Kruger ton highlights penultimate round of Finsbury’s A Section
Rieket Kruger’s century and Potchefstroom Volkskool’s dominant 137‑run victory over Hoërskool Kempton Park in Potchefstroom highlighted the penultimate round of A Section fixtures in the Finsbury League on Saturday.
Kruger spearheaded the Volkies‘ innings as they posted a commanding 333 in their 50 overs. His superb 120 was the highest individual score of the round.
He also received excellent support from opening batsman AW van der Merwe, who struck a fluent 86, and Schalk Pienaar, who hammered four fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 71 from just 45 balls.
Kruger’s innings, however, outshone them all. Batting at four, he controlled the tempo masterfully, striking 13 boundaries, three of which cleared the ropes. He faced 117 deliveries and scored at just over a run a ball.
A significant portion of his effort was shared with Van der Merwe, with the pair sharing a match‑defining 127‑run partnership.
Despite heavy pressure, Kempies‘ William van den Berg produced an admirable bowling display, taking two of the five wickets to fall while conceding only 39 runs. The trend of double‑strikes continued, with Volkies’ top three bowlers also claiming two wickets apiece.
Andries Venter led the way with 2/31 and was well supported by Pierre Joubert, with 2/31, and Johandré Jacobs, with 2/48. Eventually, the visitors from Kempton Park were dismissed for 196.
Ethan Kotze fought bravely for his 47, the standout knock of their reply. His only significant support came from Jeandré Potgieter (39) and Kamogelo Matlala (38).
In Centurion, Heinrich Klue, of Hoërskool Eldoraigne, tore through Hoërskool Rustenburg‘s batting line‑up, putting the Eldos in a commanding position. However, rain brought the contest to a premature end, with the hosts facing only four deliveries before play was abandoned.
Eldoraigne needed just 132 for victory following Klue’s outstanding return of 4/30 from his full 10‑over spell. The left‑arm off-spin of Benyal Morkel brought him 2/12, and Zavier Zeelie snapped up 2/26 to keep Rusties under pressure.
Tristan van der Linde top‑scored for the visitors with 30. Several batsmen made promising starts, but none were converted.
Summarised scorecards
Potchefstroom Volkskool 333/5 (Riekert Kruger 120, AW van der Merwe 86, Schalk Pienaar 71*, Extras 24; William van den Berg 2/39); Hoërskool Kempton Park 196 (Ethan Kotze 47, Jeandré Potgieter 39, Kamogelo Matlala 38; Andries Venter 2/31, Pierre Joubert 2/35, Johandré Jacobs 2/48). Potchefstroom Volkskool won by 137 runs.
Hoërskool Rustenburg 131 (Tristan van der Linde 30, Dehan Jacobs 26*, Thian Labuschagne 24, Rejean van der Venter 20; Heinrich Klue 4/30, Benyael Morkel 2/12, Zavier Zeelie 2/26). Eldoraigne 2/0. Match Abandoned.
