PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett Pioneers cricket club made light work of their two Pool C matches in the Six Gun Grill SWD league competition on Saturday 5 October at New Horizons, winning both their fixtures against Blanco and Mayflower.
They now head to the quarterfinals of the competition which takes place this coming weekend. Pioneers will be travelling to Oudtshoorn on Saturday to face Union Stars 1 CC at the Bridgton Sports Grounds.
Union Stars are a highly respected team within the region, having won a number of leagues and competitions over many years.
Union Stars finished third last year in the Premier League 50-over competition.
Both teams will be strengthened with the availability of Garden Route Badgers professional players, which should make for a great contest.
Plett Pioneers will have Kyle Jacobs and Tyrese Karelse while Union Stars will have Thomas Kaber and Yaseen Valli.
Pioneers have shown that they are definitely punching above their weight after winning all three of their pool games.
'Excellent performance'
"This was indeed an excellent performance all round. Winning 3 from 3 in our pool. The hard work that the guys have put in during the off-season was rewarded on the field," said manager and former Pioneers captain Carlos "CK" Koeberg, who is also a board member of and vice-president of SWD.
"It is however important that the team stays grounded, and works hard this week during practice. In the quarterfinals we will be up against formidable opponents in Union Stars.
"As a small town, we are punching above our weight - but these small-town players have big hearts and will not stop working.
"Our families and community supporters are our rocks. They're the 12th man in our team!" said Koeberg.
Standout performers on Saturday were:
Elijh Thorne - Top run-scorer and wicket-taker;
Wayne Oraai - All-rounder who had a 5-wicket haul;
Lee-Mar Pedro and Eden Tarentaal - excellent opening partnerships in two matches;
Mbuyiseli Malanga - Most economical bowler.
Game 1: Plett Pioneers vs Blanco
Pioneers won the toss, elected to bowl first. Dismissed Blanco for 73. Pioneers 74/0. Pioneers won by 10 wickets.
Game 2: Mayflower vs Blanco
Mayflower won by 4 wickets.
Game 3: Plett Pioneers vs Mayflower
Plett Pioneers won the toss and elected to bat first. Pioneers posted 173 in 20 overs with standout batter Elijh Thorne scoring 52 not out.
Mayflower finished on 122 in 20 overs, meaning Pioneers won by 51 runs.
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