Run drought costs Quins 1sts
Sean Edward claimed one wicket for 21 runs in four overs of pace bowling and three wickets for 24 runs by Kevin Kettle off four overs of fast bowling, was not quite enough to stave off a defeat by Clares who won by four wickets in 18,5 wickets.
WITH just three first team 20 over matches remaining and one U13 league match to be played, most of Umbilo Harlequins Cricket Club’s teams have fulfilled their scheduled matches for the current season.
On Sunday, 8 March, Quins first team played their first of four 20 over group matches at Harlequins main oval against Clares.
Quins batted first in overcast mild conditions, typical for early autumn, with a fast outfield, a soft, undercompacted wicket surface with some evidence of lawn and gentle southerly winds – conditions ideal for swing and seam bowling. Batsmen Dylan Labuschagne and Adam Mather set up a stable foundation for Quins, compiling an opening partnership of 27 runs in five overs with Dylan contributing 14 runs and Adam scoring 18. Jason Wagner struck the ball about like a technician, square of and in front of the wickets, but was run out by Javier Frost, top scoring for Quins with 34 runs off 32 deliveries, inclusive of one six and three fours.
Middle order batsman Kevin Kettle played superlatively, executing a wide variety of strokes including some sweep strokes and an intricate reverse sweep, adding 24 runs in 34 deliveries, including a six and two fours. This took Quins to a well below par total of 108 runs in 19,5 overs. Quins initially battled to capture sufficient early wickets to be competitive despite a breakthrough by slow bowler Sheldon Swanepoel, who claimed two early wickets for 15 runs off four overs. Sean Edward claimed one wicket for 21 runs in four overs of pace bowling and three wickets for 24 runs by Kevin Kettle off four overs of fast bowling, was not quite enough to stave off a defeat by Clares who won by four wickets in 18,5 wickets.
In retrospect, this match would have been a most intriguing encounter had Quins’ batsmen contributed just a dozen or more runs to the teams total. Nevertheless this was a fine, spirited performance by the team which never let up throughout this abbreviated match, something to take forward into the next round.
The U13 side played their penultimate 30 over league match of the season against Chatsworth United at Harlequins two on Sunday morning. Quins scored 139 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 30 overs. Seth Majeira top scored for the team with 34 runs, Jared Finlay scored 22 runs, Heath Manicom added 19 runs and Aron Govender was undefeated on double figures. Seven of Chatsworth United’s batsmen were dismissed for 23 runs in 30 overs, therefore Quins U13s won by 23 runs, a victory which elevates the team near the helm of the Durban and District Cricket Union’s U13 south log.
Quins fifth team played division three log leaders Topham three at Chatsworth 114, otherwise known as Havenside. The wicket surface like those at most other municipal facilities was not compacted at all, due to soddenness on Friday morning. This wicket surface was dusty, unstable and downright dangerous at times, not at all conducive to good cricket as one never knew how the ball would behave once it struck the wicket surface. Typical characteristics of the wicket for the day was for a delivery or two to stay low and the next to strike a batsman on the chest. None of the Quins batting line-up could acquaint themselves to these unusual characteristics by dominating the bowling attack.
Clinton Abraham’s intervention at the crease was refreshing to behold with two sixes and a powerfully struck four, but was all too brief. Ernest Kettle was undefeated with 26 runs. The team was dismissed for 108 runs with eight deliveries remaining.
Topham three’s batsmen performed much more admirably, probably due to being more accustomed to the behaviour of their wicket. Thus they had no problem in chasing down the desired target well within their allocation of overs as neither Quins’ slow bowlers nor seamers made any impact into their opposition’s batting line up, perhaps excluding about two overs by young Tyler Badenhorst, during which he established the correct length with reasonable accuracy and some deviation of the wicket surface. However he then lost this rhythm in his next over. Quins lost this league encounter to a superior team who are well deserved of being league champions.
The club’s annual awards event will be held at Fynnland Combined Sports Club, Lt King Park on Friday, 27 March from 6pm and a six-a-side tourney will be held on Saturday, 28 March at Harlequins cricket fields.
On Sunday, 15 March, the first team takes on Tongaat at the Outspan venue and the U13 youth team takes on Chesterville in their final 30 over match of the season. All other teams have completed their fixtures.
No further practises will be held for seniors and juniors will have their final coaching session on Thursday, 12 March at 5pm. Call Ernest on 031-467-3270 for further club information.
Quins 4 blast their way to victory
WHAT started off to be a great day for cricket, ended the same way for Quins 4.
They were sent in to bat by Hillary/Malvern 4.
Brendan and Daryn Moffit commenced with Quins’ quest. They started off well with Brendan and Daryn getting stuck in. Quins 4 lost their first wicket for 65 runs at the nine over-juncture with Brendan out for 20. Huey Naicker came into bat at three and teamed up with Daryn Moffit and got things on the way with Daryn and Huey playing excellent shots to get the score up to 144 runs. Daryn got out for a well played 64.
In came Andre Potgieter who had to quickly steady himself to play a pinch hitting role. Huey Naicker scored 62 runs after holding out in the deep at mid-on. David Storm and Andre took the total score of Quins to 204 runs for three after 30 overs. Andre scored 19 with David making 4 of 2.
Quins started the second innings with weather conditions deteriorating. Quins opened the bowling with Brendan and David. Huey Naicker and Andre Potgieter were the change bowlers, each delivering six overs to get to the 16 overs stage. Weather was the worrying part as Quins bowlers knew they had to get to the 15 over mark to achieve a result in their favour. Brendan and David bowled great spells at first. Andre Potgieter bowled six overs, 21 runs and three wickets. Huey Naicker bowled six overs, two maidens, 12 runs and no wickets. Daryn got one wicket, with Sashen getting one wicket. Ashvir got two wickets and Trevor two. Trevor had an exceptional run out from deep with a direct throw hitting the stumps to run out the opposing captain. Quins 4 made 204-3 after 30 overs. Hillary/Malvern made 79 all out after 22.4 overs.
It was an exceptional performance by Quins 4. The game was played with great sportsmanship from both teams.
