Merensky Landbou Akademie was crowned the champion of the Limpopo Schools SA20 after a tight tussle with a fired-up Phalaborwa Hub on Saturday, 9 November.
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The side from Phalaborwa had its tail up after an impressive performance in the second of the semi-finals earlier that morning.
They rolled Giyani Hub for a meagre 43, with Lesley Zimba returning a remarkable three wickets for only eight runs. Talenta Ndlovu snapped up a further three while conceding only 15 runs from his four-over spell. Ripfumelo Mabunda made another significant contribution, sending two Giyani batsmen back to the pavilion.
After that strong bowling performance, the Phalaborwa batsmen didn’t have too much to do, although Marcus Ngobeni looked solid in scoring an unbeaten 16 runs coming from just 12 deliveries as they advanced to the final.
The Phalaborwa bowlers continued their good form in the title decider. This time, Rivoningo Chauke hit his straps. Chauke, who’ll be playing for the Limpopo Impala side at the Khaya Majola Week in December, did the bulk of the damage, capturing three quick wickets for only nine runs from his four overs.
It, however, came as no surprise that it was Merensky’s top performers over the last couple of months, JP Botha and Rinaldo Bornman, who steered the Plasie ship to safety. Botha led the charge with another exciting innings. Smashing three sixes and one four, the wicketkeeper/batsman took the game to the Phalaborwa bowlers, striking an unbeaten 43 from 35 balls.
Bornman also played a little gem, contributing 27 runs, while some good running between the wickets by the pair led to them combining nicely for a crucial and match-winning partnership of 48 runs. Their stand helped Merensky to an average total of 121/6 from their 20 overs, but it gave them something to defend.
Phalaborwa Hub found the going tough out in the middle. Bornman tied them down with his off-spin, snaring 3/14, while the right-arm medium pacer, Xander Schoeman, claimed two timely wickets at the top of the order.
Benjie Mathebela, with 19, was the Phalaborwa Hub’s top scorer, but they came up well short, tumbling to a disappointing 75 all out, 46 runs short of the Merensky total.
Summarised scorecards
Semi-Final TwoÂ
Giyani Hub 43/10 (Thabiso Silinda 12; Lesley Zimba 3/8, Talenta Ndlhovy 3/15, Ripfumelo Mabynda 2/5); Phalaborwa Hub 45/1 (Marcus Ngobeni 16*; Ntshovelo Mkhavele 1/17). Phalaborwa Hub won by nine wickets.
Final
Merensky 121/6 (JP Botha 43*, Rinaldo Bornman 27; Rivoningo Chauke 3/9, Ripfumelo Mabynda 2/22); Phalaborwa Hub 75/10 (Benjie Mathebela 19; Rinaldo Bornman 3/14, Xander Schoeman 2/20). Merensky won by 45 runs.
Franco is a sports fanatic from Tzaneen, a small town in Limpopo. Obsessed with both cricket and rugby, he still does the sport at club level when given the chance. Combining the rush of sports with his other passion, writing, gives him the fix any sport-crazy fan needs. In his spare time, he spends quality time with family and friends, preferably around a braaivleis fire.
Franco Oberholzer
ssschoolsplus.co.za
