Quins lose first pre-season match
Newlands East/Kensea proved too strong for the Harlequins Cricket Club team in a clash at the weekend.
UMBILO Harlequins Cricket Club pre-season fixtures started on Sunday 7 September, with a composite team comprising first fourth and fifth team players against opposition which was essentially Newlands East Kensea’s second side.
Newlands East/Kensea elected to bat first. Newly acquisitioned medium paced bowler Abdur Razzak captured two wickets with his accurately directed deliveries, holding out behind by keeper Ryan Baronet. Ryan also executed a good off side stumping, having had a good performance of the day.
Ernest Kettle captured the prized wicket of top scorer Waqar Ali (67) taking three wickets for five runs in two overs. Captain Zahid Akthar scored 30 runs and Wasim Kala secured 32 runs. Newlands East Kensea was dismissed in 33 overs for a competitive tally of 177 runs.
Mention must be made of the two exquisite outfield catches taken by Dylan Labuschagne. One straight drive was well struck by an opposition batsman with a low trajectory, Dylan made the positive decision to dive forward in a potential teeth fracturing situation to secure a sensational catch at deep long on.
Quins' long-time stalwart, Jaques Strydom, opened the innings of response with an innings of 13 runs including two well struck lofted straight drives for boundaries. Number three batsman Ernest Kettle top scored with an innings of 32 runs, with three boundaries.
Quins however were eventually dismissed for 88 runs in 30 overs, well short of the target.
There are a number of upcoming pre-season matches scheduled for the next three weeks. The club's first match will be a challenge league encounter against Hillary Malvern on 28 September on the lightning fast Peace Park wicket in Malvern. It is likely all other leagues will commence in October.
The club has entered six senior teams, one under eleven side and an under thirteen team into the league structures of the respective controlling unions.
There will be junior coaching session at Harlequins on Sunday 14 September from 9 am to 11 am.
Contact Ernest on 031 467 3270 for further club information.
