Hosts Eastern Storm bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Border in the Veterans Cricket Association of SA (VCASA) Over-50s IPT, edging Boland by one wicket in a thrilling contest at Willowmoore Park C Field on May 12.

After restricting Boland to 144/9, Eastern Storm scraped home with 145/9 in a tense chase, with Willie Bernhardt holding his nerve to guide the hosts to their first win of the tournament.

Boland, batting first, leaned heavily on Paul Penzhorn, who struck a composed 64, while Wiaan Smit chipped in with 24. However, the Eastern Storm bowlers kept things tight throughout, with Mohammed Teladia (2/12) and Jan Grobbelaar (2/16) leading the charge as the visitors were limited to 144/9 in their 45 overs.

In reply, Boland came out firing with the ball, putting the Storm under early pressure. But Bernhardt stood firm, anchoring the innings with a gritty unbeaten 28 to steer his side over the line.

Johann Nel added a valuable 27, while Wajid Fazil contributed 19, as Eastern Storm clawed their way to a hard-fought one-wicket victory.

Also Read: Stephen and Price guide Border to victory against Eastern Storm in over-50s IPT opener

Elsewhere, the Dolphins maintained their unbeaten run with a commanding 75-run win over the Lions.

Half-centuries from Warren Gray (93) and Deepak Anand (51), who had earlier combined for 127 in their opening match against Western Province, alongside Gary Bishop’s 43, powered the Dolphins to 328/7. They then bowled the Lions out for 253, with Greg Williams returning 3/52.

Gavin Macaulay was the standout performer for the Lions, top-scoring with 91 off 92 balls.

Western Province also got their campaign up and running with a six-wicket win over Eastern Province.

Eastern Province posted 169/8 in their 45 overs, but Western Province chased the target comfortably, reaching 175/4 inside 36 overs. Nic Malan anchored the innings with a well-compiled 50.

Defending champions Border continued their strong start, securing a three-wicket victory over the Titans.

Titans were bowled out for 142, with Dan Taylor producing an outstanding spell of 4/14. Border then chased down the target inside 39 overs to register their second win of the tournament.

The tournament continues tomorrow at Willowmoore Park.

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