KNYSNA NEWS - In what can only be described as one of the biggest upsets of the season, Knysna Cavaliers (245/9) handed Pacaltsdorp United (112 all out) a resounding 133-run defeat over the weekend, claiming a crucial bonus point for the victory in the process.
The Cavaliers, visiting the defending champions' home ground, put on a clinical display with both bat and ball, leaving Pacaltsdorp with little chance of recovering.
The Cavaliers' batting was anchored by Maurice White, who remained unbeaten on 60*, and JP Ellis, who contributed a vital 59 runs to the team's total.
Hero of the day
Ellis' innings included four monster sixes coupled with six fours. White on the other hand clubbed no less than nine glorious boundaries.
Their partnership provided the backbone of a challenging target, and the Cavaliers' ability to accumulate runs in the middle overs set the stage for a commanding finish.
Maurice White smashed an unbeaten 60 runs which included 9 boundaries.
However, it was with the ball that the Cavaliers truly dominated.
Charl Francios Marais was the hero of the day, producing a match-winning performance with his remarkable figures of 6/29.
His superb bowling dismantled the Pacaltsdorp batting line-up, with only a few batsmen managing to get into double digits.
Strong statement
Marais' relentless pace and accuracy left the defending champions reeling, ultimately being bowled out for just 112 in 29.5 overs.
The victory is sure to reverberate throughout the competition, with the Cavaliers sending a strong statement to the other teams in the league.
Opening batsman JP Ellis scored 59 runs to put his team on the front foot early on.
In the only promotion league match of the weekend Pirates United (53/2) strengthened their position for a place in the semi-finals with an 8-wicket victory against Bongolethu (49 all out).
Ruwayne Brinkhuys (7/23 with the ball) was the man-of-the-match for Pirates.
Premier League
Pacaltsdorp United vs Knysna Cavaliers
Knysna Cavaliers 245/9 - 50 overs (Maurice White 60*, JP Ellis 59, Keelan Gossayn 37, Liyabona Malife 2/18, Grant Simpson 2/44, Ricardo Majolla 2/54)
Pacaltsdorp United 112 all out - 29.5 overs (Askin Louw 45, Warren Bell 35, Charl Francios Marais 6/29, Hayden Sweet 2/18)
Knysna Cavaliers won by 133 runs.
Harlequins Forces vs Plett Pioneers
Harlequins Forces 141 all out - 30.2 overs (Jermaine le Kay 69, Adriaan Booysen 22, Justin Meyer 6/21, Wayne Oraai 4/43)
Plett Pioneers 128 all out - 44.1 overs (Clayton Manewille 3/17, Matthew Jansen 3/30, Jacques Campher 2/9, Gavindino Petersen 2/25)
Harlequins Forces won by 13 runs.
Promotion League
Bongolethu vs Pirates United
Bongolethu 49 all out - 14 overs (Ruwayne Brinkhuys 7/23, Trevano Thorne 2/14)
Pirates United 53/2 - 14.4 overs (Tyler Bezuidenhout 20*)
Pirates United won by 8 wickets.
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