Hector’s bat a major plus in Pearson’s season openers
Pearson High School and Luke Hector, especially, would’ve been satisfied with their performances in their season openers against Zimbabwean opposition, Peterhouse and Hellenic Academy.
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In preparation for the Makhanda Cricket Festival, which takes place from 9-12 January, Pearson took on a strong Peterhouse side in a Time match on Saturday, which was followed by a limited-overs game against Hellenic Academy on Sunday.
Peterhouse was the first to fall foul of the red-hot bat of Hector.
After a destructive spell by Peterhouse opening bowler Ryan Moyo, which had the home side in trouble, Hector worked hard and held up his end well, seeing off Moyo’s 12-over spell during which the visitors’ opening bowler snapped up five wickets while conceding only 22 runs. Moyo’s new ball partner, Cameron Oosthuizen, also got in on the act, claiming 2/26 in 10.4 overs.
Hector faced 108 deliveries while steadying the Pearson innings and accumulated a well-constructed 67 runs, which included 11 fours. Cale Price provided further support with a useful 31 to get the home side to 138 all out.
Inspired by the duo’s batting heroics, the Pearson opening bowlers were fired up. Jaydin Ward (2/13) and Kade Myburgh (3/16) had the visitors from across the border in early trouble on 24/3.
However, Cameron Rae and Victor Watama took a leaf out of Hector’s book by occupying the crease without chasing runs. Rae went on to record Peterhouse’s top score of 38 from 67 balls, while Watama grafted hard for his 32 from 56.
The pair’s efforts saw the visitors through to 125/9 when play was called for the day, securing a draw that would’ve also heightened their spirits.
On Sunday, in a limited-overs match against Hellenic Academy, Hector was again among the runs, this time scoring quickly to finish with 65 runs from just 49 balls.
He was aided in his effort by the solid platform that had been laid by Pearson’s opening batsmen, Jude Septoo and Zac Zietsman.
Septoo eventually lost his wicket for 49 after the pair had put on 93 for the first wicket. Zietsman kept going and went on to record his side’s highest score of 67.
Hellenic’s Dwayne Gambiza did the bulk of the damage claiming 4/46, including the wicket of the in-form Hector.
The Zimbabweans then found themselves struggling against Jonno Holmes, who quickly found his rhythm with the ball. Sending down 10 overs, he knocked over 5/23 to put Pearson on top.
Deanu Bezuidenhout picked up a further two scalps as Hellenic mustered 180 runs, leaving them well beaten, 62 runs shy of the Pearson total.
Summarised scorecards
Pearson 138/10 (Luke Hector 63, Cale Price 31; Ryan Moyo 5/27, Cameron Oosthuizen 2/23); Peterhouse College 139/10 (Cameron Rae 38, Victor Watama 28; Kade Myburgh 3/16, Jaydin Ward 2/13). Peterhouse won on the first innings.
Pearson 242/10 (Zac Zietsman 67, Luke Hector 65, Jude Septoo 49, Extras 31; Dwayne Gambiza 4/46, Kirby Madaramete 2/35); Hellenic Academy 180/10 (Daniel Makings 31, Oliver van Zyl 29, Dwayne Gambiza 21; Jonno Holmes 5/23, Deanu Bezuidenhout 2/18). Pearson won by 62 runs.
