The North Coast cricketing fraternity made a strong start to the new season at the weekend, led by some particularly impressive bowling performances.

The iLembe District XI, Dawnheights Cricket Club from KwaDukuza and Railways Cricket Club from Tongaat all earned at least one win across their divisions.

After winning the toss in their Promotion League match on Saturday, iLembe bowled out Verulam CC for just 58. Sashin Chetty was the chief destroyer, registering excellent figures of 6-8. iLembe chased down the total in under five overs, led by a quickfire 36 from opener Kyle Chinakoo.

Dawnheights were equally impressive with the ball during their match in Durban on Sunday morning. The men from KwaDukuza skittled DUT for 53, with strong fielding backing up the bowling effort. In response, Dawnheights cruised to 54 without loss for a comfortable 10-wicket victory.

The Dawnheights veterans also won their opening match against Amanzimtoti, successfully defending their total of 102-2 from 20 overs.

Meanwhile, Railways saw mixed returns across two matches on Saturday.

In the morning match against Umlazi CC, Railways managed 136 all out after batting first on a tricky pitch. The bowling attack responded well, however, restricting Umlazi to 119 for a 17-run victory.

Wickets were harder to come by in Railways’ afternoon match against King Cetshwayo at Collegians. Batting first, the visitors from Zululand posted a mammoth 219 from their 20 overs. Despite a spirited innings of 69 from captain Nirav Maharaj in the chase, Railways were eventually dismissed for 151. The Railways veterans also lost their opening fixture.