Paradise batsman hits a double ton

PARADISE – Hussain Essop has marked himself as one of Newcastle’s finest cricketers.

He earned the respect of his peers and set himself apart with a magnificent knock of 201 not out, against Underdogs on Saturday.

Hussain clobbered a six off the last ball of the innings to reach his double ton milestone.

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Together with Yashvir Harbhajan, the talented openers blazed a 272-run partnership before Yashvir fell on 87.

Paradise went on to win the match by 221 runs.

Highlands also impressed with a comprehensive 131-run win over Warriors, thanks in part to Cameron Capes’s top score of 48.

Captain, Braeden Coetzee sealed proceedings with a spell of three for 12, in three overs.

Aslan Butt’s superb season continued with a fine knock of 78, which helped Lennoxton to a 44-run triumph over Eagles.

He also did damage with ball in hand, claiming three scalps.

After a fantastic weekend of action, it was unfortunate to have the clash between Asians and Old Boys rained out.

The Super Saturday Log is as follows:

Phoenix remains at the top with 14 points, two ahead of Paradise on 12, and four ahead of Highlands on 10.

Lennoxton and Warriors are tied on seven points each.

The lower end of the log is host to Asians, Eagles and Old Boys on five points apiece, and finally Underdogs on three.

The Ithemba Night League has entered its final week.

The remainder of the round robin matches will determine who reaches the final, to be played on January 12 next year.

Paradise and Lennoxton compete in the Plate final on January 11.

On the Northern Natal League front, Ladysmith cancelled its fixture set for December 3 against Newcastle.

This win meant Newcastle remains unbeaten for the season.

The League resumes on January 15 at the Arbor Park grounds, when Newcastle finally gets to battle Ladysmith.

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