CRICKET NEWS - Pacaltsdorp United Cricket Club has ended its season on a perfect note as it claimed its third SWD Cricket Premier League title in four seasons.
They outplayed Sussex in the final at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn on Saturday 18 April with a convincing 60-run victory.
The final had been delayed by a formal dispute, lodged by Knysna Cavaliers, in which the arbitrator ruled in favour of SWD Cricket.
Heavy overnight rain resulted in a delayed start after the ground staff worked tirelessly to ensure a contest. In a match that was reduced to 37 overs per batting team, Pacaltsdorp won the toss and opted to bat first.
Two significant partnerships produced important performances - 56 runs for the second wicket between Anaxolo Khitshini (top runs scorer with 47) and Bradley Carolus, and 46 runs for the eighth wicket, when Pacaltsdorp were in trouble at 114/7, between Enathi Khitshini (28) and the captain, Matthew Thorne.
With a defendable total of 169, Sussex was never threatened with a successful run chase. Enathi’s spin bows were unplayable and claimed 3/9 in eight overs. Three brilliant run-out dismissals also resulted in Sussex being dismissed in the 35th over for only 109 runs - for a defeat of 60 runs.
Sussex was desperate to break a drought of 27 years since they last won the Petersen Trophy, while Pacaltsdorp has had a perfect season.
Their men’s team has won both the 50-over premier league competition and T20 challenge, while their women’s team has won both the division 1 50-over competition and T20 trophy.
The match was unfortunately spoilt when one of the Sussex players, Randle Otto, stormed onto the field to express his dissatisfaction with an umpire’s decision. He is likely to face a disciplinary charge.
Andrew Jantjies, SWDC’s non-independent director, hands the Petersen Trophy over to Matthew Thorne, the captain of Pacaltsdorp United. Photo: SWD Cricket
Summarised scorecard
Pacaltsdorp United 169 all out - 36 overs (Anaxolo Khitshini 47, Enathi Khitshini 28, Warren Bell 21, Franco Geldenhuys 3/33, Keano Witbooi 3/35, Ravin-Lee Kemmies 3/34). Sussex 109 all out - 34.5 overs (Johandré Barnard 19, Nathan Engelbrecht 19, Enathi Khitshini 3/9).
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