Cavaliers concede to Harlequins

KNYSNA NEWS - For the first time this season, the Knysna Cavaliers' first team were defeated last weekend, losing to Harlequins Forces at the Military Sports Grounds in Oudtshoorn.

Their second team meanwhile had a highly successful outing against Plett Pioneers' C team.

These two were the only matches played by Knysna/Plettenberg Bay teams after a host of cancellations and postponements of games that were scheduled for 26 and 27 November.

Cavaliers A had to travel to Oudtshoorn for their clash with Harlequins on Saturday 26 November, which marked the third time the two sides have locked horns so far this season.

In Knysna, the Cavaliers B side faced Pioneers C on Sunday 27 November at Loerie Park - it was the first time they've faced off this season.

A lot was on the line for both Cavaliers teams. The firsts needed to win to stay top of the Premier League, while the seconds needed to win to stay within sight of their third team that tops Pool A of the Reserve League.

Cavaliers A vs Harlequins A

The toss was an important one to win, as the Military Sports Grounds pitch is notoriously difficult to bat second on. Harlequins won the toss, choosing to bat first.

Conditions weren't great from the start and Harlequins really battled their way through the innings, but Lleyton Avontuur's 38 runs helped the side reach 107 all out. Cavaliers skipper JP Ellis was in fine form with the ball, taking four wickets for 32 runs in nine overs.

As anticipated, Cavaliers had a real battle chasing the target. Francois Bonthuys top-scored with 27, but it wasn't enough to steer his side home as they were bowled out for 85 to give Harlequins a 22-run victory.

Rhupino Plaatjies was the home side's bowler of the day, taking five wickets for only 16 runs in 5,1 overs. Cavaliers' defeat sees Pacaltsdorp United go top of the Premier League log.

Cavaliers B vs Pioneers C

Another key toss to win, the winning captain would most likely elect to bat first. That is exactly what Cavaliers B captain Jannie Cremer did, and the decision worked in his side's favour in every way.

Opening batsmen Dean Dollie and Mark McCabe were brilliant with bat in hand, both scoring centuries as they put on a 200+ run partnership up front. Dollie scored 110 and McCabe 109 before Cavaliers reached 267-3 in 40 overs.

Jean Deysel was Pioneers' best bowler, taking two wickets for 52 runs in eight overs.

Pioneers' batsmen couldn't emulate Cavaliers' success though. Arnold Ockhuis top-scored for Pioneers with nine runs, as the team was bowled out for 44 runs. Byron Jantjies was Cavaliers' best bowler, taking five wickets for 17 runs in five overs.

The win means Cavaliers stay second in the group, nine points behind group leaders Cavaliers C.

Dean Dollie in action for Knysna Cavaliers.