Old Eds cricketers ‘klap’ Soweto

The team batted first against Soweto Cricket Club at Soweto’s Elkah Stadium, and a 53 run second wicket partnership between Stephen Cook (25) and Grant Roelofsen (28) set a platform, only for them to be dismissed within an over of each other.

Old Eds’ Mike Dunk said Neil McKenzie strode to the crease thereafter and he did not disappoint.

“He manipulated the spinners with some delicate touches and well-placed power strikes to bring up his 50 off 47 balls. At the other end, Gareth Harte also played well, and his 50 also came up at faster than a run a ball,” said Dunk.

Their partnership of 123 turned out to be a match winner.

McKenzie went for a well-played 60, and then Harte on 65 not out was forced to leave the field with an injury.

“At 185/3, Old Eds were sitting pretty, but the all too often collapse saw them slump to 193/8, before Charlie Vickery (13) and Jared Barnes (32 not out) steered them to 246/8.”

The Old Eds attack of Barnes and Mathew Varner bowled well up front, despite only picking up one wicket, but they built pressure.

Cook entered the fray and he was among the wickets straight away as the Soweto batsmen could not cope with his in-swingers. He finished his 10 overs with 4/43.

“Naps de Beer bowled well and conceded just 11 runs off his six overs, picking up a wicket. Vickery picked up two cheap wickets,” he said.

Barnes returned to mop up the tail and Soweto were all out for 130. Old Eds collected a bonus point in winning by 130 runs.

“There are three matches left in the league, and although they’re lying 4th on the table, they will have to win all of them and collect some bonus points to retain their title,” said Dunk.

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