After scoring a century on debut a few weeks ago, Willows Cricket Club's Marquin Loutz continued his good form, scoring a flamboyant 71 runs against Salem Cricket Club in their Grahamstown Cricket Board first league cricket match at the Albany Sports Club on Sunday.
After scoring a century on debut a few weeks ago, Willows Cricket Club's Marquin Loutz continued his good form, scoring a flamboyant 71 runs against Salem Cricket Club in their Grahamstown Cricket Board first league cricket match at the Albany Sports Club on Sunday.
Willows won by 8 runs in a titanic battle towards the end of Salem's innings.
Willows won the toss and elected to bat first on a slow and uneven track, managing to score 160 all out in 30.4 overs.
Willows got off to a bad start with openers Luvane Daniels and Chesley Daniels out cheaply, while Salem's bowlers took wickets at regular intervals due to disciplined bowling.
But Loutz and Meville Daniels saved the match for Willows as they set up a half-century partnership, playing aggressively and helping set up a defendable target.
Loutz top-scored with 71 runs that included 9 fours and a six, while Daniels made 42 (5 fours and 2 sixes). Duane Brown also contributed a fine 15 runs in the end.
Opening bowler for Salem, Leard King, took 4 for 46 in 9.4 overs, while Mike Mattison took 2 for 8 in 5 overs.
Salem, in their run chase, got off to a solid start with veterans Kevin Zimmerman and Mike Mattison frustrating the Willows bowlers and keeping the scoreboard ticking. They made 22 and 29 runs respectively.
With the score on 145 for 5, it was almost certain that Salem would win the match with their commanding position.
But veteran seamer Melville Daniels (3 for 23 in 10 overs) came back in his last over to take two vital wickets, removing Nolan Zimmerman (16) and Leard King (20).
The bowling change, bringing young Ruwayne Brooks on late, proved productive as he took two wickets in two overs.
Spinner Chesley Daniels also bowled economically, picking up 2 for 17 in 6 overs, while Cole Wessels contributed with 2 for 20 in 7 overs. Greg Bradfield also scored a fine 26 runs for his side.
