Michaelhouse claimed the bragging rights in their long-standing rivalry with Hilton College when they met at the Beaumont Eston Farmers Club on Thursday evening in a One Insurance Eston T20 Night League clash.
A strong batting performance, headlined by Ben Heuer and Victor North, set House on course for a 59-run victory.
Their decision to bat first paid dividends, although the man who decided on that course of action, captain Graydon Leslie, was out in the third over for only seven. However, his opening partner, Victor North, was already feasting on the Hilton bowling.
Following Leslie’s exit, he was joined by Ben Heuer, and the pair set about the Hilton bowlers, adding a decisive 94 off only 58 balls for the second wicket.
Sean Burman ended their partnership in the 12th over when North was caught by Ben Wilson for 58. His 37-ball stay featured seven fours and a six.
Hilton picked up a couple more wickets cheaply, but not Heuer’s. He continued until the last over before Sanqe Qangule bowled the all-rounder for an outstanding 72 from only 49 deliveries, which included four fours and three sixes.
Riley Muir weighed in with a quickfire 20 not out off just 11 balls, and added 45 off only 26 deliveries for the fifth wicket with Heuer as Michaelhouse sprinted to a robust 193/5.
Hilton’s bowlers came in for stick. Usually, they’re tough up front, but both Obakeng Motsepa and Sange Qangule were treated harshly. Motsepa picked up 1/22 in three overs, while Qangule finished with 1/49 in four.
Cameron Hargroves, with 2/25 in three overs, was the pick of the Hilton bowlers.
Their batting reply never truly challenged Michaelhouse’s strong total. Ben Wilson stood firm, making 52 not out off 44 balls, with four fours, but only three other batsmen made it into the teens.
Heuer, again, made a telling contribution. He captured 2/17 in three overs, with his two wickets coming late in Hilton’s innings to prevent them from accelerating.
Nishay Sedhoowa, meanwhile, accounted for both opening batsmen, Robert Burman and Cameron Hargroves, for 16 runs each. He claimed 2/26 in four overs.
In the end, Hilton finished on 134/6.
Summarised Scorecard:
Michaelhouse 193/5 (Ben Heuer 72, Victor North 58, Riley Muir 20*; Cameron Hargroves 2/25); Hilton College 134/6 (Ben Wilson 52*; Ben Heuer 2/17, Nishay Sedhoowa 2/26). Michaelhouse won by 59 runs.
