Cavas into SWD playoff

Update

KNYSNA CRICKET NEWS - This season was only Cavaliers' second back in the Premier League after the club took a one-year hiatus in 2016, then upon their return they won the SWD Promotional League in 2017/18, earning promotion back to the Premier League for the 2018/19 season.

Cavaliers endured a rollercoaster season last year, eventually narrowly missing out on a playoff spot by one point having fallen just behind NMU Madibaz George and Union Stars.

They were determined to have a reversal of their fortunes this season however, and after a good win last weekend, they have done just that.

Going into the weekend's game, Cavaliers only needed two points to ensure they were out of the reach of their opponents Harlequins Forces – who were also in the running for the second playoff spot. With the possibility of a home playoff on the line depending on the outcome of the Pioneers vs George match, Cavaliers refused to rest on their laurels. Captain JP Ellis won the toss and elected to bat first at Abbottsfield in Rheenendal, a formula which had worked out well for Cavaliers in the three games prior.

Ellis opened the batting with Thabo Dywili, but the opening stand didn't last long as both were dismissed early with the side on 25-2. A resilient 71-run third-wicket partnership between AB van der Walt and Todd Walker steered the home side to 96 before both fell in quick succession. Cavaliers eventually reached 124-6, bringing together two veterans at the crease – in-form Francois Bonthuys and Irvin Campher, who was hoping for a big innings. The pair put on 40 before Bonthuys fell, but Campher didn't stop and put on a 55-run partnership with Neville McLean to take the side to 219-8. With only a couple of overs remaining, Campher helped Cavaliers reach 224 all out, ending his innings on 70 not out off 78 balls, his best score of the season thus far.

The Harlequins run chase suffered an early blow, losing opener Lesley Maksella in the second over of the innings. They seemed to struggle to get going until their best partnership of the day – worth 31 runs – came between Mario Jansen and Jermaine le Kay. Jansen was dismissed with his side on 86-5, still needing 139 to win. Cavaliers' bowlers were too good with the ball as Harlequins were bowled out for 121, handing Cavaliers a 103-run win to earn their spot in the playoff. Campher rounded out a man-of-the-match performance with a good showing with ball in hand, taking three wickets for only 10 runs in 6.2 overs.

Cavaliers will now take on George Cricket Club this weekend in the playoff in George to determine who faces Union Stars in the final in Oudtshoorn next weekend.

Thabo Dywili plays a backfoot block. Photos: Blake Linder