Mixed results for Knysna clubs

KNYSNA NEWS – It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Knysna Cavaliers and Pirates United as both clubs' first teams suffered defeats, while Cavaliers' second team earned a win over Plett Pioneers' third team.

Knysna Cavaliers' first team match was against Pacaltsdorp United on Saturday 3 December, and was a big game in the context of the Premier League title race.

The previous weekend, Pacaltsdorp had gone top of the league following Cavaliers' loss against Harlequins, and the encounter at Loerie Park was Cavaliers' chance to go level with Pacaltsdorp on points.

Meanwhile Pirates' fixture on Saturday against bottom-of-the-pool New Dawn Park in Promotion League A gave Pirates the chance to go top of the group. For Cavaliers seconds, it was their chance to narrow the gap between them and first place in their Reserve League pool with the game against Pioneers thirds on Sunday 4 December.

Cavaliers A vs Pacaltsdorp United A

Having won the toss, Cavaliers chose to bat first. A steady innings followed for the batting line-up, as Johan Smal top-scored with 49 followed by a contribution of 45 from Dean Dollie before they were bowled out for a total of 166. Francois Swart was Pacaltsdorp's best bowler, taking four wickets for 14 runs in 3,4 overs.

Pacaltsdorp's batters took their time with the run chase, and were bolstered by a score of 76 from Randy Wesso at the top of the order and a handy 38 from Bradley Carolus to reach the target in time to secure a four-wicket win.

AB van der Walt was Cavaliers' best bowler as he took three wickets for 29 runs in seven overs.

Pirates A vs New Dawn Park A

In Hornlee, New Dawn Park won the toss and bowled first. The decision paid off, with only Tyler Bezuidenhout (27) and Renaldo van Rooyen (20) able to get innings going before Pirates were bowled out for 111. Melvin Baadtjies and Danvor Muller were vital to the visitors' cause, taking three wickets each.

Muller also starred with bat in hand, scoring an unbeaten 42 to help steer his side to a four-wicket victory and earning much-needed points in the process. Darryl Sigula was Pirates' bowler of the day, taking three wickets for 29 runs in 9,3 overs.

Cavaliers B vs Pioneers C

Plett Pioneers' thirds were the only Plett team in action last weekend, and were asked to bowl first when Cavaliers won the toss. Cavaliers' innings got off to a slightly rocky start before Divan Luiters top-scored with 44 to help them reach 165-9 in their 40 overs.

Arnold Ockhuis, Kelvin Davids and Graeme Jasson took two wickets each for Pioneers.

Pioneers' top order started off better than their counterparts, with Davids and Gwyn Lewis scoring 21 each before Jasson contributed with 25 in the middle order.

But they were bowled out for 124, handing Cavaliers a 41-run win. Werner Mels starred with the ball for the home side, taking five wickets for 15 runs in eight overs.

Werner Mels claimed a five-wicket haul on Sunday for Cavaliers B.