Somerset College reclaim The Ashes Trophy with dominant win over Parel Vallei
Last year, David Botes led Parel Vallei to a first victory over Somerset College in 21 years of playing for The Ashes, but the Somerset boys wasted no time restoring order when the sides met again on the weekend.
The annual two-day derby has been a highlight of the cricketing calendar in Somerset West for more than two decades now, and the Collegians backed up their dominant record in the event by trouncing Parel Vallei by an innings and 94 runs on Saturday.
Their opening duo, Chad Ayford and the young Owethu Moyi, put their side on the front foot from the off with an aggressive start to their innings.
Ayford raced to 30, off only 21 deliveries, before Josua Smit and Henry Jones combined to remove the visitors’ dangerman. Moyi (45), however, continued the positive start, striking nine boundaries, while Eden Scott (25) and captain, Tyrone Rieth (22) added useful scores.
Christopher Hughes took full advantage of the helpful pitch to get rid of four Somerset batsmen and keep the run rate in check, but his namesake from Somerset College, Callum Hughes, took control of the match when he stepped to the crease.
Batting in difficult conditions, he scored a match-defining 91 runs and helped advance the total to 247/8, which is when the visitors declared.
Hughes was soon back into the thick of the action, opening the bowling alongside Thomas Parsons, who has taken in excess of 100 wickets for the Somerset 1st XI during his time in the side.
The duo picked off the Parel Vallei openers before Hughes was given a rest after his long batting stint. This led to the introduction of Chad Ayford and Tyler Crafford to the attack, and they tore through the hosts’ lineup, dismissing them for a dismal 49 before choosing to enforce the follow-on.
Crafford snared five PV batters for only 20 runs, while Ayford needed only 20 deliveries to snare 3/5.
The next day, the Somerset management changed their tactics, using Troy Varie and Daniel Kaplan to open their bowling, with great success.
Employing an extremely attacking field, with short leg and short cover under helmets and right up to the crease, the visiting side cut through Parel Vallei’s lineup once again.
Ethan Simpson (20) provided some resistance at the very end of the Parel Vallei innings, but Kaplan captured 6/34 as Somerset College secured a convincing victory and closed out their season by reclaiming the coveted Ashes trophy.
Scores
Somerset College first innings 247/8 (Callum Hughes 91, Owethu Moyi 45, Chad Ayford 30, Eden Scott 25, Tyrone Rieth 22; Christopher Hughes 4/49, Josua Smit 2/72); Parel Vallei first innings 49/10 (Christopher Hughes 11; Tyler Crafford 5/20, Chad Ayford 3/5); Parel Vallei second innings 104/10 (Ethan Simpson 20; Daniel Kaplan 6/34, Callum Hughes 2/21). Somerset College won by an innings and 94 runs.
