Club cricket in full swing for 2022

Gallery

KNYSNA | BITOU NEWS – Club cricket got back under way in the SWD Cricket structures after a four-week break over the festive season, with the clubs in Knysna and Plett starting their year on the right foot.

Only three of the four CX clubs were in action last weekend, with the Kranshoek Dolphins sitting out as they had a bye.

The Plettenberg Bay Pioneers did however feature and enjoyed a very successful weekend with all three of their men's teams emerging victorious. Knysna Cavaliers' first team claimed a win against George, while the third team lost out to Pioneers. Pirates United's first team enjoyed success against Heidelberg United, with the second team losing against Pioneers.

Pirates United A vs Heidelberg United A

The two sides faced off at Loerie Park on Saturday 8 January, and it was the home side (Pirates) who batted first. Marshall Philander top-scored for his side with 25 runs as they managed to score 144 before being bowled out. Berthal September was Heidelberg's top bowler claiming three wickets for 24 runs in 10 overs.

The away team's chase struggled to gain momentum and September shone for Heidelberg again as he top-scored with 19 before the team was bowled out for 79. This handed Pirates a 65-run win. Tyler Bezuidenhout was Pirates' best bowler claiming four wickets for 26 runs in eight overs.

Photo gallery: Club cricket back in swing

Plett Pioneers A vs Sussex A

Played in New Horizons on Saturday, Sussex won the toss and chose to bat first.

Both Matthew Balindlela and Geronovan Erasmus top-scored with 12 as the team from Mossel Bay was bowled out for 86.

Marcello Piedt was the pick of Pioneers' bowlers with five wickets for 38 runs in 10 overs.

Pioneers' chase struggled for much momentum but with Mark Vermeulen top-scoring with 33 runs, they managed to eventually reach the target and claim a two-wicket victory. Wayne Gelant was Sussex's bowler of the day taking four wickets for 18 runs in 9,4 overs.

Knysna Cavaliers A vs George A

Cavaliers made the trip to George on Saturday where they won the toss and batted first. Keenan Vieira was the standout for his side managing to top score with 92 runs as Cavaliers made 248-8 in their 50 overs. Joshua Kleu and Hanno Kotze shared the spoils for George with three wickets apiece.

While at times looking strong to kick on, George struggled to get going during the chase. Mark Andrianatos top-scored with 62 runs however as the home side was bowled out for 184, giving Cavaliers a 64-run win. Francois Bonthuys was Cavaliers' best bowler with five wickets for 35 runs in 10 overs.

Pirates United B vs Plett Pioneers B

Pirates won the toss in Hornlee on Sunday 9 January and batted first. Their batsmen struggled to score with Justino Koopman the top-scorer (15 runs) as the side was bowled out for 91. De Wet Goedhals was Pioneers' best bowler claiming four wickets for 12 runs in nine overs.

Jacques Ahrense shone for Pioneers top-scoring with 48 runs as the men from Plett earned a six-wicket victory. Jehustian Prinsloo was Pirates' top bowler taking two wickets for 10 runs in 7,3 overs.

Knysna Cavaliers C vs Plett Pioneers C

The battle of the C teams saw Pioneers win the toss on Sunday and batting first.

Captain Romano Visagie led from the front and top-scored with 23 for Pioneers as they were bowled out for 132. Kyle Stuart, Chad Walker, and Hennie Jonk all claimed three wickets for Cavaliers.

Despite promising partnerships and a top score of 52 for Ryan Shearer, Cavaliers were unable to cross the finish line and were all out for 108. This gave Pioneers a 24-run win.

Garth Bock shone with the ball for Pioneers, scooping up eight wickets for 33 runs in nine overs for his side.

Romano Visagie plays a shot into the covers off his backfoot for Cavaliers C.
Photos: Blake Linder