Cavaliers soar to semi-finals of SWD T20 competition

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CRICKET NEWS - For the first time in the club's history, the Knysna Cavaliers have qualified for the semi-finals of the SWD T20 Competition, courtesy of a win over George Cricket Club last weekend.

The two clubs locked horns at Loerie Park in Knysna on Saturday 29 October, with defending champions George hoping to continue defending their title.

In other club competitions during the weekend, Cavaliers' third team faced Pirates' second team on Saturday and Cavaliers' second team played against Plett Pioneers' second team on Sunday – both matches were played in the SWD Reserve League.

Cavaliers A vs George A

Home team captain JP Ellis won the toss, and sent his Cavaliers troops in to bat first. A crucial 85-run partnership between Johan Smal and Keenan Vieira helped Cavaliers reach 135-4 in 20 overs. Smal top-scored with 62 while Vieira scored 28. George's best bowler was Sintu Majiza, who took two wickets for 21 runs in three overs.

George's run chase got off to a great start, with Franco Geldenhuys blitzing his way to 54 runs. But, once his wicket fell, the George batting line-up was unable to take on from where he left off and the defending champions were bowled out for 118 runs.

Quinton Visagie starred with the ball for the Cavaliers, taking five wickets for 21 runs in 3,3 overs. This handed Cavaliers a 17-run win, and secured their spot in the SWD T20 Competition semi-final for the first time.

They will face Harlequins Forces in Oudtshoorn this Saturday, and if they win will play the final on Sunday.

Pirates B vs Cavaliers C

It was the home team that won the toss again, with Pirates captain Tyler Bezuiden-hout choosing to bowl this time. It proved to be the right decision as Cavaliers lost a few crucial early wickets before Chad Walker (28 runs) and Warren Webster (65 runs) steadied the ship to help them reach 135 all out. Trevano Thorne and Jashwin Pietersen both took three wickets for Pirates.

Pirates' run chase also got off to a rocky start but thanks to Bezuidenhout (26 not out), Jashwin Pietersen (23 runs) and top-scorer Trevano Thorne (42 runs), they managed to work their way to a six-wicket victory. Walker and Webster took a wicket each for Cavaliers.

Cavaliers B vs Pioneers B

Pioneers captain Lumko Maart decided to bowl first. This worked in his favour as the Cavaliers soon found themselves in trouble losing three early wickets. However, Blake Linder top-scored with 28 runs and with help from Jared du Plessis (17 not out) got Cavaliers to 97 all out. Anschwill Windvogel was Pioneers' top bowler, taking four wickets for 24 runs in eight overs.

PHOTO GALLERY: SWD T20 Competition at Loerie Park

Pioneers' run chase never really got into gear but still had enough momentum to cause concern for the Cavaliers. Duane Olivier top-scored with 25 not out for Pioneers while Windvogel (14 runs) and Gwyn Lewis (13 runs) also contributed before they were bowled out for 83, earning Cavaliers a narrow 14-run triumph. Bradley Booysen was Cavaliers' star bowler, taking five wickets for only nine runs in five overs.

Werner Mels. Photo: Amanda du Plessis