Michaelhouse comfortably defend 256 despite Sewlal’s top knock
Two of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading cricket teams met on Saturday when Michaelhouse made the trip towards the east coast to take on Westville Boys’ High on an overcast day.
It has been a very good term for House, and they continued their strong run of form with a comfortable 42-run win, thanks to a solid batting performance and a disciplined bowling effort.
After winning the toss, Westville opted to bowl first which, given the overhead conditions, was not too surprising.
Michaelhouse responded well to the challenge, however, putting up a competitive 255/9, led by Nathan Hoatson‘s (in feature photo) unbeaten 65 from 73 balls. The two Murrays – Hall-Jones and Baker – also made significant contributions, with the former making 50 and the latter, who has been in red-hot form, missing out on his half-century by a single run after departing hit-wicket.
Kaeden McAllister and Heath Stott were the pick of the Westville bowlers, with both picking up two wickets, although they were somewhat expensive, going at over five runs per over each.
Needing to bat at 5.12 runs an over, the Griffins fought valiantly but their victory target of 256 never quite came into sight. They were bowled out in the final over of their innings for 213.
Westville’s opening batsman Bhasker Sewlal was their standout performer, weighing in with an impressive 82 runs from 126 balls, which included four boundaries. He set his team up well, occupying one end and accumulating a significant score along the way.
Tom Mitchell and Michael Thornton, with two wickets apiece, undid Westville’s middle-order, however, with breakthroughs at crucial times during the home side’s innings.
McAllister and Kistna put on 49 for the first wicket but, once McAllister was run out for 33 from 46 balls, Westville’s innings was subject to the regular loss of wickets.
Ethan Muir captured 3/48 from his 10 overs, and removed the Westville tail, to prevent the Griffins from clawing their way to an unlikely victory late in the day.
Next weekend, there will be plenty on the line when Michaelhouse face their great rivals Hilton College in the annual pink day cricket match.
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Summarised Scorecard
Michaelhouse 255/9 (Nathan Hoatson 65*, Murray Hall-Jones 50, Murray Baker 49, Extras 24; Kaeden McAllister 2/33, Heath Stott 2/33); Westville Boys’ High 213/10 (Bhasker Sewlal 82, Kaeden McAllister 33, Sean McGough 22; Ethan Muir 3/48, Tom Mitchell 2/20, Michael Thornton 2/29). Michaelhouse won by 42 runs.
