Marks Park beats Old Parks in Central Gauteng Lions League game

It was almost a perfect game for Marks Park Cricket Club’s U11 A team as they crushed a local rival in their last Central Gauteng Lions League game of the year.

The win was the Emmarentia club’s second out of four games so far in the season, with the league to continue in January.

Marks Park hosted Old Parks Cricket Club’s U11 B team on a hot 1 December with not a cloud in sight.

The visitors won the toss and, following their good form in recent games, opted to bowl first.

It turned out to be a poor choice as the home batsmen did not waste any time scoring runs in the 25-over game.

Mikaeel Garda (48 not out off 41 balls) and Bilal Varachia (41 off 43 balls) put the visiting bowlers to the sword and lifted Marks Park to 194/2 at the break.

Marks Park coach, Rizwan Adam said it was the strong partnerships in the innings that ultimately led to the win. He only rued the two run-outs that occurred as being unnecessary.

The home bowlers then followed this up with another impressive display, Laylaa Whyte being the chief destructor by taking 4/7 in three overs.

Old Parks collapsed early on, with four batsmen scoring ducks.

Only Emily Walker who, batting at number seven, scored 50 runs not out off 54 balls to offer some resistance.

Old Parks were bowled out for 93 in 16.5 overs, giving Marks Park a 101-run win.

“It was a good all-round performance, we will just work on our running between the wickets and calling before the next game in January,” said Adam

Old Parks coach, Deepak Arjun, said there was much to be learned from the match, including how to bat defensively and against attacking fast bowling.

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