GEORGE CRICKET NEWS - The Nelson Mandela University George Campus became the South Western Districts Premier League champion for the second time when they defeated George by four wickets in the final that was played at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn on Sunday. The George students secured a place in the final after they defeated the defending champions, Union Stars, by 12 runs in a nail-biting low-scoring encounter at the Bridgton Sports Grounds on Saturday.
NMU, who posted 104 (all out), restricted Union Stars to 92 thanks to a brilliant spin bowling performance by Joshua Klue (4/9) and Joshua de Ponte (3/15).
It was the first time in a decade that Union Stars, who played in 10 consecutive finals of which they have won nine, did not reach the final.
In the final, George posted 148 (all out) with Obus Pienaar (48) the best contributor with the bat. His run-out, however, was a turning point in the innings.
NMU had an uphill battle in their run chase but a 60-wicket partnership between Todd Walker (44*) and Joshua Klue (29) for the 6th wicket made them champions for the second time since 2013/14.
SWD and George all-rounder Obus Pienaar top-scored with 48 runs in the finals of the SWD Premier Cricket League against NMU in Oudtshoorn last Sunday. He also took 2/18 with the ball. His run-out was a turning point in the innings. The students were crowned the new Premier League champions after winning the final by four wickets. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys
The 17-year old Heath Richards (29) played an impressive innings under huge pressure.
The George students will now, together with the winners of Western Province and Boland, play in a round robin series of matches from 29 to 31 March to determine the representative from the Western Cape for the Cricket SA Momentum National Championships that will be hosted in Pretoria from 13 to 17 April.
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