All-rounder Leonaydio Mackenzie struck 74 runs off 87 balls for HTS Drostdy at Stellenberg High on Saturday, helping the visitors to a tight 21-run win in a hard-fought limited-overs match.
Stellies‘ decision to field first paid early dividends as they snatched two early wickets to leave the visitors on 11/2. That’s when Mackenzie stepped in.
Number three batsman Cameron George compiled a mature 23 runs off 62 deliveries to help rebuild the visitors’ innings with Mackenzie, whose match-winning knock included six fours and two sixes, and they added a vital 92 runs for the third wicket.
John Naudé opened the hosts’ bowling and returned a handy 3/15 from 10 overs. Riku Doubell fared even better, capturing a brilliant 5/30 in nine overs as the Worcester school was limited to 151 all out from 44 overs.
When they replied, Stellenberg struggled against HTS Drostdy opening bowler Jannes Krynauw, who forced the hosts onto the defensive, producing 49 dot balls in his 10 overs, and capturing 3/19. He was also involved in a run out.
Max Pelzer sent down 10 tidy overs, claiming 2/35, while Leonaydio Mackenzie followed up his outstanding batting performance by picking up 2/24 with the ball, and effecting a run out.
Captain Francois Hugo, batting at four, tallied Stellies’ best individual score, playing patiently for his 38 runs off 94 deliveries. He and Ruan Boshoff partnered for a 64-run fifth-wicket stand, with Boshoff contributing 21 runs.
Drostdy’s bowlers dictated matters, however, and Stellenberg’s run chase came up short when they were bowled out for 130 in the 48th over.
Summarised Scorecard:
HTS Drostdy 151/10 (Leonaydio Mackenzie 74, Cameron George 23, Extras 20; Riku Doubell 5/30, John Naudé 3/15). Stellenberg High 130/10 (Francois Hugo 38, Extras 23, Ruan Boshoff 21; Jannes Krynauw 3/19, Leonaydio Mackenzie 2/24, Max Pelzer 2/35). Drostdy won by 21 runs.
