CX sides make it to knockouts

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KNYSNA | PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay Pioneers will be joining Knysna Cavaliers in the final of the SWD Cricket Premier League after a strong win against George last weekend.

Pirates United and Kranshoek Dolphins, meanwhile, progressed to their respective semi-finals courtesy of some nervy wins.

Pioneers were playing in the qualifier of the Premier League, which determines which of the second- or third-placed teams will progress to the final to face the team that earned automatic progression at the top of the log. Pioneers had the task of facing George away at Rooirivierrif.

Pirates hosted Mayflower at Loerie Park to determine who finished top in Pool A of the SWD Promotion Division A, and who would earn a home semi-final. Dolphins faced St Georges at the Rosemoor Sport Ground in George to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the SWD Promotion Division B.

Pirates United A vs Mayflower A

The match was played on Saturday 26 February, and Pirates won the toss, choosing to bowl first. This paid off bountifully, as they bowled out Mayflower for only 49 runs. Riaan Prins was Mayflower's top-scorer with seven runs to his name. Elrico Wynand was the stand-out among Pirates' bowlers, taking four wickets for nine runs in six overs.

PHOTO GALLERY: SWD Cricket Premier League final

Pirates' run chase didn't go according to plan, but they ultimately crossed the line with four wickets in hand to secure the win, with Errol Martin top-scoring (14 runs). Roopesh Daveendran and Earl van Aswegen took two wickets each for Mayflower, but it was the former who was most economical, conceding 18 runs in 9,4 overs.

Pirates will now play New Dawn Park in the semi-final this weekend.

Pioneers A vs George A

The entire SWD Cricket fraternity's eyes were fixed on Rooirivierrif in George on Saturday.

Pioneers won the toss, opting to bat first, which worked in their favour. SWD captain Jean du Plessis top-scored for Pioneers with 60 runs as the men from Plett reached 183 all out.

Ayabonga Anthony was George's best bowler, taking three wickets for eight runs in 1,4 overs.

A great bowling performance would follow for Pioneers as they bowled out the defending champions of the Premier League for 80 runs, earning a 103-run victory. Jean Heunis top-scored with 34 for George while Keith Oraai was the pick of Pioneers' bowlers, taking four wickets for 16 runs in five overs.

Pioneers will now face Cavaliers in the final at the Recreational Ground in Oudtshoorn on 21 March.

Kranshoek Dolphins vs St Georges

In the only CX game played on Sunday, Dolphins needed a win to secure a spot in the semis. St Georges were determined not to make it easy, and bowling first, they restricted Dolphins to 122 all out.

Wayne Oraai top-scored with 31 runs for Dolphins while Jean-Jacques van Rooyen was St Georges' best bowler, claiming four wickets for 35 runs in 8,3 overs.

But, as determined as St Georges were, Dolphins had their eyes on the prize. The home side was bowled out for 110, handing Dolphins the 12-run win they needed. Elgirvin Esterhuizen was the best St Georges batsman (41 runs), and Shanwell Martins was the pick of the Dolphins' bowlers with four wickets for 16 runs in 6,2 overs.

Dolphins don't know yet who their semi-final opponents will be, but will likely face off next weekend.

This weekend, Pirates will play their semi-final against New Dawn Park. Knysna Cavaliers B will also play this weekend, facing Harlequins Forces C in their SWD Reserve League semi-final.

Jowin Jacobs gets an edge off the bat onto the offside.