Hoedspruit cricket: Promotional team shines in victory

HOEDSPRUIT – After a season heavily disrupted by rain, Hoedspruit Sports Academy (HSA) finally saw one of their sides return to action this past weekend, and they made it count.

Premier League team faces rain setbacks

Both HSA teams were scheduled to play, but the weather once again proved decisive.

The Premier League side travelled to Tzaneen for their fixture against the Hornbills, only to be met with heavy rain upon arrival at Unicorn School.

With the field waterlogged and conditions unplayable, the match was called off, extending a frustrating run of cancellations.

“It’s been incredibly difficult for the premier team,” said HSA coach Mickey Buyst.

“They’ve had very little time in the middle, which makes it tough to build rhythm. But the focus is on staying ready and making the most of opportunities when they come.”

Promotional team secures 48-run win

While the premier side endured another setback, the Promotional League team ensured the weekend was not without success, overcoming challenging conditions to secure a 48-run victory over Giyani at the Air Force Base Cricket Oval in Hoedspruit.

Rain from the previous day had seeped through the covers, leaving the pitch damp and delaying the start. After careful inspection, play eventually got underway at 12:30, with the match reduced to 30 overs per side.

HSA won the toss and elected to bat, showing composure early on despite the tricky surface.

Andy Meyers led from the front with a well-constructed 54, while Anton Lourens added 43 in a crucial partnership that stabilised the innings.

Edwin Pierce contributed 25, helping guide the team to a competitive total of 183.

“The pitch wasn’t easy at the start, so it was important to build partnerships,” Buyst said.

“Andy and Anton showed real maturity; they absorbed the pressure and then capitalised when the conditions improved.”

Defending their total, HSA’s bowlers delivered a disciplined and high-energy performance.

Young talent Ross Forder shines with 3/8

The standout was Ross Forder, a Gr 9 learner at Southern Cross School, who produced an exceptional spell of 3/8 in four overs.

He was well supported by Meyers (2/14) and Henko Pienaar (2/11), as HSA applied constant pressure to restrict Giyani’s batting line-up.

“Ross was outstanding,” Buyst said. “To see someone so young bowl with that level of control and confidence is special.

“It’s also a credit to the senior players who are guiding and supporting the younger guys, that balance in the team is really important.”

For Buyst, the victory was about more than just the result.

“This performance was about resilience,” he said.

“Today was about taking our chance, and they did that exceptionally well.”