St Andrew’s edge Bennies in T20 after two-day stalemate
After two days of unlimited overs cricket failed to produce a winner in Bloemfontein, where St Benedict’s College were being hosted by St Andrew’s School, the deadlock was broken by a T20 match on Sunday.
Watch both games again on SuperSport Schools – Register now
The locals managed to reach the St Benedict’s total with just six balls remaining, thanks to a dominant display at the crease by opening batsman Andrew Sobiech, who struck 62 from 38 deliveries.
That came after the St Benedict’s innings, in which Clayton Horlick looked phenomenal, smashing five sixes on his way to 93 from only 61 deliveries. His efforts were supported by Declan le Roux‘s unbeaten 55.
Dakalo Leketa, who made the SA Colts team in 2022, was a menace with the ball in hand all weekend and led the attack again on the final day, taking 2/21. His counterpart on the opposing team, Carl Goosen, matched these figures for the boys from Bedfordview.
Despite the strong start by the visitors, St Andrew’s managed to finally secure a hard-fought victory thanks to their top-order each doing their bit to help chase down the target of 170.
Sobiech laid the foundation with his rapid half-century, and the young Reuben van Aarde did well to hold up his end and see out the innings.
The T20 on Sunday turned into a decider after the weekend’s unlimited overs, double-innings game ended in a draw.
The boys from the City of Roses got the action underway on Friday, batting first, and their top order set up an impressive foundation for the innings.
Sobiech came agonizingly close to a century, falling just one run short, with 99, while FG Botha made a significant contribution of 76 runs. Naude Botha chipped in with 22.
Parth Patel, the ace of the St. Benedict’s bowling attack, claimed an impressive five wickets for 71 runs, ably supported by Ross Pengelley, who also took three crucial wickets for just 19 runs.
Horlick was the standout performer for St. Benedict’s in their first innings, scoring a gritty 73, but the bowling attack of St. Andrew’s was relentless, with Leketa leading the charge and snaring five wickets for 74 runs.
With a lead of 43 runs, St Andrew’s School took to the crease once again on Saturday, hoping to make their advantage count.
Naude Botha led the way the second time around, notching up a crucial 79, including 14 boundaries. Van Aarde was also in on the action, adding 63 more to their tally of 221/7.
Patel and Cruz Pillay continued to be a thorn in the side for St. Andrew’s, with Patel claiming 3/59, and Pillay picking up 2/49.
With a target of 265 to chase down, St. Benedict’s College showed their mettle. Goosen led from the front with a sublime knock of 87 from 49 deliveries.
Leketa was exceptional for the Bloemfontein team once again, playing a part in all five wickets, taking three himself and palming two catches off deliveries by JC Young.
Despite the determination shown by both sides to achieve a win, the match ended in a draw, with St Benedict’s College at the crease on 173/5 after 22 overs on the second day.
Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.
Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.
Summarised scorecards:
St Andrew’s School vs St Benedict’s College (T20)
St Benedict’s 170/3 (Clayton Horlick 93, Declan le Roux 55*; Dakalo Leketa 2/21); St Andrew’s School 171/5 (Andrew Sobiech 62, Reuben van Aarde 25*, Naude Botha 20; Carl Goosen 2/21). St Andrew’s won by five wickets.
St Andrew’s School vs St Benedict’s College (Double innings, unlimited overs)
St Andrew’s School first innings 254 (Andrew Sobiech 99, FG Botha 76, Naude Botha 22; Parth Patel 5/71, Ross Pengelley 3/19); St Benedict’s College first innings 211 (Clayton Horlick 73, Marco Mendes 34, Declan le Roux 30, Brandon Blake 24; Dakalo Leketa 5/74, Johan Liebenberg 2/29, JC Young 2/31); St Andrew’s School second innings 221/7 (Naude Botha 79, Reuben van Aarde 63, FG Botha 31; Parth Patel 3/59, Cruz Pillay 2/49); St Benedict’s College second innings 173/5 (Carl Goosen 87, Clayton Horlick 35, Brandon Blake 23; Dakalo Leketa 3/47, JC Young 2/50). Match drawn.
Hoërskool Trio vs St Dominic’s College (50-over)
St Dominic’s College 31 (Alessio Salvado 13; Bokang Mohasa 4/6, WJ van Niekerk 3/17, Miguel Menino 2/0); Hoërskool Trio 32/0 (Franco de Wet 20*, Miguel Menino 12*). Hoërskool Trio won by 10 wickets.
Sasolburg High School vs Witteberg (44-over)
Sasolburg High School 227 (Extras 37, Nathan Swanepoel 33, Liam Singleton 29, Meyer Pretorius 28, Francois Espach 25, Jan Hendrik Espach 21; Zander Fourie 4/61, Stefan Geldenhuys 3/15); Witteberg 98 (MC Smit 38, Zander Fourie 25; Nathan Swanepoel 4/27, Jan Hendrik Espach 3/15). Sasolburg High School won by 116 runs.
Goudveld vs Sentraal (50-over)
Sentraal 112 (Extras 32, AJ Joubert 28*; Bongi Kumalo 3/18, GJ Wessels 3/33, Motsitsi Mototo 2/2); Goudveld 115/3 (Ruben Crous 49*, Extras 26; Liam Pretorius 2/22). Goudveld won by seven wickets.
Fourways vs Goudveld (T20)
Goudveld 153/7 (Ruben Crous 38, Hendro Boardman 24, Extras 20; Seleka Tau 3/36, Craig Pienaar 2/7); Fourways 53 (Ben Lottering 18; Motsitsi Mototo 2/3, GJ Wessels 2/8, Eldonn Bodenstein 2/8). Goudveld won by 100 runs.
