Titans’ ‘Big Four’ set to face off for the first time
A massive weekend lies ahead as the four big shots of the Titans Platinum League face each other in a round that can already prove to be decisive in the outcome of the race for ultimate honours.
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In a clash that always offers a large dose of excitement and nail-biting drama, Hoërskool Waterkloof plays host to Hoërskool Garsfontein at the André van der Walt Oval on Saturday.
These two teams have met once before this year, in a T20 practice match, ultimately affected by the weather, as the Ysbere prepared for the SA20 playoffs hosted at the University of Pretoria, just two weeks later. Both have enjoyed immaculate starts to their campaigns.
The Klofies have already thumped Hoërskool Eldoraigne and Prestige College, while the Ysbere did the same against Prestige and beat Pretoria Boys High comfortably a week later. Having two balanced sides, with match-winners in the batting and bowling departments, always makes for a tight encounter.
Amongst the powerhouses on display are the two captains. Klofies’ Riley Miller has been his side’s best batsman so far this season, while Xander Venter of Garsfontein poses a double threat with both the new ball and at the top of his side’s batting order.
Rivan Booysen has been the find for the Klofies with the ball, seemingly always in the wickets column with at least three scalps more often than not. Saturday poses a tough challenge, however, squaring off against not only Venter but also the in-form Reuben van Zyl.
Die Hoërskool Menlopark travels just down Lynwood Road to face Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in their backyard. Similar to the Klofies-Garsies encounter, there has been a long-standing rivalry between the Parkies and Affies, which has produced some crackers over the years.
The return of the influential Ruben Groenewald, after a successful year on the rugby pitch, makes an already well-balanced side even more dangerous. Apart from Groenewald, the fact that JP Botha has found form at the top of the order is a significant boost for the Affies’ batting department.
The Parkies are licking wounds following a somewhat unexpected defeat at the hands of Pretoria Boys High School last weekend. This, however, is exactly what makes them dangerous: an unpredictable team with some serious young talent, good enough to topple any side on any given day.
Matt van der Westhuizen and his batting troups, including Jan-Willem Pienaar, will be relishing the opportunity to put the batting-friendly conditions of the Affies Oval to good use.
Pretoria Boys High will look to continue some strong momentum when they travel to Hammanskraal to face Prestige College at home. Here too, the battle of the batsman can play a decisive role in the outcome of the game.
Dylan Kruger‘s amazing 123 not out against the Parkies last weekend has shown exactly how capable he is, while 94 from the bat of Thabang Kutumela against the Klofies issued a similar statement.
Hoërskool Eldoraigne faces Cornwall Hill College at home. Still searching for their first victory as part of the Platinum League, Saturday might just be the day. However, the likes of Cornwall’s stalwart, Oliver Richard, will make life difficult for them, even though the Eldos are at home.
