Fourie’s fifty not enough to save Rondebosch
Michael Booth, medium pace bowler of Rondebosch, swings into action during his side's Western Province Premier League match against Victoria at the Terry Eksteen Oval, on Saturday
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Jordan Fourie, Victoria’s prolific run-scorer, remains confident his side will secure a mid-table finish despite suffering a six-wicket defeat to Rondebosch in the Western Province Premier League on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was once again in fine form with the bat, producing a solid innings for Victoria as they posted a competitive 291/8 after being sent in to bat at the Terry Eksteen Oval.
Opening alongside Adam Constant (14), Fourie anchored the innings with a fluent knock, the duo putting on a solid 84-run partnership. The stand was broken in the 17th over when Constant was dismissed by paceman Michael Booth, caught by Wiann van der Merwe. Booth struck again just three balls later, removing Fourie for a well-made 56 with another outstanding delivery.
Jordan Fourie, Victoria’s prolific run-scorer.
Image: Mark Ward
Victoria’s innings was then bolstered by Gennaro Reddy, who struck a lively 67 before being run out in dramatic fashion, while overseas recruit Simon Fernandes contributed a valuable 31 to help the visitors reach their total in the allotted 50 overs.
Fourie, who struck a superb 135 in Victoria’s victory over Brackenfell the previous week, believes the side is well on track to retain their Premier League status following their promotion this season.
“It’s tough, but we’re playing good cricket. I’m really enjoying my game again after a strong off-season with Tutbury in the Derbyshire League. I struggled with a shoulder injury over the last two years, which affected my bowling, but I’m finding my rhythm again and starting to produce some good spells,” said Fourie.
Simon Fernandes contributed a valuable 31 to help Victoria reach their total of 291/8 in the allotted 50 overs during their Western Province Cricket Association Premier League match against Rondebosch, at the Terry Eksteen Oval, on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
Rondebosch chased down the target in 49.4 overs, led by an outstanding innings from Travis Norris, who struck a commanding 138 off 135 deliveries. Norris and fellow opener Kashief Joseph (63) laid the foundation with a 135-run opening partnership.
Rondebosch captain Lenert van Wyk added a composed 75 as Rondebosch sealed a six-wicket victory to remain firmly in contention for the league title.
Victoria remain in 10th spot on the league table on 21 points from 13 matches, while Rondebosch hold on to top spot on 42 points from 12 fixtures. Ottoman (18 points) and Rylands (14 points) remain in 11th and 12th places respectively.
Gennaro Reddy of Victoria is run- out by Rondebosch’s wicketkeeper Michael Appolis during their Western Province Cricket Association Premier League match at the Terry Eksteen Oval, on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
Fixtures: Western Province Cricket Club vs Rylands; Victoria vs Cape Town Cricket; Bellville vs Brackenfell. Sunday: UWC vs Bellville
Sunday’s results: Bellville beat Rylands by six wickets; Western Province Cricket Club beat Ottoman by 54 runs.
Saturday: Claremont beat Bellville by two wickets; Green Point Cricket Club beat UWC by eight wickets; Durbanville beat Cape Town Cricket by 52 runs; Rondebosch beat Victoria by six wickets; Ottoman beat Rylands by four wickets; Brackenfell beat Western Province Cricket Club by 87 runs.