Old Eds cricket team starts with a win

JOBURG – The Old Edwardians Premier League cricket team began the season with a defence of their Gauteng Limited Overs title, with a 45-run win over Lenasia.

The team also collected an all-important bonus point.

Old Eds spokesperson Mike Dunk said, “Batting first, the openers Matthew Rosen (26) and Malcolm Nofal (29) got the home side off to a solid start, but it was the arrival of debutant Grant Roelofsen batting at three, that the innings started to take shape.”

The Grade 11 Kes pupil constructed a masterful innings, despite little support from the middle order. It wasn’t until fellow pupil Kyle Melville (34) joined him that a meaningful partnership occurred.

“Both kept their heads and their wickets intact to ensure a competitive total was reached. Roelofsen was agonizingly out five runs short of a well-deserved 100, chasing runs in the final few overs,” he said.

Old Eds were all out for 224 in the last of the 50 overs.

“David Sator spearheaded the bowling attack, and took a wicket with his fourth delivery. In the absence of Etienne Gerber, the new ball was also taken by left-arm orthodox spinner Nofal. He did an outstanding jon in keeping the run rate down as well as taking a wicket,” said Dunk.

With a depleted pace attack, captain Ryan Cook had spin operating from both ends, and Richard das Neves showed guile and accuracy to finish with 2/33. Dunk said Das Neves was well complimented by Charlie Vickery from the other end.

The Lenasia innings fell behind the required run rate, and in the final chase, lost wickets. At the end of their 50 overs, they were on 179/8, giving Old Eds a valuable bonus point.

“With a number of new faces in the team, this was a solid start to the season, with the bowlers winning the day, despite lacking some of last year’s firepower in the pace attack,” said Dunk.