One hurdle remains with Middies on the brink of promotion

Middies were already in a commanding position in their quest to earn a place in the promotion/relegation game, and they confirmed their place in it with a resounding 208‑run victory over Pieties.

The visitors took first strike and, with several players in impressive form, posted a formidable 280 all out despite batting only 47 overs of their allotted 50.

Nijan Swart, a valuable addition to the side since the start of the year, led from the front and anchored their innings with a well‑played 54 from 64 deliveries.

Hendré Nel and Wilré Cilliers produced important cameos to bolster the Middelburg innings. Both contributed 48, although Nel’s knock was the more entertaining. Playing with freedom, he faced only 28 balls, while Cilliers batted at a run-a-ball to close out the innings.

Hennie Schoeman was the best of the Pietersburg bowlers. Despite Middelburg’s substantial total, he claimed an impressive 3/38 in nine overs. Stephan Schoeman also claimed three wickets, including those of Swart and Nel, but went for 78 runs.

Pietersburg was unable to match the fluency with which Middelburg batted. Ricardo Ras quickly derailed the run chase, tearing through the Pieties’ order. In only 4.5 overs, he captured 4/17, inflicting severe damage from which the home side was unable to recover.

Nel followed up his fine innings with excellent bowling figures of 2 for 14, while Eduan Strydom, who had earlier scored 28, matched Nel’s bowling return.

In the end, Hoërskool Pietersburg mustered only a disappointing 72 all out, which left Middies with substantial momentum as they prepare to play for promotion to the A Section.