SA u19 and Warriors kick off Cubs Week with convincing victories

STELLENBOSCH. The South African u19-side secured a convincing 159-run victory on the opening day of Cricket South Africa’s annual Cubs Week in Stellenbosch over the Unlimited Titans. The team sent out a friendly warning to the other sides in the tournament that an upset against them was unlikely.

It is the first time that the national side are participating in the tournament from which they are usually chosen. The side of coach Lawrence Mahatlane is using this year’s tournament as a training camp for the ICC u19 World Cup which will start later this month in Bangladesh.

Last year’s leading run scorer at the Cubs Week, Rivaldo Moonsamy (333), scored 81 runs against his franchise. He was given a second chance by the Titans through a dropped catch after only banking three runs. Wiaan Mulder (46) and Farhaan Sayanvala (39) also made valuable contributions with the bat.

The Titans managed only 122 runs with Ruan de Swardt (28) and Irfaan Hoosen (27) top scoring. Hoosen (4/40) was also his side’s best bowler on the day. The South African spin bowler Sean Whitehead (3/19) was the pick of his side’s bowlers.

The bizhub Highveld Lions probably have to defeat the national u19-side twice if they want to retain their title as champions. These two teams face each other on Thursday in their cross pool clash.

The defending champions didn’t experience too much trouble securing a six wicket victory over the Cape Cobras in their opening match.

Mitchell van Buuren produced an allround performance in which he got rid of three batsmen for only 32 runs to help retrict the Cobras to 197/8 in their allotted overs. He also scored an unbeaten 38 runs in the chase.

Ruan Haasbroek (69) and opening batsman Ricardo Vasconcelos (45) also made valuable contributions. Haasbroek continued his excellent form which saw him finish the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week as the leading batsman.

Not even an excellent bowling performance by Jean de Wet (6/54) could save the Sunfoil Dolphins from a 153-run defeat at the hands of the Warriors. De Wet rearranged the stumps of Liam Lindsey (20) with his very first delivery of the match in the 12th over. It was also the first wicket of the Warriors to fall.

The Dolphins were restricted to 83 runs thanks to some good bowling by Keagan Smith (4/28) and Jade de Klerk (3/17).

Kevin Pretorius (92) was the hero with his half-century in the VKB Knights’ victory of seven runs against CSA’s u17 Invitation side. He was run out in the 48th over by Justin Watson and wicketkeeper, Gavin Morris.

Scorecards: 

South Africa u19 281 (Rivaldo Moonsamy 81, Wiaan Mulder 46, Farhaan Sayanvala 39; Irfaan Hoosen 4/40); Unlimited Titans 122 (Ruan de Swardt 28, Irfaan Hoosen 27; Sean Whitehead 3/19, Dayyaan Galiem 2/26). South Africa u19 won by 159 runs.

Cape Cobras 197/8 (Muzammil Sheik 57, Reuben Fortune 37; Mitchell van Buuren 3/32); bizhub Highveld Lions 198/4 (Ruan Haasbroek 69, Ricardo Vasconcelos 45, Mitchell van Buuren 38*). bizhub Highveld Lions won by six wickets.

Warriors 236 (Liam Harrison 41, Bamanye Xengxe 34; Jean de Wet 6/54); Sunfoil Dolphins 83 (Tyron Koen 19; Keagan Smith 4/28, Jade de Klerk 3/17). Warriors won by 153 runs.

VKB Knights 233/9 (Kevin Pretorius 92, Philip Visser 41; Jason Niemand 2/17); CSA u17 Invitation 226/9 (Jason Niemand 64, Matthew Dicks 57; Niel Durow 3/31, Marno van Greuning 3/40). VKB Knights won by seven runs.