St. Andrew’s claim win against Kingswood

St. Andrew’s College claimed a convincing 49-run victory over fierce rivals Kingswood College in Saturday’s first XI cricket match at St. Andrew’s Lower Field.

Despite losing one of their openers, David Rushmere, to a duck, St. Andrew’s got off to an otherwise steady start. Peter Jarvis and Chris Benjamin steered them to 71-1, before the former was dismissed LBW on 38 runs by Justin Potgieter in the 18^th over.

The hosts struggled to get off their feet again, as Kingswood consistently restricted their run rate to well below four per over. When the 7^th wicket fell in the 43^rd over, St. Andrew’s were in a perilous position, having amassed just 160 runs.

However, Kingswood were left to rue their failure to dismiss Benjamin, as he and Robert Quarmby hit out for a quickfire 61 off the last 38 balls. St. Andrew’s finished on a respectable 221-7, with Benjamin on 84 not out off 126 balls and Quarmby on 43 not out off just 30.

Quarmby carried his impressive display into Kingswood’s innings, taking three wickets for 17 runs. Jarvis also made an impact with the ball, claiming two for 34. Kingswood’s innings never took off, and they were bowled out for 162 with 2.3 overs to spare.

It was a particularly special victory for St. Andrew’s leg spinner Simon Taylor, who was playing his 100^th first team game.

Taylor took one wicket for 30 runs off 10 overs, playing a helping hand in restricting Kingswood’s run rate. He was in a jovial mood after the game, and hailed his side for claiming bragging rights in the age-old derby.

“In the first term, we lost by two runs at Kingswood, so it felt really nice [to avenge that],” said the matric pupil, who hopes to continue his cricketing career overseas.

Although Kingswood can take pride in a respectable bowling display, with Jarrod van Blerk leading the attack with two for 30, St. Andrew’s came out convincingly on top. They stand in good stead ahead of the final leg of a busy cricketing year.