Rondebosch matrics cap off season with resounding victory over Bishops
The Rondebosch Boys’ High bowling attack proved too strong for Diocesan College on Saturday.
In the final outing for Rondebosch’s graduating group – captain Jordan Neill, Bongi Mfunelwa, Graeme Engelbrecht and Alex Combrink – they met Bishops in a 50-over match on the Frank Reid Oval.
The hosts were sent to the crease first, and Bosch’s bowlers immediately launched an onslaught.
Declan Gillespie led the charge, taking three wickets for 24, but it was their collective bowling excellence that enabled them to restrict Bishops to less than triple figures. Graeme Engelbrecht tied up the tail-end with 2/5, while Alex Combrink and David Simon both grabbed a brace as well.
Cole Crawford played a steady and defiant innings of 35 for Diocesan College, but the visiting bowlers picked apart the rest of the batting lineup with ease to dismiss them for just 93.
The home team did well to regroup in a valiant attempt to defend a small target. They had Rondebosch under pressure early on, when they reduced the batting side to 18/3. All Bosch needed, though, was a solid partnership and Noah Heath and Bongile Mfunelwa delivered it to see their team to victory over their southern suburbs’ rivals.
Mfunelwa finished the game off in style, smashing a huge six to end his school cricket career on a high. He and the rest of the Rondebosch matriculants will remember the game fondly as a perfect send-off.
Next Saturday, a team of Rondebosch stayers will host Paul Roos Gimnasium for a friendly declaration match in preparation for the forthcoming season.
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Summarised scorecard:
Diocesan College 93 (Cole Crawford 35*, Extras 21; Declan Gillespie 3/24, Graeme Engelbrecht 2/5, Alex Combrink 2/13, David Simon 2/24); Rondebosch Boys’ High 97/3 (Bongile Mfunelwa 38, Noah Heath 36*, Matthew Brodziak 2/25). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by seven wickets.
