VANDERBIJLPARK. -In the first game of the new cricket season the first team of Vanderbijlpark Cricket Club deafeated Sasol on their homeground with 59 runs.  Vanderbijl  won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted a competitive score of 218 all out thanks to a strong middle order performance  by M. Stevens (55), A. Olivier (39) and S. Kilian (33*).

For Sasol the standout bowler was N. Bezuidenhout with figures of 7-33-4. Sasol fought hard in the second innings but ultimately came up 59 runs short posting 159 all out thanks to strong batting performances from J. Verwey (31) and E. Holt (33*). All the bowlers chipped in with a wicket but the standout bowler and ultimately player of match was M. Stevens with impressive figures of 6-7-3.

Last seaon’s champion, Vereeniging, began the season with a good win over a young Old Vaal team. Old Vaal batted first on a cold windy Dick Fourie Stadium and scored 193 in the alotted 35 overs. Dylan (78) was Old Vaal’s top scorer. Liam Price (24) also batted well.

Okkie Brits was the pick of the bowlers for Vereeniging with figures of 7-3-3-17. He was well supported by E. Jordaan (4-2-29) and Phillip Thompson (4-2-24).  Vereeniging’s batting proved too strong for Old Vaal with Okkie Brits (36) H. Roelofse (40), Corné Jooste (55) and E. Heenop (54*) steering their side to victory.