Unbeaten Affies and Hans Moore set for Switch Schools SA20 showdown
Two unbeaten records will be put to the test on Saturday morning, the second day of the Northerns Region’s Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two playoffs.
Hoërskool Hans Moore will have the advantage of playing at home when they host Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies).
Relive all the Switch Schools SA20 action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)
The formidable Benoni boys and the Pretoria powerhouse, the reigning Titans’ champions, have emerged as the teams to beat after Friday’s opening day action.
Affies underlined their credentials with a crushing 139-run victory over Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in their second fixture of the day at Willowmoore Park‘s B Field.
Vihan Pretorius rediscovered his best form, blasting a breathtaking 108 from just 48 balls, the standout innings of the opening day. He dealt almost exclusively in boundaries, with 86 of his runs coming from nine sixes and eight fours as he dismantled the Alberton school’s bowling attack. Pretorius was well supported by Ethan Williams, who added an unbeaten 34 in a commanding 137-run partnership.
The Affies’ bowlers then completed the rout, with Zian Labuschagne and JP Botha delivering outstanding spells. Labuschagne’s penetrative left-arm pace, which brought him 4/4 from four overs, was too much for Marais Viljoen.
Botha’s off-spin was also devastating, yielding 4/11 from 3.3 overs to take his tally for the day to eight wickets. In reply to Affies’ healthy 198/4, Marais Viljoen was dismissed for a paltry 59.
The Ysbere of Hoërskool Garsfontein quickly put their morning defeat to Hans Moore behind them and surged to a 75-run victory over the Black Caps of Hoërskool Ben Vorster.
Garsfontein’s bowling unit did most of the damage, restricting the Tzaneen side to just 76 all out. Rowan Plaaitjies led the way, knocking over 3/19, with good support from Katlego Lebelo, who snapped up 2/7, and Ruan Coetzee, whose disciplined new ball spell earned him 2/18.
Garsies’ 20 overs, when batting first, ended with the Pretoria school on 151/6, with Wikus du Preez (29) and Richardt Joubert (26) anchoring their effort. Khaya Majola and Cubs Week fast bowler Rivoningo Chuake stood out for Ben Vorster, capturing 2/38.
After their team narrowly missed out on a bonus point in their morning victory over Garsfontein, the Hans Moore spin twins, Kearan Weyers and Kyle Wratten, ensured Moories claimed the extra point from their afternoon clash against Merensky Landbou Akademie.
Wratten was devastating, returning the astonishing figures of 4/2 from four overs, while Weyers completed the demolition with 2/10 as the Plasies were knocked over for only 35.
A rapid 21 from six balls by Xavier van Biljon then sealed the bonus-point win for Hans Moore, who head into their blockbuster encounter with Affies brimming with confidence.
Summarised scorecards
Affies 198/4 (Vihan Pretorius 108, Ethan Williams 42*, JP Botha 26; Marco Hoffman 2/26); Marais Viljoen 59/10 (Ziam Hashim 19; Zian Labuschagne 4/14, JP Botha 4/11). Affies won by 139 runs.
Garsfontein 151/6 (Wikus du Preez 29, Extras 28, Righardt Joubert 26; Rivoningo Chauke 2/38); Ben Vorster 76/10 (Khulani Mnisi 23; Rowan Plaatjies 3/19, Katlego Lebelo 2/7, Ruan Coetzee 2/18). Garsfontein won by 75 runs.
Merensky Landbou Akademie 35/10 (Extras 15, Willem Moster 9; Kyle Wratten 4/2, Kearan Weyers 2/10); Hans Moore 37/1 (Xavier van Biljon 21; Vir Patel 1/13). Hans Moore won by nine wickets.
