A good start by the Ottoman Hub was cause for optimism in their rain Schools SA20 against Rondebosch Boys’ High on Friday, but the home side soon put a damper on those hopes.
The Hub’s openers impressed with a 52-run opening stand. Quinton Davids stroked two fours in his 21 before being bowled by Arin Spiller, while his fellow opener E. Mostert top-scored with 23 off 27, also hitting two fours.
Once the first wicket fell, however, matters went south, with the Hub quickly sliding from 52/1 to 79 all out.
Bosch all-rounder Eli Aufrichtig snared a stingy 4/8 from four overs to lead the collapse, while Matthew Brooks snapped up 2/4 in two.
In pursuit of a low total, Rondebosch opener Ethan de Heer Kloots decided that an all-out attack was the way to go. He clubbed four sixes in a rapid 35 off 22 balls, while Zion van Rensburg, batting at six, saw the home side over the line, slamming three sixes in an unbeaten 23 from only seven deliveries.
C. Opperman troubled the Bosch batsmen, snaffling 2/18 from two overs, but the hosts sealed victory after 11 overs when they reached 85/4.
In a Boland rain Schools SA20 clash, Boland Landbou hosted their fellow Paarl outfit, New Orleans Secondary, who were sent out to bat after losing the toss.
Opener S. Jacobs mustered 27 off 41, hitting two sixes, the only maximums in his team’s innings, while L. Jacobs chipped in with 16, and M. Joseph made 15 not out, but no other batsmen reached double figures as the visitors completed their 20 overs with 95/8.
Caleb Seroot led the Farmers‘ bowlers, knocking over 3/18 in four overs.
New Orleans’ modest total resulted in a tricky run chase for Boland Landbou, who lost a flurry of wickets just before victory was achieved, with M. Joseph capturing 2/11 and S. Faro 2/16.
Opening batsman, Gideon Kotze, stayed calm, played cautiously, and scored 33 off 51 balls, while Matthew Geldenhuys, batting at three, was more aggressive, hitting three fours in his 24 off 18. Together, they partnered for a 51-run second-wicket stand.
The home side’s Caleb Seroot steered them to victory in the 19th over, adding an unbeaten 16 as Boland Landbou reached 96/5 to record a five-wicket win.
Summarised Scorecards:
Ottoman Hub 79/10 (E. Mostert 23, Quinton Davids 21; Eli Aufrichtig 4/8, Matthew Brooks 2/4). Rondebosch Boys’ High 85/4 (Ethan de Heer Kloots 35, Zion van Rensburg 23*; C. Opperman 2/8). Rondebosch won by six wickets.
New Orleans Secondary 95/8 (S. Jacobs 27; Caleb Seroot 3/18). Boland Landbou 96/5 (Gideon Kotze 33, Matthew Geldenhuys 24; M. Joseph 2/11, S. Faro 2/16). Boland Landbou won by five wickets.
