Paarl Gim faces a major challenge at confident Bishops
The visitors, Paarl Gimnasium, have a daunting challenge ahead of them when they take on Bishops on the Frank Reid on Saturday.
Last weekend, in a 50-over contest, Bishops defeated Stellenberg High by 103 runs. They’ll be aiming to continue their dominance against Gimmies.
Against Stellies, Cameron Macbeth top-scored with 84 for the hosts, and he’ll be eager to turn those two digits into three.
His top order partners, Adnaan Lagadien and James Robb-Quinlan, are also due some runs in the 300-ball format.
However, scoring won’t come easy. The home batting lineup will be wary of the challenges posed by the visitors’ bowling attack.
Back in the summer, when the sides met in a Schools SA20 fixture, Wian Munnik claimed 2/11 in two overs, while Charles King returned 2/28 in four overs.
Bishops did, however, win the match by 32 runs, and later went on to lift the national title.
Munnik is also a handy opening batsman, although he wasn’t able to show that when Gim met Bishops last time. Matt Dippenaar and Dirk Hugo will also want to prove themselves against the southern suburbs’ side.
Another player to keep an eye on is middle order dangerman, Louis Koen, who is more recognised for his exploits at flyhalf for the 1st XV. He owns an educated boot, but he’s a clean hitter of the cricket ball, too.
Meanwhile, in the Bishops’ bowling attack, Julian Pilkington will be targeting a fifth three-wicket haul in succession on Saturday. He’s in fine form, but it is the all-round variety and versatility of the home side’s attack, led by Waco Bassick, that will pose a major threat to Paarl Gim. They’ve been at the forefront of Bishops’ successes in 2025.
With the Bishops’ attack leading the way, the biggest questions to be asked and answered on Saturday will be posed to the Paarl Gim batsmen and, with a number of the hosts’ batsmen due, the visitors will hope that their wait continues.
