BATTING aces Simon Savides and Daryl Hattingh put on a record second wicket stand of 150 runs for the Empangeni Sports Club (ESC) in a First Division 24 Over League promotion/relegation game played against Mancosa Empangeni Rugby Club (MERC) on Saturday at Addison Park.
ESC had a run of bad luck in the First Division, finishing bottom of the log, whilst MERC dominated in the Second Division, winning the title and the right to challenge for promotion.
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Savides reached his ton (109) before his leg stump was removed by pace bowler Shawn Booth, smashing one six and 14 fours during his stay in the middle.
Hattingh smashed 53 before being run out. He worked harder for his runs, only managing four fours in his innings.
‘Hats off to two talented cricketers who proved their worth with a master class performance today,’ said ESC captain Dewald Wessels.
Rugby Club captain Piet Pieterse won the toss and elected to work with the cherry first.
ESC put on 215/8 in their allotted 24 overs, thanks to Savides and Hattingh.
Pace bowler Shawn Booth picked up three scalps for 48 runs in 6 overs, with Warren Graff ending with figures of 2/37 in 5.
‘I am very happy with the total we set, as we can defend it on this type of surface. Having a powerful
bowling arsenal, it will be tough for the rugby club to make the required runs,’ said Wessels at the end of his side’s innings.
Booth opened the batting for the rugby club and spearheaded the chase, top scoring with 37 before running himself out at the bowler’s end.
Once Booth was removed, the rugby club innings crumbled to 122 all out.
Left arm orthodox spinner Stephan Joubert (3/17 in 4) and spinner Chad Neuhoff (3/20 in 4) did most of the damage for the sports club.
‘We are happy to remain in the First Division We definitely look to improve next season,’ Wessels said.
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