Kraaifontein win shakes up Premier League

Staff Reporter|Published 2 years ago

Thaakir Davids of Rylands and Claremont wicketkeeper Harry Finch keep a close eye on the ball during their sides’ WPCA Premier League fixture, in Constantia, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

Mark Ward

The cat is truly among the cricketing pigeons in the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier League following relegation-threatened Kraaifontein’s victory over title-chasing Western Province Cricket Club on Saturday.

The consequence is that Durbanville has become the third side to claim the top spot in as many weeks following their six-wicket victory over Green Point while Claremont dropped to second spot despite a fine victory over Rylands at Constantia on Saturday.

Claremont CCs Gavin Dickenson securing 1/17 in five overs against Rylands, at the weekend. Picture: Mark Ward

These results make for an exciting climax to one of the most closely contested Premier League competitions with the relegation cat-fights also adding to the thrill.

But it was Kraaifontein who moved two places to eight spot, at the Walley Wilson Oval by beating the homeside by four wickets.

Western Province Cricket Club could just not get going after they were sent into bat and could only manage to accumulate 189 runs in 48.1 overs. It was only Gavin Kaplan (31) and Nick Barlow with his 34 from 44 deliveries who managed to get decent scores. But it was the visitors’ bowlers, Arno Pekeur 3/30, Chezlyn Cloete 3/46, Sisonke Mazele 2/38 and Ishmail September 2/30 who deserve credit.

During the run chase stalwart Darryl Losper top-scored with 47 of 67 deliveries, which included seven boundaries while Garth Madden (28), Dale Campbell (31), Rodney Mafudza (27) and Craig Ephraim’s unbeaten 20 added to the glorious win which could prove decisive in their battle to stay in the elite competition.

In Constantia, Rylands coach Rushdi Jappie expressed his concern at his side’s precarious position on the log before taking the field against Claremont. The defeat despite Jack Newby’s splendid innings of 128 (11x4, 3x6) off 148 deliveries is costly as they find themselves in ninth spot on 24 points with giant killers Kraaifontein visiting them at the Rylands Oval on Saturday.

Rylands CC coach Rushdi Jappie. Picture: Mark Ward

Beside Newby’s fine innings Thaakir Davids contributed 32 while Taariq Chiektey slammed 26 (3x4, 1x6) off 25 balls all contributed to Rylands reaching 235/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Jack Newby of Rylands on his way to an impressive 128 runs against Claremont. Picture: Mark Ward

But fine innings from Matthew de Villiers (79; 8x4) and Zaheer Lorgat (53) paved their way for Claremont’s home win in just 44.5 overs.

Matthew Elsworth of Claremont taking a catch during his side’s match against Rylands. Picture: Mark Ward

Results:

UWC vs Brackenfell

UWC won by 8 runs

Rylands v Claremont

Claremont won by 3 wickets

Bellville v Rondebosch

Rondebosch won by 6 wickets

Green Point v Durbanville

Durbanville won by 6 wickets

WP Cricket v Kraaifontein

Kraaifontein won by 4 wickets

Fixtures: Brackenfell vs Green Point; Claremont v Bellville; Durbanville Cape Town; UWC v Ottoman; WPCC v Rondebosch; Rylands v Kraaifontein; Cape Town v Rondebosch.