Good win for Quins
Quins were awarded four match points plus a bonus point and were elevated to the upper middle sector of the KZNCU stream one Challenge League log.
UMBILO Harlequins' first team played its sixth 50 over stream one Challenge League match and final game of the current year against a Southern Natal at Creston College on Sunday 13 December.
Quins lost the toss and was instructed to field first. Opening bowler Kevin Kettle captured two wickets for 39 runs in 10 overs. Pace bowler Devyn Scott also bowled in two spells and was Quins' most successful bowler capturing four wickets for 24 runs in 10 overs. Quins' third seamer Adam Mather, after bowling just three overs dislocated his shoulder joint during a brilliant diving catch in the outfield and was unable to continue. Slow bowler Dieter Liebenberg claimed two wickets for 23 runs in nine overs.
Southern Natal had lost six wickets for 76 runs, however their innings was resurrected through the efforts of a tail-ender batsman who top scored for Southern Natal with 31 runs, taking their eventual total to 154, a defendable tally despite the relatively small outfield.
Opener Huey Naicker was again brilliant in scoring 36 runs, along with other opener Josh Henry who scored 16 runs in a fine opening partnership comprising 43 runs. Sean Edward struck the ball powerfully to the on-side making three fours and a six during a brief innings of 20 runs. Kevin Kettle who struck three fours and three sixes, was undefeated on 41 along with Dieter Liebenberg who was undefeated with 15 runs when Quins surpassed Southern Natal’s total in the 34th over.
Quins will be accredited with four match points plus a bonus point for securing a victory prior to the completion of the 38th over and are elevated to the upper middle sector of the KZNCU stream one Challenge League log.
There will be a one month’s interlude until the next round of cricket matches next year, when the fifth team take on Verulam 3 in Fynnland on Saturday 9 January. The 2nd and 3rd sides have away matches on Sunday 10 January. The rest of Quins' teams will resume their league campaigns on Sunday 17 January, including the U11 and U15 teams.
Contact Ernest on 031 467 3270 for further club information.
