TZANEEN – Hoërskool Ben Vorster cricket team has been crowned the Limpopo T20 Phase 1 champions after securing a 7-wicket victory over Merensky Agricultural Academy in the final hosted at Stanford Lake College on November 15.

Before reaching the final, the Vossies faced a strong challenge from Mohodi Hub from Bochum, but fought back to claim a 4-wicket win.

In the derby final, Ben Vorster’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance throughout the day, with Sontaganda Ramatsoma taking three crucial wickets.

Batsman Dirk Nortman anchored the innings with an impressive 38 not out, while SD Viljoen pulled off two spectacular high catches to dismiss Merensky’s top-order batsmen.

The victory means that both Ben Vorster and Merensky will represent Limpopo in the Switch Schools SA20 tournament.

From January 24-27, they will compete against top school teams from Gauteng, including Hans Moore, Marais Viljoen, Garsfontein, and Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool in Benoni.

The winning team will go on to represent the Northern region at the national tournament.

Ben Vorster’s cricket coach, Eddie Human, told the Herald that finishing at the top of the provincial league and qualifying to play against Gauteng schools is a proud achievement for his team.

“We have a very young team, but seeing them perform well and consistently handle pressure throughout the season has made me very proud,” he said.

The players will take a break over the December holidays before returning in early January for a friendly match against Hoërskool Nelspruit in Skukuza.