29 September – 3 October 23: Wynberg Cricket’s first teams headed on tours at the start of the short school holiday.
U14A Hilton College Festival
Having experienced a tough introduction to high school cricket in Term 1, our U14A set off to restore their confidence during the annual Hilton College Cricket Festival. The boys started with a solid batting performance on day 1 only to fall short by 7 wickets against Michaelhouse who batted really well.
Day 2 and 3 delivered more positive moments with the Wynberg boys putting up a really spirited performance on both days, which would eventually earn them a well-deserved 1-wicket victory against the hosts Hilton College.
Day 4 saw our boys fight to the last over, with loads of confidence off the back of their victory, however, they didn’t get enough runs to beat a powerful Maritzburg College side. Team captains Jordan Berry and Harbin Smith stood out as the most consistent performers with the bat and ball.
We look forward to more special efforts from our U14A boys during this cricket season.
U15A Grey High School Festival
The U15A squad travelled to Grey High in a confident mood having worked hard in preparation for the festival. We started with a time cricket match against Jeppe High School for Boys. After winning the toss and deciding to bowl in overcast conditions we dismissed Jeppe for 74, with the ever-consistent Damien Harris taking 4/18. In reply we managed 35/0 before the heavens opened, with Mo-Ameen Schroeder 19*, forcing the match to be abandoned.
The second fixture vs Selborne College was another time game. We were sent in to bat by Selborne and managed to score 296/9 with a hugely impressive innings of 156 (159) from Michail Tarentaal. The boys then clinically dismissed Selborne for 22, skipper Achmat Behardien being particularly destructive with figures of 4/2 in 6 overs.
Selborne was then 39/3 in their follow-on, with the match being won by Wynberg on our first innings by 235 runs.
In a 50 over match vs Woodridge High, we batted first and amassed 398/9 in 50 overs. There were half-centuries for Riley Kleyn 67, Umr Botha 66, Michail Tarentaal 56, and Achmat Behardien 50*. Woodridge was then bowled out for 49. Michail Tarentaal 4/10 & Riley Kleyn 3/21. Wynberg won by 349 runs.
The final game was a much closer one vs hosts Grey High. Grey batted first and scored 221, with Michail Tarentall 4/34. In a tense chase, we managed to get over the line at 223/8. Michail 62* sharing in a fantastic 77-run partnership with Chad Campbell 30* to secure a 2-wicket win for Wynberg.
All in all a massively positive tour and another learning and enjoyable experience for this dedicated group of players. We look forward to the term ahead with optimism and hunger.
1st XI Cape Schools Week
Wynberg 1st XI was scheduled to play 4 home matches during Cape Schools Week, from 30 September – 3 October. Unfortunately, the first match vs Dale College had to be cancelled due to a wet outfield. The second match, declaration, against Grey High School saw Wynberg win by 9 runs after posting a total of 297 for 7. Beni Hansen top scored with an innings of 120 not out. He was well supported by Divan Linde and Paul James who scored 67 and 40 respectively. Grey got off to a good start, but their efforts were halted by Wynberg’s spinners, with Divan leading the attack by taking 4 for 54.
Wynberg was up against Outeniqua High School in a limited-overs match on the third day. Outeniqua was dismissed for 87 with Paul James taking 3 for 7 in 5 overs. Paul also led with the bat and scored 46 not out, ably supported by Storme van Rooyen with 29 not out. These two led Wynberg to an 8-wicket victory before lunch, and the two teams decided to get some more cricket in on a beautiful day and played a T20 match. Wynberg batted first and posted a mammoth 200 for 7. Beni scored 30, Shadley Allie scored 29, Divan scored 55, and Paul scored an unbeaten 54. Outeniqua came out hitting the ball to all parts of the ground. Divan returned the best figure, taking 2 for 20 in his 4 overs, dismissing both openers. Wynberg ended up winning the match by 35 runs.
Wynberg was up against Pearson High School on the last day in a limited-overs match. Pearson set a total of 256 for 8. Naas Beets was the best bowler on the day with figures of 2 for 29 in his 10 overs. He was well supported by Yaaseen Moos with figures of 2 for 34 in 8 overs. Wynberg didn’t get off to the best start, and while Paul James put up a valiant effort with a score of 66, unfortunately, Wynberg fell 70 runs short on the day.
The matches were a welcome opportunity for our players to get in some match practice after the recent heavy rains, and a chance to get their eye in ahead of the North South T20 Tournament in Pretoria from 12 – 15 October.
View photos of Cape Schools Week matches: 1st XI vs Grey High || 1st XI vs Outeniqua || 1st XI vs Pearson 1 || 1st XI vs Pearson 2
Combined report with thanks to Messrs Esmund van Wyk, Marcus Oliphant, and Pietie Loubser.
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