Lacklustre bowling gives Verulam the edge over Quins 1sts
On Sunday, 19 January ‘Quins first side played a 50 over challenge League match against Verulam at Harlequins.
WITH the exception of the U11 team, Umbilo Harlequins Cricket Club had a full round of fixtures on 18 and 19 January.
On Saturday, 18 January Quins 6 beat Simplex Reservoir Hills Sports Club 6 by one run at Lt King Park, despite dropping seven catches. Lionel Gaze top-scored.
On Sunday, 19 January Quins first side played a 50 over challenge league match against Verulam at Harlequins.
The outfield was again in a shabby condition, the wicket sticky from a small amount of overnight rain and dry atmospheric conditions. Quins were relieved to have won the toss on what they perceived to have been a tricky batting wicket due to the water content. Quins opening seam bowlers were non-penetrative, lacklustre and devoid of attack strategy, which allowed Verulam to acquire early dominance in this league match.
Their slow bowlers however, delivered with a fair degree of tact and right arm wrist spinner, Dieter Liebenberg’s 10-over allocation, although lacking total penetration, pegged back Verulam’s initial lively run rate to something more acceptable for Quins, taking one wicket for just 14 runs. A superb spell of bowling, although still not at his very best.
Right arm orthodox slow bowler Kelvin Venter had a fair deal of success with his 10-over spell, taking two wickets for 31 runs. Right arm fast bowler Kevin Kettle initially reduced pace, bowled with good variation and a clear plan, gaining occasional impetus at times to claim three superb wickets for 38 runs in seven overs. One has to also mention the exploits of right arm orthodox spinner Devan Dippenaar who came on near the end of Verulam’s innings for just two overs and wrapped up the tail of the opposition, taking three wickets for three runs – not bad for a part timer. Verulam scored 201 runs in 46 over overs, which was an above par score on a wicket with some moisture.
The wicket had favourably dried somewhat by 1.26pm when Quins’ innings commenced, which included a dozen apiece from opening batsmen Sheldon Swanepoel and Kevin Kettle. Middle order batsman, Tyrelle Smith managed a baker’s dozen, but no other specialist batsman added any real value to Quins’ total. Tail enders Dieter Liebenberg scored 26 and Andre Viljoen top-scored with an undefeated 36 runs, which included some exquisite straight drives and leg glances. Quins were dismissed for 130 runs in 39 overs. Verulam won by 71 runs.
The second team played UKZN in a 40 over challenge reserve match at Lt King Park. Quins 2 piled on 185 runs in 31,5 overs. Andre Nepgen top-scored with 77 runs, Kevin Norris managed 24 runs and Mark Goviea got 20 runs. UKZN responded with 108 runs in 21,5 overs. A superb spell of 5,5 overs was sent down by left arm orthodox slow bowler Kevin Norris, who took six wickets for 20 runs. Quins second team seamers were ineffectual. However this was a great team effort, as Quins won by 77 runs.
Quins third side took on Delta third team at Harlequins 2 in a 30-over division 1 match. Quins 3 scored 204 runs, losing five wickets in their innings. Brett Williams scored 18 runs, Warren Torgius compiled 56 runs, Josh Henry managed 16 runs. Delta 3 were skittled for 74 runs. Coennie Germishuizen took five wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs. Quins 3 won by 130 runs.
On Sunday, 26 January Quins first team take on Railways in a 50 Over challenge league match at Maidstone, Tongaat North. The second side play Tongaat in a 40 over challenge reserve encounter at Harlequins 1. The fourth team go up against Merebank at Harlequins 2 and the U11s play Umgababa U11s in a 30 over south stream one game at Harlequins commencing at 9am. All other teams have byes.
Coaching for U11s will be at 5.30pm at Harlequins and seniors will practise at 4.30pm on Friday.
A committee meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday.
Call Ernest on 031-467-3270 for further club information.
