Brokensha century propels Maritzburg to win over Northwood, Michaelhouse up Hilton College

Maritzburg College cruised to a comfortable victory at home over Northwood thanks to a wonderfully constructed Brokensha century.

The visitors won the toss and decided to put the home side in to bat first in tricky overcast conditions. A decision that proved to be a rewarding one as Northwood had Maritzburg on the back foot in no time.

Andrew Deeb showcased his excellent new-ball abilities, claiming impressive figures of 3/20 in his outing of the day. Isaac Phiri proved some good support as he also contributed two wickets for only 29 runs.

With the pressure pilling on the home side, it seemed like a meagre total was looming around the corner, but Bryn Brokensha had other ideas. The inform top order batter knuckled down and worked hard to get himself a solid start.

From there the tide turned as Brokensha seemed to find his rhythm with the willow as he started to accelerate toward the back end of the innings, bringing up a remarkable century under severe pressure.

His partner in crime, Michael Gibson, also got stuck in and battled it out in tricky conditions to notch up a wonderful 52 of his own, coming from 108 deliveries.

Asanda Khumalo contributed a handy cameo of a run-a-ball 20 to help the home side cross the 200 mark, ending up on 209/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Northwood soon found out why the target of 210 would be a difficult ask as they too found themselves in an early pickle.

Chad Mason swung the momentum even further in favour of the hosts, claiming four wickets for only 24 runs in an excellent display of swing bowling upfront. Oliver da Costa also got in on the party with figures of 2/21 in his outing with the ball, digging the hole even deeper for Northwood.

Mfana Shange (38, 79b) tried valiantly to get partnerships going, but it wasn’t to be as he kept losing partners on the other end. He too eventually lost his wicket, playing a shot out of frustration.

Harlee Jagga also stuck it out to contribute 21 of his own, but all was in vain as the visitors were bowled out for only 151 runs, handing Maritzburg College a convincing victory of 58 runs.

Michaelhouse got the better of Hilton College in their Pietermaritzburg clash on Saturday.

Michaelhouse won the toss and opted to bat first on a good-looking Hilton Pitch. Basti Hofmeyer led the charge with his top-scoring innings of 56 from 61, recovering from the loss after, Ross Boast (3/27) who led the Hilton attack, claimed a wicket off the very first delivery of the match.

However, Hofmeyer was the only shining light in the Michaelhouse top order as his teammates fell all around him until Nathan Hoatson made his way to the crease. Hoatson continued to occupy the crease for an extensive period of time, consolidating well to get his side back on track to posting a competitive total with his 50 off 81 deliveries not out.

Luke Jankowitz also contributed with a much-needed cameo of 33 from 48 balls to steer the visitors to a respective first-innings total of 192/10.

Hilton had a solid start to their innings with the opening batters laying a solid foundation. Jarred Kitto led the way with a well-constructed 30 from 34 deliveries to set up a chase that seemed to have the potential to go down to the wire.

He found support in fellow top-order batters, Luke Watt (28, 17b) and Ivan Lockem (26, 32b) who further strengthened Hilton’s chances to successfully chase down the 193 required for victory.

However, Cameron Strudwick and co. had other ideas. Strudwick threw the cat among the pigeons with his excellent figures of 3/19 which led to a significant Hilton collapse through the middle and lower order.

Hoatson backed up his wonderful batting innings with an impressive bowling performance of 2/15 in his outing with the ball, an effort which helped close out the Hilton innings as the home side were bundled out for 158, falling 34 runs short of their required score, handing Michaelhouse the bragging rights in Pietermaritzburg.

Summarised Scorecards: 

Maritzburg College 209/8 (Bryn Brokensha 104, Michael Gibson 52, Asanda Khumalo 20; Andrew Deep 3/20, Isaac Phiri 2/29); Northwood 151/10 (Mfanan Shange 38, Harlee Jagga 21; Chad Mason 4/24, Oliver da Costa 2/21). Maritzburg College won by 58 runs.

Michaelhouse 192/10 (Basti Hofmeyer 56, Nathan Hofmeyer 50*, Luke Jankowitz 33; Ross Boast 3/27, Charles Swart 3/23, Nicholas Chantler 2/39); Hilton College 158/10 (Jarred Kitto 30, Luke Watt 28, Ivan Lockem 26; Cameron Strudwick 3/19, Nathan Hoatson 2/15, Luke Payne 2/25, Thomas Mitchell 2/41). Michaelhouse won by 34 runs.