Van der Walt’s love affair with Eldoraigne Oval continues

A batting masterclass from wicketkeeper-batsman Rico van der Walt ensured that the Finsbury League‘s defending A Section champions, Hoërskool Waterkloof, made a rousing start to their campaign on Wednesday afternoon.

The Klofies faced the 2025 runners-up, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, on the Eldos‘ home field in Centurion under lights, a rarity in schools’ cricket, in conditions that suited the stroke-makers.

Van der Walt spearheaded an aggressive run chase of 197 for victory after a disciplined and collective bowling effort from Waterkloof.

As is often the case with Klofies, no single performance dominated their efforts, although Vorster de Villiers led the way with the best figures, claiming 3/50 from his nine overs.

The rest of the attack supported him well. Rian Klopper (2/13) and Christiaan Smit (2/32) made early inroads, sharing four wickets, to leave Eldoraigne reeling at 57/4 inside the first 10 overs. Left-arm off-spinner Rivan Booysen played his part, returning 2/22, as pressure was relentlessly applied.

For the hosts, Jean du Randt stood firm in the face of a sustained assault. He compiled a composed half-century, scoring a patient 57 from 82 balls as wickets fell around him. His only meaningful support came from Logan Early (24), who also had to graft hard for his runs.

Klofies didn’t enjoy the smoothest of starts in reply, losing three early wickets, but the in-form Wian du Plessis provided stability with a well-crafted 53 from 60 balls. At the other end, Van der Walt struck an unbeaten 81 from just 59 deliveries, lashing six sixes and five fours to unleash devastation on the home team’s bowlers.

It was a fitting performance on the same ground where he scored a magnificent 125 in last season’s Finsbury League final, and one that gave the champions a winning start to their defence of the title.

Summarised scorecard

Eldoraigne 196 (Jean du Randt 57, Extras 32, Logan Early 24; Vorster de Villiers 3/50, Rian Klopper 2/13, Rivan Booysen 2/22, Christiaan Smit 2/32); Waterkloof 197/5 (Rico van der Walt 81*, Wian du Plessis 53; Angus Myers 2/39). Waterkloof won by five wickets. 

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Franco Oberholzer

Franco is a sports fanatic from Tzaneen, a small town in Limpopo. Obsessed with both cricket and rugby, he still does the sport at club level when given the chance. Combining the rush of sports with his other passion, writing, gives him the fix any sport-crazy fan needs. In his spare time, he spends quality time with family and friends, preferably around a braaivleis fire.

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