Stellenberg slays second southern suburbs’ school in seven days
Last week, on Tuesday, Stellenberg High pulled off a shock four-wicket T20 win over Rondebosch Boys’ High. This week, on Tuesday, they added the scalp of another southern suburbs school to their growing list of victories.
Stellies visited SACS for a showdown on the De Villiers Oval and, after winning the toss, opted to bat first.
The visitors made a shaky start and lost two of their top-order batsmen for ducks as they stumbled to 18/3 after 3.2 overs.
That brought their captain, JJ Rothman, to the crease. The number five batsman stood strong, striking three fours and a six in his contribution of 39 runs from 38 balls.
Wilhelm Smet, who batted at four, partnered Rothman in a fourth wicket stand that produced 48 runs off 51 deliveries. He added four fours and 29 runs from 25 balls.
When Stellenberg lost their fifth wicket, leaving them on 87/5, Gerrard Kamalie made his way to the middle, where he delivered some late innings’ entertainment, lofting two sixes and hitting a four in an unbeaten 29 off 19 balls, which boosted the Jade Brigade to 133/8 after their 20 overs.
Abhay Kalan, as he often does, picked up multiple wickets for the hosts, capturing 3/14 in four overs. He impressed in the field, too, getting rid of Rothman by a run out.
Rob Anderson weighed in with 2/30, also from four overs.
In reply, openers Aqeel Waggie and Litha Kraai gave the Newlands’ school a solid start. Waggie blasted three fours and a six in his 22 off 16, while Kraai hammered two fours and a maximum, tallying a hasty 20 off 12.
The innings’ top score went to number six batsman, Benji Tilbury, who cracked two fours in his 26 off 29 balls.
Although SACS suffered no collapses, they were unable to build momentum, which left them having to bat aggressively late in their run chase, and that cost them vital wickets.
Gerrard Kamalie met the moment, knocking over 4/14 in his four overs to lead the Stellenberg attack. He was aided by a disciplined effort from his fellow bowlers, who conceded only two wides.
In the end, SACS came up well short, restricted to 114/7 from their 20 overs, which left Stellenberg with a 19-run victory.
Summarised Scorecard
Stellenberg High 133/8 (JJ Rothman 39, Gerrard Kamalie 29*, Wilhelm Smet 29; Abhay Kalan 3/14, Rob Anderson 2/30); SACS 114/7 (Benji Tilbury 26, Aqeel Waggie 22, Ulrich Roth 22, Litha Kraai 20; Gerrard Kamalie 4/14). Stellenberg won by 19 runs.
