MARK WARD
Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier League champions, Constantia-based Claremont Cricket Club, travelled to Kraaifontein at the weekend to face the home side in their opening match of the season.
The northern suburbs side finished in eighth spot last season and showed their intention by making life hard for the champions.
Claremont was skittled out for 113 thanks mainly to some fiery bowling from the homside’s seamer Diego du Plessis who took 5/26 in 7.1 overs and conceded on 26 runs.
It was only Harlan Greig (36) who stood up against the bowling from Kraaifontein’s bowlers led by Du Plessis. Josh Breed who averaged 79.9 last season could only manage 13 runs off 63 deliveries.
- In other action, newly promoted Milnerton also made a huge statement by beating Green Point by 57 runs. Sent into bat Milnerton amassed 188 in 48.8 overs with Malcolm Cloete (60 and Benjamin Ward (54) top scoring.
But it was Lukanyo Metu bowling prowess who took a 5/24 in 8.2 overs that turned the result into the home side favour, to win the match by 57 runs. Certainly a good side for a side who finished top of the First Division last season.
- Elsewhere, it was not so easy going for Primrose who were promoted along with Milnerton, having ended second, as they went down by 14 runs to Bellville. Bellville was sent into bat and scored 214 runs with opener Cody Nieuwoudt (59) and Marcus Fourie unbeaten on 51 which lead the Bellville charge. But despite brave efforts from Justin Pringle (41) and Ahmed Bayoumy (46) Primrose proved just not enough for the visitors.
- Rondebosch meanwhile registered a 9 wicket win over Cape Town with a fine unbeaten century (103,12×4; 2×6) by Sean Hendrieck with Jesse Christensen adding 79 to an opening stand of 132.
- In other results Durbanville beat Rylands by 3 wickets; Western Province Cricket Club beat the University of the Western Cape Cricket Club by 98 runs.
