Quins host T20 games
Umbilo Harlequins Cricket Club took on two teams on Sunday to start the season.
AFTER a six month autumn and winter interlude, league cricket matches got underway at Umbilo Harlequins Cricket Club at the weekend.
Harlequins’ top team had two consecutive home T20 matches at the Harlequins main oval on Sunday, 30 September. Quins fielded first in their match against Railways from Tongaat. Right arm wrist spinner Dieter Liebenberg was instrumental in restricting the Tongaat-based team to 130 runs by virtue of capturing three wickets for 19 runs in four overs. Railways were 130 runs for the loss of six wickets after 20 overs.
For Quins, Daniel Smuts compiled a flawless undefeated innings comprising 51 runs. Kevin Kettle upped the impetus with a rapid innings of 30 runs inclusive of some deft sweep strokes and an on drive way over the clubhouse. Quins lost just five wickets when surpassing Railways’ target in the very beginning of the eighteenth over. Quins won by five wickets.
At 1pm the team versed Hillary Malvern in a disappointing match. A zesty innings of 30 runs by Momedthala Motala inclusive of some firm cover drives off the back foot and 36 exquisite runs by Faiyas Safri got Quins through to a barely defendable total of just 113 runs, being dismissed in 18, 1 overs. Medium paced seam bowler Faiyas Safri dismissed three opposition batsmen for 22 runs in four overs and another effective spell by Dieter Liebenberg of four overs, two wickets for just 16 runs. However despite these two meaningful contributions, Hillary Malvern surpassed the target with one over remaining, winning by four wickets.
The club’s fourth team played a division four match against Merebank at Harlequins 2 on Sunday afternoon. Merebank mustered up 107 runs for two wickets in 30 overs. Quins’ most successful batsman was opener Sylvester Sauli who scored 26 runs. Victory for Quins’ fourth team was achieved with one over to spare and three wickets in hand.
Most leagues will start on 5 and 6 October. Practice for seniors will be at the Harlequins cricket nets from 4pm on Tuesdays and at 4pm on Fridays for juniors.
The club invites all junior players from the age of 10 years to these Friday coaching sessions. Official youth league matches will start on Sunday, 6 October. Contact Ernest on 031 467 3270.
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