Time for the underdogs to shine in Fain Noordvaal semis?
Continuous rain in Pretoria and the surrounding areas has placed a question mark over the Fain Noordvaal semi-finals, which are set to be played on Saturday in the Jacaranda City and Meyerton.
The Ysbere, of Hoërskool Garsfontein, will host Potchefstroom Gimnasium after beating Hoërskool Waterkloof by four wickets in their quarterfinal clash last week.
Potch Gimnasium, meanwhile, put together an excellent performance against Hoërskool Middelburg to progress to the final four.
Hoërskool Kempton Park, a dark horse to go all the way, comfortably ended Hoërskool Monument‘s journey, and Hoërskool Dr Malan enjoyed the most comfortable victory of the round, knocking out Merensky Landbou Akademie by eight wickets in Meyerton.
Gimmies, Kempies, and Dokkies have both their 1st XIs and u15 sides in the penultimate round of the series.
If rain prevents play on Saturday, the teams will be required to complete their fixtures as soon as possible during the following week. The final is scheduled for Saturday, 8 November.
The Ysbere have been in outstanding form. Not only did they win the Wildeklawer Diamantveld Tournament, but they also knocked out the winner of the Wildeklawer T20, the Klofies, thanks to a massive contribution from Wikus du Preez with both bat and ball. His all-round performance – 4/26 and 58 – as well as Jared Carr‘s 3/36, showcased the depth and talent that coach Elmar Dorey has empowered over the past two seasons.
Garsies also have three centurions in their lineup, including run machine, Reuben van Zyl, which will make it a very tough ask for the Gimmies to beat the Ysbere, who will start as the favourite on their home turf.
Potch Gim, though, is talented and has a well-balanced unit. They showed just how good they could be in a one-sided victory over Grey College in September.
The all-round capabilities of Caiden Seleka and the hero of their quarterfinal win, Henré Cronjé, will join forces with opening batsman, Christivan Coetzer, and they’ll spearhead a formidable challenge from the visitors.
In Meyerton, Dr Malan will have their work cut out against Kempton Park. It’s no secret that the Kempies, also, feature a strong and well-balanced team. Sheldon Kruger and Shaun Nash are well-established performers with the willow, while, on the bowling front, Stian van Breda stole the spotlight with a match-winning 6/25 against Monument. His new ball partnership with Khaya Majola fast bowler, Kristian du Plessis, poses a significant threat to the Dokkies’ batting lineup.
The home side’s Dewald Erasmus has, however, shown that he’s an impressively aggressive opening batsman. His unbeaten 97 from just 68 deliveries against the Plasies sounded a loud warning about his ability to up the run scoring rate when it’s needed, and he is also a useful bowler.
His opening partner, Jacques Nel, if he delivers alongside Erasmus, will ensure that Kempies are stretched. Also, the fact that they’re playing at home – and they shone on their home pitch in the quarterfinals – makes them a redoubtable opponent.
FIXTURES
09:00 – Garsfontein vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium
09:00 – Hoërskool Kempton Park vs Dr Malan
