THANKS to a superb century by Simon Savides, KZN Coastal Districts easily saw off Limpopo in a Cricket South Africa Rural League match played at Addison Park on Saturday.
Batting first, the local side lost an early wicket and Savides took to the crease at number three with the score at 13/1.
Never in trouble, he constructed a magnificently patient innings, playing a full spectrum of coaching manual shots to all parts of the field.
This included a number of excellent reverse sweeps and a couple of Dilshan scoops as he went to three figures off 124 balls.
On the way to the ton, he featured in healthy partnerships of 38 with skipper Eugene Zwart (17) and 112 with Ruan van Rensburg (36 run out).
Once past his milestone, Savides threw caution to the wind and was bowled on 105 in the 46th over with the score on 199.
Thoughtfully crafted and grafted, this was one of the best knocks played at this ground for a number of seasons – one of precision rather than power.
His contribution allowed the big hitters to make merry as the 50-over innings neared the close and Freedom Buthelezi (35 not out) and Dale van der Merwe (11 not out) sped the final tally to an impressive 245/5.
The target was always going to be too much for the visitors, and they slumped to a dismal 88 all out in just 34.2 overs, a massive 178 run defeat.
Other than Ben Skade (22) there was little resistance as they succumbed up front to the pace of Buthelezi (3/16) and Van der Merwe (2/21).
Imthiaz Hatiya and Philani Cuambe also bagged a brace with the ball, with Ruan van Rensburg grabbing the other wicket for Coastals.
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