View the Flickr photos of WBHS 1st XI vs Grey High School, 1 October 23
Monday 9 October 23: The report on WBHS 1st XI vs Grey High School, as published in the Cape Argus – re-published, with permission of and credit to, Mogamat Goosain Abrahams.
The Cape Schools Week witnessed the Southern Suburbs teams asserting their dominance over their counterparts from the Eastern Cape, culminating in a highly anticipated clash between traditional rivals Wynberg and Grey High.
In the pivotal encounter, Wynberg won the toss and chose to bat on a favorable batting wicket. However, their innings got off to a rocky start, losing both openers Shadley Allie and Kyle Williams with only 7 runs on the scoreboard.
Number three batsman Divan Linde (67) adopted a cautious approach, meticulously evaluating the wicket. Alongside Paul James, who contributed a swift 40 off 37 balls including (5×4, 2×6) they resurrected the innings by adding 61 runs for the third wicket.
James’ dismissal signalled the arrival of South Africa Emerging XI player Beni Hansen who injected impetus into Wynberg’s innings. Linde started to play with freedom clearing the boundary on three occasions during a partnership of 96 with Hansen for the 4th wicket before his dismissal.
Hansen played to his full potential, exhibiting total confidence as he unveiled an array of strokes, including impressive drives on both sides of the wicket. His century, achieved in just 98 balls, put Grey High’s bowling attack under pressure. Wynberg declared at 297/7, with Hansen remaining unbeaten on a stellar 120. Best of the Grey attack was Michael Molenaar (2/25) and Xander Elkington (2/56)
Facing a challenging target, Grey High made a solid start thanks to Corby van Heerden’s brisk half-century (50, 4×4, 3×6, 53b) and solid contributions from Jean Upton (44). Together they took the score to 98/1 before van Heerden was run out. However, a flurry of wickets, including two in two balls by Yaseen Moos, saw Grey slip to 115/5.
Undeterred, Grey’s lower-order batsmen, led by Dylan Garrod’s explosive 73 off 37 balls (7×4, 5×6) mounted a spirited counter-attack that brought them tantalizingly close to victory. Ben Ristow (34*) and De Wet Goedhals (29) provided crucial support as Grey inched towards their target.
In the end, it was Divan Linde’s leg-spin prowess that sealed Wynberg’s victory, with his figures of 3/55 assisted by the left-arm spin of Naas Beets (3/68) saw them dismiss Grey for 288, falling just ten runs short of their target.
Wynberg emerged victorious in this contest, but while Garrod was at the wicket Grey must have fancied their chances.
Wynberg vs Grey High
Wynberg 297/7 (Beni Hansen 120* , Divan Linde 67; Michael Molenaar 2/25, Xander Elkington 2/5 )
Grey High 288 (Dylan Garrod 73, Corby van Heerden 50, Jean Upton 44, Ben Ristow 34*; Divan Linde 3/53, Naas Beets 3/68)
Wynberg won by 9 runs
