Threat of wounded Ysbere loom large for Parkies
In round two of the Titans Platinum League‘s “big-four” clashes, both the wounded Hoërskool Garsfontein and Die Hoërskool Menlopark are fizzing to return to winning ways.
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Facing off on Saturday at Hoërskool Menlopark certainly doesn’t make matters any easier for either of the two sides. It promises to be a perfectly balanced encounter.
Garsfontein suffered a meltdown in the batting department, hence their 199-run defeat at the hands of Hoërskool Waterkloof, although Rico van der Walt’s sublime innings also played a major role.
That said, the Ysbere remain a dangerous side, especially when they’re looking to bounce back after a disappointment. They still possess the prowess of the in-form Reuben van Zyl, who boasts two centuries during the earlier stages of the league, as well as the all-round capabilities of captain Xander Venter. They also suffered the recent loss after having won both their opening matches of the league.
The Parkies, however, need to up the ante to earn their standing alongside the other three. They’ve only been on the winning side once in three outings, placing themselves under certain pressure. The young star with the bat, Jan-Willem Pienaar, has been a shining light, stringing together some innings that suggest he might be due for a big contribution soon. Whether it is this weekend remains to be seen, and, if so, it could spell trouble for the Ysbere.
Another team that can be thrown into the mix, making it the “big five”, Pretoria Boys High School, faces Cornwall Hill College at Pretoria Boys High’s Hofmeyr Oval. Boys High enjoyed a wonderful outing against Menlopark, handing them one of their two defeats in the opening three encounters, as well as a thumping victory over Trinity Grammar School, by 182 runs. The latter, a T20 on 16 September, saw Timothy Gordon‘s return to form with a mammoth 159 from only 52 balls.
It certainly renders him, alongside Dylan Kruger, Boys High centurion in the match against the Parkies (123*), and Tinashe Mbingo, one of the prized wickets come Saturday. On the side of Cornwall, Oliver Richards and captain Ab Rasool will be the danger men.
Newcomers, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, kick off a tough seven days against Lesedi Mabena and a dangerous Prestige College. Mabena returned from the recent u17 Tap Camp hosted at Irene Country Club last weekend.
The Eldos play four matches within the seven days, from Saturday, to catch up on outstanding matches, including Boys High (Wednesday), Garsfontein (the following Saturday) and Menlopark in a Day/Night match on the Monday thereafter, leaving a string of possibilities for shifts on the log before the end of the 2025 league.
Matthew Sampson, the first player to accomplish a five-wicket haul for the Eldos in this year’s league, will again be a threat throughout the four matches.
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