Pinetown CC bowls over competition
The Pinetown Cricket Club took on the Umzinto team, clinching its sixth win.
THE Pinetown Cricket Club’s 1st XI overcame their South Coast hosts Umzinto on Sunday 17 November by 50 runs and stretched their unbeaten streak to six matches.
Having lost the toss and sent in to bat, Grant Romeril and Grant Olivier were cautious early on as they came to terms with the slow paced pitch and variable bounce.
Having done the hard work to adjust to the difficult circumstances, Olivier (18) was the first to go and was followed a little later by Scottish Under 19 Kyle Stirling (9).
Bruce Kruger (34*) joined Romeril (39) at the crease though and the pair accelerated the scoring rate and were ultimately responsible for the bulk of Pinetown’s final total of 128/6 in their allotted 30 overs.
Seeking a much needed bonus point victory to stay in the running with log leaders University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Pinetown’s bowlers looked to restrict the run Umzintoclaimed. Pinetown’s rival’s top order soon fell as Tyron Koen claimed two wickets.
With the hosts’ middle order exposed early on, Pinetown’s spinners queud to get their turn and wickets fell regularly.
An inspired spell from Pinetown’s Barry Dyer saw him rip the heart out of the Umzinto middle and lower order to record career best figures for PCC’s 1st XI of 5/18 in his six overs.
A further two wickets were taken by Nick Tatham which saw Umzinto all out for 78. Pinetown received a bonus point victory.
Pinetown’s 1st XI will be in action again on Sunday 24 November when they come up against Simplex Reservoir Hills at Lahee Park with play due to start at 09h00.
