Pirates clean sweep for cricket match

Pirates Cricket Club could not have asked for a better finish to their season in their final game of the Premier A League.

The Greenside outfit struggled with the bat throughout Gauteng’s top cricket league, but it all came together for them to deliver Alexandra Cricket Club a 262-run thrashing on 8 April.

Both sides had it all to play for in their last game but on a sunny Sunday, Alex won the toss and made the mistake of choosing to bowl first on Pirate’s home ground, and on a good batting track.

Opening batsman, Gideon Richter blasted boundaries on both sides of the wicket to amass 140 runs off 105 balls and lay the foundation for his side’s 312/8 off their 50 overs.

The Alex side’s confidence was shot and lethal bowling at the front of the Pirates lineup did not help. Opening paceman, and team coach, Matt Parr grabbed 5/18 in his eight overs, as Alex was bowled out for a mere 50.

“It was their [Alexandra’s] first season in the Premier A league and they were a bit inexperienced,” said Parr, though he admitted his side played brilliantly with bat and ball.

Pirates had found themselves 10th out of 12 teams in the league before the game, thanks to inconsistent batting and frequent team changes because of players becoming unavailable throughout the season.

The results from the league’s final games are still being tabulated by officials but the big win may see Pirates move up some distance.

“Pirates has been in the Premier A League since its beginning and we have always been competitive,” added Parr.

The club will now have a break until pre-season training and friendlies in August, and then league games in October.

Also read: Momentum key for Pirates Cricket Club’s chances at President’s League 

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