Day 6 report from the NCU Development tour to South Africa
Ian Johnston
On a swelteringly hot day without a sign of the usual cooling breeze the decision to play two T20 games proved to be an inspired one. With the U18 match first on at 10.30am the U15s had the chance to visit the D&P bat making facility nearby and the U18s were able to repeat the visit in the afternoon.
Photo right shows Craig Irvine receiving a St. Augustine’s cap for Best Performer in the U18 match (© Ian Johnston).
On the field the U18s looked to be dominating the match at an early stage as the opposition struggled against the seamers. Indeed it was only a generous sprinkling of extras that kept the scoreboard ticking over. Craig Irvine with off-spin was at his economical best taking 2 for 5 in his quota of 4 overs and only a flurry of late hitting took the home side to a better than expected 117.
With Sam Gordon going without scoring and number 3 Marcus McClean for 6 the reply was in some trouble at 13 for 2. However Craig Irvine (32) put on 43 with Aaron Johnston (16) and when they departed it was Jack Burton and Paddy Beverland both unbeaten on 22 who saw the Knights home by 6 wickets with over two overs to spare.
At St. Augustine’s CC:
St. Augustine’s CC – 115-6 (20 overs) G Munien 29, C Irvine 2-5, M Topping 2-24
NCU Northern Knights U18 – 117-4 (17.3 overs) C Irvine 32, C Elliott 2-29
NCU Knights U18s beat St. Augustine’s CC by 6 wickets.
In the Under 15 match it was back to earth for both Jonathan Waite and Max Burton who both scored half-centuries retired in the last match. Today it was 0 and 4 respectively and it was left to Bradley McNamara to battle it out to ensure the total reached the century.
Photo right shows John Glass receiving a St. Augustine’s cap for Best Performer in the U15 match (© Ian Johnston).
St. Augustine’s in reply never really got going and John Glass bowling 4 overs, 3 maidens, 1 wicket for 2 runs ensured that the chase was never going to succeed. When the overs ran out the 88-5 total meant that the NCU were 13 run winners.
At St. Augustine’s CC:
NCU Northern Knights U18 – 101-9 (20 overs) B McNamara 20
St. Augustine’s CC – 88-5 (20 overs) I Mohammed 26*, J Glass 4-3-2-1
NCU Knights U15s beat St. Augustine’s CC by 13 runs.
Tomorrow’s games are against the Western Province Cricket Association Cricket Academy.
The Under 15s play on the Main Square at WPCC while the Under 18s are at the Vineyard Oval.