SOUTHERN CAPE CRICKET NEWS - The South Western Districts cricket team concluded their campaign in the Cricket South Africa Three-Day competition with a draw against Eastern Province on Saturday, 2 March.

It was again Obus Pienaar who stepped up to the plate to rescue the home team from certain defeat.

In a high scoring match, the visitors from Port Elizabeth, who won the toss, amassed 454/3 (declared) in their first innings, with a century by Josh van Heerden (163) the highlight.

SWD responded with 328, thanks to half-centuries by Brendon Louw (87), Lothli Sesele (83) and Kerwin Christoffels (54).

Thomas Kaber (5/72) and Luvyo Adam (5/89) both bagged five wickets to ensure a lead of 125 for Eastern Province.

In their second innings Eastern Province - who batted at six runs per over - declared their first innings at 186/2 (after 31 overs), setting SWD a stiff target of 312.

SWD had their back against the wall on 93/6, when Obus Pienaar struck an unbeaten century (102 not out - 189 balls, 2x6, 18x4) and together with Neil Hornbuckle (44) added a partnership of 115 runs in 39 overs to secure a draw.

SWD ended on 227 (74 overs).

SWD ended the season at 124.04 bonus points and are currently in the second position in Pool B but could be surpassed by a team who have matches in hand. In the previous season (2017/28) SWD ended on 117 bonus points, but two matches were rained out this season which hampered bonus point opportunities.

Both Obus Pienaar (957 runs at an average of 79.75 - four centuries and five half-centuries) and Marcello

Piedt (35 wickets at an average of 18.57 and three five-wicket hauls) are currently the leading run scorer and wicket taker respectively in the competition.

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