturing 5/22.
Fifteen-year-old opener Willem Mostert stood strong for the Plasies, though, carrying his bat for a well-compiled and assured 46. Despite his efforts, they totalled only 102/9, a total that the Ysbere chased down comfortably in just 10.5 overs.
Richardt Joubert led the charge with an unbeaten 55 from 38 balls. Ruan Cuyler, after claiming 2/9 with the ball, added 49 not out with the bat.
Summarised scorecards
Hans Moore 136/6 (Aiden Shaw 73, Stephan Vermaak 31; JP Botha 2/11, Armin Snyman 2/18); Affies 113/10 (Ethan Williams 20; Stephan Vermaak 3/15, Xavier van Biljon 2/20). Hans Moore won by 23 runs.
Marais Viljoen 116/7 (Ethan van Rooyen 37, Jacques Ferreira 22; Sontag Ramatsoma 3/11, Mpontseng Mashalane 2/19, Rivoningo Chuake 2/20); Ben Vorster 118/9 (Mpotsheng Mashalane 38, Dirk Nortman 21*, Kuhlani Mnisi 21; Ethan van Rooyen 4/20, Jadon Pretorius 3/22). Ben Vorster won by one wicket.
Merensky 102/9 (Willem Mostert 46*; Nathan Ferreira 5/22, Ruan Cuyler 2/9); Garsfontein 105/0 (Righardt Joubert 55*, Ruan Cuyler 49*; Topher Elphinstone 0/12). Garsfontein won by 10 wickets.
