Veterans Andrew Marshall and Steven Gornall recorded impressive centuries over the weekend of 29-30 September for their respective clubs in the Grahamstown Cricket Board’s first league fixtures. Marshall (103) and Gornal (108) were for Manleys and Cuylerville in their respective defeats, despite their efforts.
Southwell vs Manleys Flats
The defending champs, Southwell comprehensively defeated a defiant Manleys by 85 runs and secured a bonus point in their encounter. Southwell batted first and scooped a massive 285/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Claude Matthews top scorer with a fine 73 and received good support by captain James Stirk (58) and Brad Ford (58*). Bryon Wakeford 2/27 (7) and Lester Isaacs, were the standout bowlers for Manleys.
Manleys got off to a slow start, losing wickets at regular intervals, but the veteran and evergreen Marshall tried his utmost, scoring a patient 103 (eight 4s and a 6). Wakeford also weighted in with 42* but it was all in vane as Manleys reached 200/4 (50). Bessie Du Preez shone with the ball for Southwell, picking up 2/19 (10), while Jeff Tarr 1/35 (10) and Fred Rubbige 1/46 (10) gave valuable support.
Cuylerville vs Port Alfred
Port Alfred first team stunned Cuylerville in their own backyard with a nail-biting 10 run win on Sunday 30 September. Port Alfred scored 220/6 (50). Opener Jacques Jones top score with a solid 70*. JC Pittaway (59) and Warren Bowdler (39) also added crucial knocks. Morne Van Wyk 2/11 (5), Warren Tarr 1/40 (8) and Steven Gornall 1/34 (8), took wickets for the home side.
Cuylerville lost regular wickets due to disciplined bowling by the visitors. It was only Gornal (108) and Kyle Handley (43) who showed resistance as they fought their way back into the match. It was all too late, however, as Port Alfred bowled them out for 210. Travis Henderson 3/42 (10), Warren Bowdler 3/33 (10) and Justin Dollery 1/32 (7) were the destroyers-in-chief for the visitors.
Salem 1st vs Makana Sona
Salem trashed Makana Sona in a 102 run bonus point win at Salem on Sunday, after posting a huge 250 run target. Nicholas Zimmerman was top scorer with a hurricane 83. He was well supported by Joshua Van Holdt (45), Leard King (41) and Nick Wilmot (24). Bongo was in devastating form with the ball for Makana and picked up 6/43 (10). Mini took 3/48 (10) and Sauli 1/33 (8).
Tiger Titans vs Shrews
The Shrews from Rhodes took on the Tiger Titans, batting first in an exciting encounter. The Shrews posted a decent 157 all out, and looked to limit the Tigers with their bowling attack. The Tigers were undeterred, however, and managed to score 158/7 after 42 overs, earning a 3 wicket bonus point victory.
