Pacs United bags SWD T20 title

CRICKET NEWS - On Sunday 29 October, Pacaltsdorp United Cricket Club secured a resounding victory to claim the Six Gun Grill SWD T20 title, marking a triumphant turnaround from their runner-up status last season.

This win marks only their second T20 championship since their inaugural victory in the 2008/09 season.

Pacaltsdorp, along with the champions from Boland and Western Province, will engage in a thrilling triangular competition at the Bridgton Sport Grounds at the weekend of 25 and 26 November, vying for the Western Cape title and the coveted spot in the Cricket SA T20 Community Cup.

In the final showdown, Union Stars I took the batting crease first, but were held to a modest 101/8 in their allotted 20 overs, despite Breyton Plaatjies' valiant contribution of 53 runs from 54 balls, featuring seven boundaries.

Pacaltsdorp's bowlers, Hanno Kotzé (2/16), Warren Bell (2/22) and Matthew Thorne (2/24), each bagged two crucial wickets to stifle Union Stars' innings.

Pacaltsdorp United's Blayde Capell led the charge with an exceptional unbeaten 71* off just 33 balls, including four sixes and seven boundaries. He was ably supported by Randy Wesso, who remained unbeaten at 22* off 54 balls. Together, they formed an unbreakable opening partnership that steered Pacaltsdorp to a resounding victory, reaching their target in only 14,3 overs.

Elridge Booysen, the captain of Union Stars I (right), received the trophy as runners-up of the SWD T20 knock-out competition from Michael Eksteen.

The summarised score card is:

Union Stars I vs Pacaltsdorp United

Union Stars I 101/8 (20 overs) (Breyton Plaatjies 53, Hanno Kotzé 2/16, Warren Bell 2/22, Matthew Thorne 2/24)

Pacaltsdorp United 103/0 - 14,3 overs (Blayde Capell 71*, Randy Wesso 22*)

Pacaltsdorp United won by 10 wickets.

The victorious team of Pacaltsdorp United. Back from left: Randy Wesso, JT Richards, Arend Visser, Heath Richards, Blady Capell, Hanno Kotzé and Pieter Stuurman. Middle: Ricardo Majola and Warren Bell. Front: Bradley Carolus, Liyabona Malife, Lee-Roy Bredenkamp (captain), Franco Geldenhuys and Matthew Thorne.