Nkomo scores a century as Gugulethu beat Avendale

Gugulethu defeated Avendale by 58 runs in a Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) First Division A one-day match at the NY49 Sports Complex on Saturday, February 8.

With 22 points added to their tally, the win marked Gugulethu's fifth victory in 17 matches this season.

At the top of the league are Rylands Cricket Club with 70 points, followed by Primrose on 65 points and Victoria Cricket Club on 63 points. Gugulethu is in ninth position, with Avendale on 19 points, Hottentots Holland on 18 points, and Strandfontein on nine points.

The win against Avendale also saw Gugulethu’s player-coach, Mbulelo Shane Nkomo, climb to fourth on the top batters list, with 644 runs this season. His average of 50 is the second-highest in the league, behind Rylands’ Jack Newby, who has an average of 59 and a total of 704 runs.

The batting list is led by Rylands’ Taariq Chiecktey with 803 runs and an average of 45. Primrose’s Justin Pringle is third with 666 runs and an average of 44. St Augustine’s Cebo Tshiki rounds out the top five with 630 runs and an average of 39.

Nkomo said this past weekend's victory was a team effort. His 148 runs off 143 balls was supported by a strong partnership with Khanya Mfana, who scored 55 runs from 84 balls.

After a sensational day with the bat, Gugulethu’s bowlers stepped up to the task. Luvuyo Gquma took 3/34 in 9.4 overs, while Sibahle Sigabi claimed 3/30 in 9 overs.

Gugulethu restricted Avendale to 164 runs, with Gio Gie (30) and Dyllan Matthews (26) the top scorers. Gugulethu won by 58 runs after 36.4 overs.

Nkomo is confident of a good result when Gugulethu travels to eighth-placed St Augustine Cricket Club on Saturday, February 15.

“We have talent, and these youngsters are proving themselves now. They’re scoring runs, taking wickets, and having fun. Most importantly, the structure is there. Everyone is coming to practice and working on their game. I’m so proud to be Gugulethu's player-coach,” said Nkomo.