The sound of leather cracking off willow could be heard echoing around Valencia Cricket Oval the past weekend, as teams continued to do battle at the Mbombela Premier League MPL T20.

The tournament slogan of MPL T20, “Smash & Grab” rang true as the action kept spectators entertained. On Saturday, Orchards Cricket Club, now first on the log, did battle against the University of Mpumalanga. Orchards CC batted first and managed to post a formidable total of 206 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant knock of 101 not out by opening batsmen Afzal Patel.

Chasing a target of 207, the students were determined to come out victorious, but were restricted to 107 in 20 overs thanks to some brilliant bowling by Orchards CC. Player/coach Vusi Mathebula of UMP was the pick of the batsmen with an aggressive knock of 41. Afzal Patel was judged man of the match.

On Sunday morning, Warriors Cricket Club, who are now second on the log, came up against Kings XI Cricket Club. Batting first, Warriors CC were under pressure as some tight bowling by Kings XI saw the tournament heavyweights lose three early wickets. Middle order batsman Tahir Chand scored an aggressive 47 runs off 32 balls and all-rounder Irfan Mamji, with 28 not out off 20 balls, powered their team to a defendable total of 166 runs.

Kings XI’s run chase was put under pressure from the start due to some good bowling by the Warriors bowlers and some excellent fielding. The difference between the two teams was most definitely the fielding as Warriors were excellent in the field, while Kings XI dropped far too many crucial catches. As the saying goes – catches win matches. Warriors CC wrapped up the game, winning by 55 runs and securing a bonus point victory. Man of the match was awarded to wicketkeeper/batsman Chand for a brilliant 47 runs, a stumping and two catches.

The third game of the weekend was contested between White River Challengers and Valencia All Stars. Both teams were without some of their provincial youngsters due to provincial and school games, but the encounter provided some fantastic entertainment at a packed Valencia Oval.

Valencia All Stars batted first and posted a competitive total of 181 runs thanks mainly to a brilliant batting display of 61 runs off 39 balls by provincial youth cricketer Sameer Mohamed. He was well supported by Ayub Bhiku, who had spectators moving their cars to safety as he raced to 42 off 20 balls. White River were put under the pump early in their run chase, as only Aziz Aswat managed to offer some resistance with a fine innings of 55 runs off 37 balls, as Valencia All Stars strolled to a well-deserved win.

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The pick of the bowlers for Valencia All Stars was Mohamed, who continued his good batting form with a fine bowling performance as he picked up 4 wickets in 3.2 overs and conceded only 12 runs. An all-round good day on the field as Sameer walked away with his first man of the match award at MPL T20.

Idris Nomani, chairman of the MPL, said that with the second round of MPL T20 games contested the past weekend, it was fantastic to see the teams competing and playing the game in the right spirit. “More importantly, it was satisfying to see our youngsters grabbing the opportunity to play competitive cricket at club level. It is experiences and opportunities at this level that will improve their cricket and make them better equipped when they play cricket for their respective schools. We are in talks with some potential corporate sponsors and we’re holding thumbs that there will be some positive news very soon.”