Midrand cricket off to flying start
MIDRAND - The Midrand Cricket Club made their intentions clear at the start of the new cricket season after two of their Saturday sides won their matches.
The club’s SA7 side took on neighbours, the Midrand Knights at the Olifantsfontein oval. SA7 opted to bat first and after 10 overs found themselves reeling at 3/31. Things were to get worse and after 17 overs the home side were 46/5.
However, things changed for the better when Midrand’s Teddy Mokoanyane joined Lesley Govender at the crease. The pair stabilised the innings and made a stand of 65 off 83 balls that began their side’s recovery. The home side was eventually bowled out for 151 in 33 overs with Mokoanyane and Govender top scoring with 47 and 31 respectively. Their opponents’ response seemed comfortable as they made their way to 100/4 in 22 overs. Then the Knights lost three wickets in three overs and collapsed to 133 all out in 31 overs.
In the other match, Midrand’s SA4 side were away to Randburg Cricket Club. They won the toss and opted to bowl first. They quickly tore through the opposition’s batting line-up and had them at 91/9 before a mini-revival saw Randburg 130 all out.
The visitor’s chase did not get off well as they lost early wickets. Midrand’s Lloyd Adam Naidoo proved to be the difference between the two sides. He batted through the innings to score an unbeaten 60. The middle order also did their bit as the visitor’s sailed home with five wickets in hand.
Midrand’s chairman Nevish Rampersadh said, “It is great to start the season in this manner. The victory over Knights is always a sweet one, especially this early on in the season. But despite current euphoria, the club remains focused on what we believe will be our greatest season thus far.”
