Marais Viljoen batsmen secure comfortable victory over Helpmekaar Kollege

The Marais Viljoen batsmen played a starring role in securing a comfortable five-wicket victory over Helpmekaar Kollege on the last day of the Gimmie-Cricket Fest. The side from Alberton nonchalantly chased down the 254 they required for victory in the 44th over of the teams’ 50-over match.

Having won the toss, Helpmekaar opted to bat first. Anthony Stone was superb with the willow in hand, scoring a magnificent century after the Helpies were in early trouble at 35/3.

Juandre Verwey also had his say with a well-constructed 45 off 69 deliveries and combined with Stone for a crucial 86-run partnership.

Stone kicked on after the dismissal of Verwey to notch up his century, only to be sent back to the pavilion without adding a run. Stefan Lottering (31, 39b) and Kevin Olivier (25, 20b) also produced telling contributions in the latter stages of the innings.

After 50 overs, Helpmekaar had posted a competitive 253/7.

Declan Botes bowled tidily and returned the neat figures of 2/26 from his 10 overs. Cayden Ramage also impressive, capturing 2/17 up front with the new ball.

Marais Viljoen appeared comfortable from the start of their reply, the run rate moving along at a consistently decent rate. Aldre Huyzers (28, 47b) and Botes combined for a commanding 82-run opening stand. Botes went on to record a well-deserved half-century, accumulating 67 from 82 balls, in a fantastic outing out for the all-rounder.

Nathan Coleske’s 59, a contribution of 43 not out from the impressive Jaden Govender, and a blistering 26 from Tristan Thom carried their side over the line and to a comfortable victory, which was their third in four games.

Summarised scorecards: 

Helmekaar Kollege 253/7 (Anthony Stone 100, Juandre Verwey 45, Stefan Lottering 31, Kevin Olivier 25; Declan Botes 2/26, Cayden Ramage 2/17); Marais Viljoen 254/5 (Botes 67, Nathan Coleske 59, Jaden Govender 43*, Aldre Huyzers 28, Tristan thom 26; Lottering 2/13). Marais Viljoen won by five wickets. 

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Franco Oberholzer

Franco is a sports fanatic from Tzaneen, a small town in Limpopo. Obsessed with both cricket and rugby, he still does the sport at club level when given the chance. Combining the rush of sports with his other passion, writing, gives him the fix any sport-crazy fan needs. In his spare time, he spends quality time with family and friends, preferably around a braaivleis fire.

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