By CHESLEY DANIELS
The Grahamstown Cricket Board’s (GCB) League resumed the past week after a highly successful two-week T20 Competition. Once again, it was a competitive and exciting weekend of cricket, showing cricket is alive and well in the area.
There were two centuries recorded: Buster Brotherton (137 – Salem 1st) and Greg Timm (107 – Kenton 2nd). There were also two 5-wicket hauls from the bowler’s side: Ross Pittaway (8/30 – Salem 2nd) and Adrian Reed (5/37 – Southwell 1st).
GCB 1ST LEAGUE
SALEM VS MAKANA SONA (SALEM)
Log leaders Salem extended their lead at the top of the log with an impressive and dominant bonus-point win over Makana at home. The home side batted first and made use of the batting-friendly pitch, scoring a mammoth 338/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Buster Brotherton scored his season’s first century with a splendid 137. He and James Mullins gave their side a solid start upfront while the middle order batsmen continued where the two left off, batting aggressively.
Kevin Bennett (64), Jonty Van der Meulen (46) and James Mullis (45) all were in good touch with the bat and played beautifully. Lakhanya Sam 3/82 (10), Abongile Hashe 2/50 (6), and Ludumo Sauli 1/56 (10) were amongst the wicket-takers for the visitors.
Makana lost wickets at regular intervals due to tight and disciplined bowling by Salem. Continuous pressure saw Makana batsmen go out with silly shot selections in chasing down the massive target as Salem bowlers tide them down. Spinner Mike Liesenberg 3/35 (5), Bryn Wakeford 2/27 (7), Buster Brotherton 1/14 (2) and Sikhokele Blom 1/28 (7) took wickets for the victorious side. Makana slumped to 127 in 24 overs, handing Salem a bonus point 211-run win.
CUYLERVILLE VS WILLOWS (SHAW PARK)
The home side managed to beat Willows for the first time this season and took sweet revenge in the process. They batted first and posted a decent 261/8 (50). Steven Gornal was the top scorer with a fine 75, while captain Brandon Handley contributed with a well-played 64 and Greg Clayton 47.
Wicket takers for Willows were Adrian Wright 3/33 (8), who was the pick of the bowlers, Duane Brown 2/61 (9), Liam Agnew 1/54 (10) and Dean Van Heerden 1/54 (10).
Willows lost an early wicket, but Eldrich George (64) and Seth Faltein (43) stood firm for their side. Wickets then collapsed due to consistent pressure by the slow bowlers of Cuylerville, who took control of matters in ensuring Willows reached 178 in 40.2 overs. Clayton 3/16 (10), Handley 2/21 (4) and Oscar Welsh 1/42 (10) took wickets for the winning side. Cuylerville won by 83 runs.
SOUTHWELL VS SIDBURY (SOUTHWELL)
The home secured a 10-wicket bonus-point win over Sidbury and strengthened their position in 3rd place on the log. Sidbury were bowled out for a mere 121 runs in 32.1 overs. Hugh Savage top scored with 38, while Mathew Thompson contributed 29. Spinner Adrian Reed captured 5/37 while Murray Hobson 2/27 (6) and James Cameron 2/40 (10) also took wickets for Southwell.
Opener James Stirk played with some freedom and aggression and smashed an unbeaten 83* from 82 balls. Tiaan Joubert supported with 23 (49).
GCB 2ND LEAGUE
MANLEYS FLATS VS KENTON (MANLEYS)
Manleys 309/9 (50)
- Werner Pienaar 91, Chad Keates 42, Chris Lock 32, Lester Isaacs 23
- Jaoa 3/76 (10), Steve Palmer 1/42 (10), Jason 1/50 (10)
Kenton 237 (41.)
- Greg Timm 107, Jason 41, Tobie 21
- Pienaar 3/10 (4), Barry Gleaves 3/60 (10), Lock 2/34 (8), Isaacs 2/50 (10)
Manleys won by 72 runs.
STATION HILL VS SALEM
Station Hill 75
- Keanen Arends 29, Lyndon Coltman 10
- Ross Pittaway 8/30 (8), Ivan Marais 1/21 (5), Corne Labuschangne 1/17 (2)
Salem 76/4 (10.3)
- Brad 21, Tinus 16
- Franklin Jacobs 2/20 (4)
Salem won by six wickets + a bonus point
SIDBURY VS PORT ALFRED
Sidbury 168
- Travis Gradwell 60*, Jade De Klerk 14
Port Alfred 91
- Hugh Oxenham 3/14 (3), Jade De Klerk 3/20 (5), Cameron Christie 2/35 (7)
Sidbury won by 77 runs + a bonus point
