Wanderers suffers setback
ILLOVO – Wanderers was three points behind league leaders before the six-wicket loss.
Wanderers Cricket Club suffered a setback in their title chase of the Gauteng Cricket Board SA2 League.
Warm weather and open skies greeted the players on 23 February as Wanderers, who was third on the log, prepared for a tough match at home against Roodepoort Cricket Club.
Wanderers won the toss and chose to bat first. The home side had a great run rate at the start but once Muhammad Mehtar (24 runs off 15 balls) went out in the fourth over, they found themselves on 30/2.
A 66-run partnership between brothers Zaid and Aneeq Patel stabilised the innings and appeared to set a foundation for a good score. When Zaid departed with a well-played 43 off 41 (which included six fours and one six), no one would have imagined that his would be the best individual score of the innings.
Wickets fell regularly after this and Aneeq’s 31 off 59 balls became the team’s second-highest individual score as they capitulated to 159 all out in 31.2 overs.
“The Patel brothers can be considered as stalwarts of the club, and have been consistent run scorers for numerous Wanderers teams over many years,” said the club’s chairperson, Frank Auger. “They both can chip in with the ball too when needed.”
Roodepoort’s opening batsmen came in firing and scored 44 runs in 8.1 overs before the first wicket fell. Aneeq enjoyed some success with the ball as he took 2/29 in his seven overs. But it was not enough. Roodepoort reached the target in 24.4 overs, winning by six wickets.
“Before Saturday’s game the SA2 team was third on the log, only three points behind the leaders, Crescents Cricket Club,” added Auger. “So the loss was a definite setback to their league-winning aspirations.”
Auger said the side would next play against Old Edwardians Cricket Club which is seen as a local derby.
Wanderers has four teams playing in the Sunday leagues (Premier A, President’s A and B and SU1) and four teams in the Saturday leagues (SA2, two teams in the SA3, and Women’s League).
“All the teams this season have been competitive and are well placed in the top half of their respective leagues.”
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