PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plett Pioneers cricket club pulled a rabbit out of the hat this past weekend in their quarterfinal Six Gun Grill SWD clash against Union Stars in Oudtshoorn, beating the home side at home for the first time in a T20 match.

Union Stars won the toss and chose to bat first, confident in their ability to set a solid total on their home turf at Bridgton Sports Grounds.

Pioneers' bowlers made a sensational start in the first powerplay, taking four wickets for just 20 runs.

Despite some middle-order resistance, Union Stars never fully recovered from the early damage and were bowled out for what seemed to be a sub-par total of 138 in 19.2 overs, due to good bowling from Darryl Damons, Elijh Thorne and Kyle Jacobs (SWD pro).

'Towering six'

In the Pioneer innings it was the batting of Garth Bock, who stabilised the Pioneers' middle order and went on to score 59, that stood out.

"But it was a towering six by Alistair Ludick from his first ball that clinched the historic two-wicket win for Pioneers," said Carlos "CK" Koeberg, Pioneers manager and former captain.

Pioneers now shift their focus to the upcoming semi-final, this weekend, against Mossel Bay, "yet another formidable opponent".

Although relegated last year from the Premier League, they have experience on their side as one of the oldest members of and cricket clubs in South Western Districts.

'Give them respect'

"We rate our chances very well, in that we aim to be confident in our own abilities. However, we do not get carried away and never underestimate any opponent, and this will be no different with Mossel Bay CC.

Tyrese Karelse."We will give them the respect that they deserve and have earned over many years," said Koeberg.

Standout batters for Pioneers in the quarterfinals: Garth Bock (59) and Tyrese Karelse (15); Standout bowlers: Kyle Jacobs 2/18, Darryl Damons 2/24, Eden Tarentaal 2/32.

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