Unbeaten U11s remain top dogs after biting into ACC

WITH the exception of the fifth side, all Umbilo Harlequins cricket teams had scheduled league match fixtures during the weekend of 31 January and 1 February.

Umbilo Harlequins’ first team played a 50 over stream one challenge league match against the University of KwaZulu Natal at Hammondfield on Sunday, 1 February. At the scheduled commencement time of 9am, the wicket surface and outfield of Hammondfield was in its usual sublime batting-friendly condition, with bowler assisting overcast skies and fresh southerly winds. UKZN elected to field first. Opening batsman Adam Mather offered a few difficult half chances with catches to fielders in the outfield, by striking the ball with assertion, predominantly forward of the wicket, alongside a resolute defence. He scored 28 runs, inclusive of two boundaries. Left handed opening batsman Dylan Labuschagne struck two fours in his 60-run opening partnership, of which his contribution was 18 runs. Dylan’s innings was unfortunately prematurely terminated through an unfortunate run-out through no fault of his own. At this stage, prospects appeared bright for Quins despite the surrounding the gloomy skies, however almost the entire remaining batting line-up aside from Dieter Liebenberg who scored a dozen runs, performed much worse. Most succumbed to the well-directed slow bowling of Semanga, who captured seven wickets for 15 runs in seven overs. Quins were dismissed for 89 runs in 29 and a half overs – a substandard performance indeed. With fluctuating luminence gradually improving throughout the UKZN innings and such a small total to defend, realistically Quins had to capture a wicket in the first over, which they failed to do in 85 deliveries, allowing UKZN a resounding victory. This was primarily through the emphatic endeavours of former Quins batsman Richard Wissing, who already has two centuries this season and was undefeated on 60 runs, and N Bhayla who managed 25 runs in the same time, to take UKZN to deserved victory by 10 wickets.

Quins’ second team took on Chatsworth Cricket Club’s second side in a 40 over challenge reserve match on the diminutive Penguin Street venue in Chatsworth. The wicket lived up to its historical norms of not being adequately compacted, although overnight rain had downgraded the surface signifcantly. By the scheduled 1pm commencement, the prevailing partly sunny skies had given way to ominous appearing, stratus type clouds which accumulated during a magnificent partnership of well over 100 runs by Sheldon Spindler who played the more secure role in accumulating an undefeated half century and Andrew Nepgen, who executed a multitude of hook and pull shots mixed with some classical text book application of various other strokes.

Chatsworth CC’s second team who were out on the field throughout and the four Quins batsmen and two umpires who expended time at the crease should be commended for bravely staying out in ever-increasing rain in the most trying conditions, in the hope that the rain might abate. Quins were just two wickets down for 167 runs in 20,4 overs when discussion between the two umpires and team captains resolved that secondarily due to the intensifying rain and primarily the degrading wicket surface, conditions had deteriorated sufficiently for the logical abandonment of this league match. This match was therefore drawn.

At 1.30pm on Sunday, Quins’ third team played Clares third team in a 30 over division one match at Siripat Road 2 , which is typically a good bounce and carry wicket. Quins number six batsman Coennie Germishuizen was undefeated on 27 runs and the team on 104 runs for four wickets in 13 overs when intensifying rain caused premature abandonment of this league match, resulting in a draw.

Quins fourth team were scheduled to take on Asande 2 in a 30 over division two match at Harlequins 1. Asande arrived 40 minutes late, by which time rain had already had a significantly negative impact on the superbly groomed ‘Quins wicket rendering play impossible.

The U13 team played a youth league match against Lamontville U13s at Harlequins 1. Quins compiled a commendable total of 195 runs, losing five wickets in 25 overs. Kenville Edwards and Heath Manicom retired at 50 runs each, Seth Adinall scored 27 runs, Tyler Jordan compiled 28 runs and Craig Simes was not out with 22 runs. Heath Manicom captured two wickets in two overs without conceding a run and Aaron Govender got two wickets in two overs, likewise without conceding a run, helping Quins to dismiss Lamontville for 36 runs in 18 overs. Quins U13s won by 159 runs. The club still welcomes new members in this age group.

The unbeaten Quins U11 team played a 30 over South stream match against ACC U11s from Amanzimtoti at Harlequins 2. Quins batted first, scoring 109 runs in 27,2 overs. Deen Fredericks top scored with 18 runs, Jaan Fredericks scored 14 runs, Reece Edwards compiled 12 runs and Biran Rachman tallied 10 runs. ACC U13s responded with 86 runs for seven wickets in 30 overs. Deen Fredericks dismissed three ACC batsmen for five runs in three overs and there was a noteworthy bowling effort by nine-year-old Cameron Laing. Quins U11s won by 23 runs and remain top of their south league, giving credence to the sterling endeavours of their coach.

On 8 February the first team plays a 50 over match at Verulam, the second side take on Clares in a 40 over match at Asherville. The third team plays a 30 over match at Harlequins. Quins fourth team takes on Chatsworth Sporting 3 at Chatsworth 114. The fifth team plays INK 3/Inanda 2 at Harlequins and the successful U11 team play a scheduled youth league match against Chatsworth United U11 at Harlequins.

Junior coaching sessions are on Thursday at 5pm and seniors practise at 4.30pm on Friday. Call Ernest on 031-467-3270 for club information.

Quins bowlers oust under par United 3

Quins 6 played a 30 over division five match against Chatsworth United 3 at Chatsworth 114 on Saturday, 31 January.

Chats United 3 batted first on a decent wicket but very small ground.

An excellent opening spell by Darryl Lavender with 1/9 in six overs was well supported by Jason Rouse who took 1/24 in six overs.

This saw Chatsworth United always battling on the back foot with their run rate. Dylan Jenkins came on later and removed the middle order with 4/17 in four overs of well-directed seamers. Chatsworth United were eventually all out for 145 in 29.5 overs, which was well under par on such a small field.

Despite losing a wicket to the first ball of the innings, Quins were always in control of the chase. Moses scored to all parts of the ground to register a fine, unbeaten 75 with a couple of massive, straight sixes. He was well supported by Dean Jordaan with 23 and Ian Karg with 23*. The winning runs were scored with 5.5 overs to spare.

This was a very good win against a side that was second in the standings before the weekend.

Catches were taken by:

Gavin Hazel (two);

Dean Jordan;

Moses Viljoen;

Dylan Jenkins;

Lionel Gaze.

A run-out was recorded by Lionel Gaze.