Jeppe champion of the Switch Schools SA20 of 2026
Jeppe High School for Boys are the new champion of the Switch Schools SA20 competition.
The team from Johannesburg defeated St Andrew’s School of Bloemfontein in the final at the Tuks Oval in Pretoria by six wickets. Last year, Diocesan College of Cape Town was crowned the inaugural champions of the competition.
The team from the City of Roses was the only undefeated side left in the tournament before the final. Jeppe suffered only one defeat against Selborne College of East London in their final pool match.
Saints who won the toss and elected to have a bat could only reach 105/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Grové du Preez (36*) leading the charge with FG Botha (17) and Harbin Smith (16) also managing to get good starts.
Jeppe’s Phemelo Sekopane (1/11) boasted the best bowling figures while three batters of Saints were run out.
Jeppe chased down the total in the 14th over with opening batter Vegas Scott (45*) continuing his excellent form with the willow. He was awarded the award as Switch Batter of the Tournament as he scored 163 runs at an average of 81.5 runs per innings.
He shared a 47-run partnership for the second wicket with Zize Mkhize (32), which laid the foundation for the victory. Mkhize’s performance in the final also helped him to bag the award as the Switch Player of the Tournament.
He scored 49 runs at an average of 16.33 during the tournament, while also picking up seven wickets at an average of 10.43 runs per victim.
Saints didn’t go home empty-handed as Erhard Barends was named the Switch Bowler of the Tournament. Barends picked up nine wickets during the tournament at an average of 8.1 runs per victim.
Summarised Scorecard:
St Andrew’s School 105/7 (Grové du Preez 36*, FG Botha 17, Harbin Smith 16; Phemelo Sekopane 1/11); Jeppe High School for Boys 106/4 (Vegas Scott 45*, Zizi Mkhize 32; Erhard Barends 1/23). Jeppe High School for Boys won by six wickets.
