St Andrew’s won the toss and elected to bowl first in the limited-overs Grahamstown derby against Kingswood College which took place on Saturday on Lower Field, expecting some early movement from a pitch with good grass covering.
St Andrew’s won the toss and elected to bowl first in the limited-overs Grahamstown derby against Kingswood College which took place on Saturday on Lower Field, expecting some early movement from a pitch with good grass covering.
There was a little swing early on but St Andrew’s soon began to rue their decision as Kingswood piled on the runs at a good pace. Anselm Castelyn (101) played his shots to all parts of the ground pressurizing the St Andrew’s bowlers and compiling a well-deserved and entertaining century. He was well supported by Brydon Carse (60) who went about his business in a disciplined manner.
Kingswood’s innings looked threatening all the way, but St Andrew’s stuck to their task making it difficult for Kingswood to take advantage of their strong start. Kingswood’s opening stand of 168 between Castelyn and Carse must have been one for their record books. The fall of wickets, with Mbulelo Mama picking up 4, kept Kingswood’s total in check but 242 was always going to be a tough challenge.
Michael (46) and Andrew Rushmere (49) gave the St Andrew’s innings a solid start with a valuable 84 run partnership. Mbulelo Mama and Andrew Rushmere steadily continued the innings leaving 135 runs to chase after drinks at 5.4 runs per over.
The Kingswood bowlers were first out the blocks after drinks restricting the St Andrew’s batsman. The pressure mounted, wickets fell and Kingswood were on top after 35 overs, St Andrew’s needing 102 runs in the last 15. The batting power play needed urgency from the St Andrew’s batsman or else the 6.8 r.p.o required would escalate quickly.
St Andrew’s delivered the goods scoring 44 runs in the power play leaving 58 runs in the last 10 with 5 wickets in hand. Mbulelo Mama (81 not out) and Charles Bowren's (28 not out) fearless partnership helped St Andrew’s complete a superb run chase in the 49th over winning by 5 wickets.
