Two from two for Cavaliers

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KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Cavaliers have got their 2023/24 SWD Reserve League 2 season off to the best possible start, with both their second and third teams winning their respective matches on Sunday 29 October.

The two Cavaliers matches came a day after Kranshoek Cobras kicked off their SWD Reserve League 1 season against Pacaltsdorp United B. Sadly, things didn't quite go their way and after Pacaltsdorp United B scored 187, Cobras were bowled out for 98 to hand the men from George an 89-run victory.

The Cobras' 2nd team was in action the next day against Cavaliers C, while Cavaliers B took on Pirates United B in a tightly contested clash to kick off the season.

Cavaliers C and Cobras B played their match on the Knysna High School field and Cavaliers won the toss, choosing to bowl and send Cobras in to bat. A solid performance from Cobras' middle order ensured they made their way to 117 all-out.

Wanga McLean was Cobras' top-scorer with 32 runs, while Johan Darou scored 18 and Lorenzo Preissex chipped in with 12 runs. Waqar Younas and Ruaan Stander claimed three wickets each for Cavaliers, Carel Bruwer took two, and Wessel Croukamp and Hasnain Malik took one wicket each.

PHOTO GALLERY: Knysna Cavaliers play in SWD Reserve League matches

Croukamp (22) and top-scorer Rickus Rosslee (23) got Cavaliers off to a great start, but a series of wickets followed. Cavaliers' lower order stood firm though, and courtesy of cameos from Malik (14), Sam Christian (13*) and Donavan van Eyssen (11*) they were able to chase down the total with three wickets to spare for a hard-fought victory.

McLean took three wickets for 20 runs in his nine overs, while Preissex took two of his own, and Cheslin and Brenlie Martins took one wicket apiece.

Tyler Bezuidenhout

Cavaliers B vs Pirates B

With the match reduced to 33 overs after a delayed start due to a wet pitch, Cavaliers B captain Dean Dollie won the toss and also elected to bowl first. The decision paid dividends, with Pirates losing two wickets in the second over, leaving them 3-2.

Opening batsman and captain Tyler Bezuidenhout led his side's fight-back, top-scoring with a brilliant captain's knock of 62 not-out as he batted the entire innings.

With help from Justin Meyer (30) and Roneldo van Rooyen (22), Pirates reached 153-7 in their 33 overs. Cavaliers' top bowlers were Divan Luiters with two wickets for four runs in three overs, while Byron Jantjies, Kyle Groome, Elro Spies, Gert Swart and Bradley Booysen all took one wicket each.

Cavaliers' run chase got off to a sharp start with Elro Spies (23) firing early on. But, a consistent loss of wickets coupled with no batter other than captain Dollie passing 20 runs meant the Cavaliers' chances of reaching the target were always compromised.

Dollie, who played a great captain's innings and top-scored with 39 not-out, steered the ship home in the final over though. Needing five to win in the last over, Cavaliers reached their target with two balls to spare to win by one wicket.

Meyer was brilliant with the ball for Pirates, taking four wickets for 36 runs in 7,4 overs. Lucien Grootboom claimed three wickets of his own while Van Rooyen and Jaun Jantjies took one each.

Dean Dollie. Photos: Blake Linder