BNCC beat CBC on tough batting wicket
Benoni Northerns Cricket Club’s (BNCC) Premier XI picked up an important bonus point victory over rivals CBC Old Boys at Northern Areas in the Eastern Premier League on Sunday, March 5.
After the Benoni cricket derby (between Benoni Northerns Cricket Club (BNCC) and Actonville Spurs Cricket Club’s Premier XI) was – like all the fixtures in the Eastern Cricket Union – washed out the weekend prior, the team was hoping to find some rays of sunshine in their performance against the Boksburg-based outfit.
Skipper Mark Robey won the morning coin toss and elected to bowl first on a slow wicket (which has garnered some criticism from opposing teams this campaign).
Batting proved to be difficult on the Northerns deck and the CBC batsmen struggled to build partnerships as they were bowled out for 89 in 36.3 overs with some of their batsmen left feeling aggrieved following some questionable umpire decisions.
It was, however, the bowling performance of talented speedster Kundai “Gimu” Matigimu that stole the show.
The St Benedict’s College pupil produced what would turn out to be match-winning figures of 5/17 in 8.3 overs.
He was backed up well by slow left arm bowler Ernest Kemm (2/7 in six overs) and 16-year-old leg spinner WP Myburgh (2/16 in 10 overs).
Wicketkeeper Richard Thompson also enjoyed a terrific day with the gloves, taking six catches behind the stumps.
With the bat the BNCC willow-wielders also struggled as the CBC bowlers made good inroads into the Northerns batting order before lunch.
Opening batsman and Easterns captain Ernest Kemm (36 runs not out from 94 deliveries) showcased his composed ability to hold down an end while wickets fell on the other side.
He formed a vital post-lunch partnership with Robey (20) that helped contribute to the win.
Kemm and Lance Humphrey would take the team over the line in the 30th over to secure victory by three wickets.
Following the match Robey said: “The boys bowled really well and we were sharp in the field.
“Richard kept wicket well and young Gimu showed his class.
“We let ourselves down with the bat, but Ernie showed exactly why he is a first class cricketer by seeing us through to the finish.”
The match was BNCC’s final home game of the 2016/2017 campaign.
Their next match will be at Willowmoore Park B against Tembisa on Sunday, March 12.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
