League cricket action at Lahee Park

PINETOWN Cricket Club’s first XI returned to the field after a two-week break since the conclusion of the Castle Premier T20, losing to Topham at Lahee Park by three wickets in their first fixture of the 2015/16 league.

After Topham won the toss and opted to field first, a disappointing batting display saw the hosts bowled out for just 120 inside 32 overs. Despite 39 by skipper, Tim Spence, and chip-ins from Grant Oliver (22) and Nick Tatham (25), Gagan Sodhi’s four wickets ripped the heart out of Pinetown’s top and middle order.

With the game unlikely to go the full 50 overs in the second innings, Pinetown needed to take early wickets and successfully managed to bag a brace before the lunch break that offered a glimmer of hope.

Pinetown’s quartet of spinners looked to make a fist of things in the turning conditions and a good effort in the field saw Pinetown grab seven of Topham’s wickets; however, with little to defend, the Highway outfit finally succumbed.

PCC’s second XI combined for a more dominant display as they overcame Berea Rovers second XI by six wickets to clinch their fourth consecutive victory and claim second place on the Premier League Reserves log after five rounds.

Having lost the toss and with the sun baking a pitch that enjoyed a thick covering of grass, the fielding unit made Rovers work hard for their runs.

Opening bowlers, Ruben Naicker (4/26) and Philip Wilson (3/36), took a wicket each at the top of the innings before a lengthy partnership put Rovers in a commanding position after 30 overs.

Spinners, Michael Harvey and Robert Colepeper, did well to keep the scoring under control before the opening bowlers returned to clean up the tail as Rovers ended 226 all out.

The batting unit ensured that the result was never in any doubt as Michael Harvey (59*) and Gareth Wesselman (49) combined to shut out any hope of a Rovers upset.

Despite a spirited batting performance by top scorer, Matthew Kimber (59*), PCC’s third XI lost their fixture against Harlequins.

Despite a number of Pinetown’s bowlers getting in the wickets column, the boys in green could not stop Harlequins from chasing their target of 148 inside 23 overs.

The coming weekend’s action sees Pinetown’s first XI take on Delta at Lahee Park on Sunday, 8 November and the second XI are in action against Chatsworth Sporting at Forest Hills. Pinetown’s thirds play Phoenix at Lahee Park 2 while the fourth XI enjoy their clash against Simplex on Saturday, 7 November.

Any senior men’s cricketers wishing to join the club can contact James on 083 452 0930, women cricketers can contact Cynthia on 083 941 3324 and juniors can contact Carmen on 082 883 3505. For further details, visit the club website www.pinetowncc.co.za or follow us on www.facebook.com/pinetowncc.