Tag: VKB Knights

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Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned…

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Liam Alder Named Overall SACA MVP for Domestic Division 2

Following the completion of all domestic fixtures, Liam Alder of the Garden Route Badgers finished at the top of the…

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TWELVE YEARS OF RESEARCH-BASED PLAYER SERVICE

Over the past 12 years, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has cemented its dedication to evidence-based practice through a…

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Debutants lead VKB Knights to victory

VKB Knights debutants, Gerald Coetzee and Shaun von Berg, bowled the VKB Knights to victory in the opening match of the 2019/20 4-Day Domestic Series against Warriors in Kimberley.
The 19-year-old Coetzee, who was making his First-Class debut, grabbed 4 wickets in the second innings of the match while the VKB Knights new signing, Shaun von Berg, claimed 2 wickets to help limit warriors to 180 all out, thereby securing a 255-run victory for the home side.
The pair combined to share 12 wickets between them in the match, with Von Berg being named Player of the Match for his 6 wickets as well as the half-century (61)* he scored in the second innings.
The VKB Knights captain Pite van Biljon (95) and the 2018/19 4-Day Franchise Series leading run-scorer Keegan Petersen (84) shared a 3rd wicket 176-run partnership to help the home side set a commanding target of 436 runs for Warriors.


Mbulelo Budaza was also impressive with his bowling, grabbing 3 wickets in the first innings, including important wickets of Rudi Second and Jon-Jon Smuts, and 2 wickets in the second innings.
Head coach of the VKB Knights, Alan Kruger, was more than pleased with how his side played in their first match of the season and is proud of how the whole team came together.
“It is very exciting to get off the mark in the first game, it is every coach and every team’s dream and we are all happy with the result,” commented Kruger.
“I am very impressed with how Gerald Coetzee started his First-Class career. He came with energy and ran in to bowl with energy. Shaun von Berg was also very impressive. He executed his job excellently,” said the winning coach.
The VKB Knights face off against Hollywoodbets Dolphins in their second match of the season on Monday, 14 October, at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

VKB Knights debutants, Gerald Coetzee and Shaun von Berg, bowled the VKB Knights to victory in the opening match of the 2019/20 4-Day Domestic Series against Warriors in Kimberley.

The 19-year-old Coetzee, who was making his First-Class debut, grabbed 4 wickets in the second innings of the match while the VKB Knights new signing, Shaun von Berg, claimed 2 wickets to help limit warriors to 180 all out, thereby securing a 255-run victory for the home side.

The pair combined to share 12 wickets between them in the match, with Von Berg being named Player of the Match for his 6 wickets as well as the half-century (61)* he scored in the second innings.

The VKB Knights captain Pite van Biljon (95) and the 2018/19 4-Day Franchise Series leading run-scorer Keegan Petersen (84) shared a 3rd wicket 176-run partnership to help the home side set a commanding target of 436 runs for Warriors.

Mbulelo Budaza was also impressive with his bowling, grabbing 3 wickets in the first innings, including important wickets of Rudi Second and Jon-Jon Smuts, and 2 wickets in the second innings.

Head coach of the VKB Knights, Alan Kruger, was more than pleased with how his side played in their first match of the season and is proud of how the whole team came together.

“It is very exciting to get off the mark in the first game, it is every coach and every team’s dream and we are all happy with the result,” commented Kruger.

“I am very impressed with how Gerald Coetzee started his First-Class career. He came with energy and ran in to bowl with energy. Shaun von Berg was also very impressive. He executed his job excellently,” said the winning coach.

The VKB Knights face off against Hollywoodbets Dolphins in their second match of the season on Monday, 14 October, at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

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VERREYNNE STEERS COBRAS TO VICTORY AGAINST THE KNIGHTS

A masterclass maiden century by Kyle Verreynne anchored a superb chase by the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras as they edged out the VKB  Knights by three wickets for their first win of the Momentum One-Day Cup season in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

The young right-hander carved out an unbeaten 114 from 119 balls (12 fours) as the visitors chased down 283 with three deliveries to spare.

His hugely mature innings, which well surpassed his previous best of 84, came after his side had slipped to 15 for three, but the 21-year-old shared in three 50 plus partnerships that dragged his side out of trouble and to the first win of their 2018/19 campaign.

Earlier there were three half-centurions for the home side that lifted them to a competitive 282 for six. Andries Gous (60 off 79 balls, 7 fours), Keegan Petersen (52 off 75 balls, 1 fours, 2 sixes) and Ryan McLaren (56 off 56 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) all shone for the Central franchise after they had won the toss and elected to bat first at the Mangaung Oval.

Grant Mokoena (20) and Gous put on 57 for the first wicket, while there were 71 added by the third-wicket pair of Petersen and McLaren, who was promoted to bat at four.

The in-form Petersen then added a further 49 with captain Pite van Biljon (25), before Patrick Kruger’s late flourish of 39 from 19 balls gave the home side a competitive total.

Akhona Mnyaka was the pick of the bowlers with two for 61.

Marchant de Lange (three for 45) and Mbulelo Budaza (one for 33) then knocked over the top three of the Cobras for next to nothing, bringing Verreynne to the middle in only the fourth over of the chase. He then went on to bat for more than 45 overs, first sharing a partnership of 83 with Jason Smith (40) for the fourth wicket.

Aviwe Mgijima (38) brought more support after the dismissal of the latter with a 69-run fifth-wicket partnership, while 21 by George Linde helped keep the momentum going after the next wicket fell.

Dane Piedt then played a vital hand with his 36, which enabled the Cobras to bolster their total by another 67 for the seventh wicket and, even after the skipper fell, the victory was in sight for Verreynne.

Dane Paterson helped add the finishing touches – the visitors getting home in the final over.

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PETERSEN GETS TWO CAREER BEST TONS IN ONE MATCH

A second successive career-best score in the same match by Keegan Petersen completed an excellent draw for the VKB Knights against the log-leading World Sports Betting Cape Cobras on the final day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter in Bloemfontein on Monday.

The right-hander, who hit 161 in the first innings, went four runs better second time round by amassing an unbeaten 165 (261 balls, 18 fours, 2 sixes) as the hosts lost just one day-four wicket at the Mangaung Oval.

There was also a century for captain Pite van Biljon, the 17th of his career after he struck 105 off 138 balls (11 fours, 3 sixes) and shared in an unbroken third-wicket stand that was worth a fixture record 213.

The Knights eventually ended on 360 for two when the skipper shook hands with opposite number Dane Piedt, whose side remained comfortably ahead of the pack at the top of the standings.

The Central Franchise started the final day on 135 for one and there was hope for the visitors early on when Raynard van Tonder was bowled by Simon Khomari for 57 (126 balls, 9 fours) with only 12 added to the overnight total.

But that was as good as it got for the Cape side as Petersen, who completed his 13th and 14th first-class tons in the game, and Van Biljon dug in.

The pair surpassed the previous best third-wicket partnerships in the fixture held by Van Biljon himself and Theunis de Bruyn of 109 (2016/17) and the 200 between Justin Ontong and Stiaan van Zyl (2012/13).

The end result left the Cobras just under 20 points ahead of the bizhub Highveld Lions at the summit, with the Knights in fourth place.

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VAN BILJON TO LEAD KNIGHTS IN 2018/19 SEASON

Pite van Biljon has been appointed as captain of the VKB Knights for the 2018/2019 season, across all formats.

“it gives us great pleasure to announce Pite van Biljon as the new captain of the VKB Knights”, commented Chief Executive of the VKB Knights, Johan van Heerden. Mr van Heerden believes Pite’s leadership skills and personality will bring positive change to the central region. “Pite has a fantastic track record. He has made great contributions in all the teams he has captained to win trophies”, said Mr van Heerden. “VKB Knights had an indifferent 2017/2018 season and the Board feels, with this appointment, the Knights will get back on track”, added Johan.

Chairperson of the Central Cricket Franchise, Ms Zola Thamae also expressed her excitement for this appointment. “We are excited that one of the players coming from our structures has been given an opportunity to lead. The players were given an opportunity to choose whom they want as captain so this was not a top-down decision. This goes to show how much support he has from both board members and the team”, commented Ms Thamae.

Pite played cricket in the central region growing up and Mr Johan van Heerden believes this will have a major impact in helping build the team. “As a local player, he understands values, culture and the fighting spirit of the central region. He has wonderful attributes to drive the values of the team. We are confident he will restore pride back in the team”, concluded Mr van Heerden.

“I am very excited and humbled by the opportunity to captain such a great team. I’m also very grateful to be part of Knights and the history that comes with this great region”, commented the newly appointed captain of the VKB Knights. “As captain, my goals are simple. I want to help create an unbreakable team spirit. I want to get the most out of every individual. I want us to play a brand of cricket that people from our region can and will be proud of and, lastly, I want us to give back to the community”, concluded Pite van Biljon.

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MORRIS SIX-FOR TAKES TITANS TO SUNFOIL SERIES TITLE

The Multiply Titans were crowned 2017/18 Sunfoil Series champions on Sunday after concluding a tense final round of rain-hit matches with a nervy four-wicket win over the VKB Knights in Centurion.

Chris Morris was their star performer with six for 55 that helped set up a low-scoring chase of 110, which the hosts knocked off with plenty of time to spare.

Mark Boucher’s side went into the final round of games in fourth place and as one of the teams with the slimmest of chances of claiming the four-day crown, but in the end finished the day with their fifth outright first-class title of the franchise era.

The Warriors, who had begun the round first, had to settle for runners-up, and the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras in third.

The final day, which was effectively the second day of the match after the opening two days had been washed out by rain, had started out with the Knights batting on 62 for three and still trailing by 38 in their second innings.

Both sides had faced 40 overs each in their first innings – the away side posting 169 for seven declared and the home side replying with 269 for three declared.

Captain Rudi Second top-scored with 76 (136 balls, 8 fours), with David Miller chipping in with 52 (70 balls, 8 fours), before Morris and Malusi Siboto (3/43) ripped through the middle and lower order to leave the Central franchise all out for 209.

It left a target of just over 100 to get, and despite Marchant de Lange grabbing three for 40, an important 43 from Heino Kuhn and 29 by Farhaan Behardien ensured the Titans got to their target midway through the final afternoon.

They then had to wait for the result of the bizhub Highveld Lions against the Cape Cobras Cobras – the latter needing to win in order to win the title – but as it played out, the Cape side fell to a nine-wicket loss handing the Titans the title.

It also capped another impressive season for Boucher’s side, who secured the double after their success in the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge.

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VAN DER DUSSEN FRUSTRATES KNIGHTS WITH ASSISTANCE OF THE RAIN

Rain and Rassie van der Dussen played a central role in helping the bizhub Highveld Lions escape from Kimberley with a draw from their Sunfoil Series round eight encounter against the VKB Knights on Sunday.

The weather meant that only 69 overs were possible on the final day at the Diamond Oval with the visitors reaching 194 for four in their second innings.

Right-hander Van der Dussen struck an unbeaten 64 (116 ball, 9 fours, 1 six) to lock up one end, before rain intervened and repeated what it did on day three when just 46.2 overs were sent down.

The Lions had begun the final day with the odds against them, a poor first-innings batting performance and an innings difference of 283.

Reeza Hendricks (16) fell cheaply, but there were then useful 30s from Stephen Cook (36), Omphile Ramela (36) and Dominic Hendricks (33) that helped frustrate the home side.

It was then the rain that arrived after tea further hampering the Knights as the Lions held on.

The result meant the Central Franchise moved on to 112.56 points on the table, with the bottom-of-the-table Gauteng side moving to 76.82 points. Only two rounds remain in the 2017/18 competition.

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KNIGHTS PICK UP THEIR FIRST WIN IN MODC

Rudi Second, Patrick Kruger, Grant Mokoena and Andries Gous all hit half-centuries as the VKB Knights ended their seven-match winless streak by beating the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras with a bonus point for their first victory of the Momentum One-Day Cup season in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

The hosts, who had lost five and tied two of their seven matches in 2017/18, were set up for victory after the quartet helped them amass a fixture record score of 320 for four – by far the highest score for the home side this season.

Eddie Leie and Mbulelo Budaza then shared seven wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 245 in 41.4 overs at the Mangaung Oval.

It completed a relieving win for the Central Franchise and kept their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive with two matches to play.

They lost the toss and were asked to bat first, but began well through Mokoena, who scored a franchise cricket best of 75 (96 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes).

David Miller was promoted to open the order but that experiment failed after he made eight, but Gous stepped up with 74 (87 balls, 8 fours) in what was his debut game.

After he departed it was the Second (78 off 58 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes) and Kruger (64 off 44, 3 fours, 3 sixes) show as they plundered a 135-run unbroken fifth wicket stand in just 12.5 overs.

The Cobras scored quickly in their reply, but lost wickets far too regularly as they fell to 136 just after the halfway stage.

Their highest scorer was Kyle Verreynne with his 54 (49 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes), but he was one of four wickets to fall to the spin of Leie (4/65), who last week conceded the most expensive figures in the history of the competition when he went for 90 in seven overs against the same opponents.

Budaza bagged three for 40 for good measure to lead the Knights to a timeous win.

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SUPERB CLOETE HELPS WARRIORS END POOR RUN

A thrilling career-best century by Gihahn Cloete helped the Warriors arrest a three-match losing slide with a 60-run victory over the VKB Knights in their Momentum One-Day Cup clash at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Tuesday.

The opener blasted 143 (128 balls, 25 fours, 1 six) as the men from the Eastern Cape amassed 335 for nine, before bowling out the hosts for 275 to complete a comfortable win – their first since round one.

Left-hander Cloete was the undoubted star, leading from the front to reach the first List A ton of his career, which surpassed the 85 he made for Griquas against North West in 2012/13.

The Warriors had won the toss and elected to bat first, but no other batsmen crossed even the half-century mark.

Debutant Marco Marais, who earlier this season made world headlines after he recorded the fastest ever triple century, struck a noteworthy 41 off 28 balls on his franchise debut, while Clyde Fortuin also hit 41.

Duanne Olivier was the pick of the Knights bowlers with four for 65.

However, there was no real challenge by the home side with the bat.

Keegan Petersen top-scored with 53 (58 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), with the rest of the top eight all making good starts with 20s and a 37 for Ryan McLaren.

The loss of regular wickets eventually proved to be their Achilles’ heel as they were dismissed in 49.1 overs.

Anrich Nortje (2/49), Sisanda Magala (2/54) and Ayabulela Gqamane (2/55) all picked up two wickets apiece as the hosts were left still searching for a first win.

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SACA CONGRATULATES SACA MVP 2016/17 WINNERS

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) today congratulated Warriors all-rounder, Colin Ackermann, on winning the SACA Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in franchise cricket for his performances over the three domestic competitions in the 2016/17 season. Ackermann finished on a total of 435, 207 points.

The SACA MVP domestic rankings lists the top performing franchise players competing in CSA’s domestic competitions. Players earn points, based on an internationally recognised formula used by several players’ associations around the world, for batting, bowling, fielding and for contribution to matches won by their team. Points are weighted across the different formats to ensure that critical performances in each match earn a player the appropriate number of points.

The overall SACA MVP Rankings combine a players’ performance in all three domestic competitions and are an indicator of consistency of performance through the season. Performances in a particular competition are also recognised in the SACA MVP Rankings relating to each of the Sunfoil Series (four days), Momentum One-Day Cup (50 overs) and CSA T20 Challenge (20 overs) competitions.

Following a very good start to the season, Ackermann’s consistency with both bat and ball earned the Warriors all-rounder a total of 1431 runs and 16 wickets in all competitions. Ackermann took the overall SACA MVP title, 34.129 points ahead of VKB Knights paceman Marchant de Lange, who finished second, with Robbie Frylinck from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins rounding out the top three.

“The SACA MVP is something all of us franchise cricketers strive to win because it measures every aspect of the game across the three domestic competitions. It is recognised by players as a measure of consistency throughout the season. I’m proud to have won this award but must also give some credit to my Warriors teammates in helping me to do it” said Ackermann.

The SACA MVP rankings also focus on performances in each particular competition. VKB Knights opening bowler Duanne Olivier, clinched the top spot in the four-day Sunfoil Series rankings, finishing with 52 wickets in 8 matches. Simon Harmer and Marchant de Lange finished in second and third respectively on the Sunfoil rankings.

Jon-Jon Smuts was a runaway winner of the Momentum One-Day Cup rankings. The all-rounder scored 581 runs at an average of 52.81, and picked up 14 wickets in the competition. Multiply Titans openers Aiden Markram and Henry Davids both enjoyed very successful campaigns and ended in 2nd and 3rd place on the Momentum rankings respectively.

Smuts (169.616), finished 36.053 points ahead of 2nd placed Colin Ackermann, and 41.794 points ahead of 3rd placed Hardus Viljoen in the CSA T20 Challenge Rankings. Smuts finished as the leading run-scorer in the competition scoring 371 runs in 11 matches.

“I’d like to congratulate Colin on winning the overall SACA MVP,” said SACA chief executive, Tony Irish. “To achieve the top spot a player has to perform for his franchise pretty much week in and week out throughout the season and he has done exactly that.”

“I would also like to congratulate Jon-Jon and Duanne for leading the way in each of the domestic competitions. There were some pretty impressive individual performances from a number of players this season. Henry Davids’ 673 runs (8 matches) in the Momentum One-Day Cup and Duanne Olivier’s 52 wickets (8 matches) in the Sunfoil Series deserve special mention. Well done also to the entire Titans squad for winning the Momentum One-Day Cup and the CSA T20 Challenge and to the Knights squad for taking the Sunfoil Series.”

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WARRIORS CLENCH VICTORY OVER KNIGHTS

Colin Ingram ended a sequence of four consecutive single-digit scores with a Man of the Match performance, scoring 83 in the qualifier to help Warriors beat the VKB Knights by 18 runs and seal a spot in the final of the Momentum One Day Cup.

Ingram came into bat early, with Warriors captain JJ Smuts falling in the seventh over after electing to bat. He put on 104 for the second wicket with opener Gihahn Cloete, who scored his fourth fifty of the season, a 103-ball 60. Ingram added a further 75 for the third wicket with Colin Ackerman (37) before falling to Marchant de Lange, to set Warriors up for the final six overs. They lost regular wickets in that phase – four in total – but added 52 to end with 249 in 50 overs.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje removed Knights opener Rudi Second in the 11th over, and his partner Tumelo Bodibe (40) in the 17th. The Knights had put on 70 by that point, and a 110-run stand between Keegan Petersen and David Miller (52) for the third wicket brought them within 70 runs of a victory with nine overs to go. The bowling side then strangled Knights after Miller’s wicket, conceding only 40 off the next 48 balls. Even the settled Petersen couldn’t keep their chase alive, eventually falling at the end of the 49th over with the score on 220, having faced 117 balls for his 83.

Medium-pacers Andrew Birch (2-52) and Basheer Walters (1-36) bowled during that final phase, supported by the left-arm spin of Smuts, who conceded 30 runs in seven overs, and took a wicket.

The Warriors will face the Multiply Titans in Centurion on Friday 31 March for the Momentum One Day Cup Final.

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KNIGHTS EDGE PAST DOLPHINS IN TENSE THRILLER

The VKB Knights will host the Momentum One-Day Qualifier on Sunday after they beat the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in a low-scoring thriller at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday night.

In a see-saw affair, the visitors made heavy work of a modest 205 target and had to rely on an unbeaten last wicket stand of 27 to get them over the line with four balls to spare. Sammy Mofokeng (17) and Marchant de Lange (7) were the heroes in a remarkable game that could so easily have gone either way.

Dillon du Preez and Imran Tahir claimed 4/31 apiece for their respective sides, but it boiled down to nerves at the end as the Knights held theirs in what was essentially a quarter-final meeting.

The Central franchise will now host the Warriors in Bloemfontein in the next round, with the Multiply Titans awaiting the winner in the March 31 final.

But they had to work hard to get there, despite a disciplined performance with the ball after they had lost the toss and were asked to bowl first.

The home side were in trouble from the outset after losing in-form openers Morne van Wyk (11) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld (8) inside the first six overs. The visiting bowlers continued to chip away through the likes of Shadley van Schalkwyk (2/34) and Mofokeng (2/45).

Despite the efforts of top-scorer Sarel Erwee (44), the Dolphins were in a defensive mode for most of their innings, but did manage to pass 200 thanks to Andile Phehlukwayo (39), Robbie Frylinck (36) and Prenelan Subrayen (25).

The Knights then looked to be cruising to victory thanks to an opening stand of 61 between Rudi Second (39) and Tumelo Bodibe (20). But a collapse of five wickets for 12 runs saw the visitors plunge from 61/0 to 73/5 – David Miller amongst the wickets to fall when he was dismissed by Tahir for a first ball duck.

But a 56-run sixth wicket stand between captain Pite van Biljon (44) and Aubrey Swanepoel (42) looked to have steadied the ship, and they looked in more control after the latter was part of a 42-run seventh wicket stand.

More drama followed with three more quick wickets leaving the Knights on 180/9, but Mofokeng and De Lange squeezed their side home.

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LIONS DRAW WITH KNIGHTS

 

Sunday, 23 October 2016

Duanne Olivier finished with six wickets on the final day as the Sunfoil Series clash between the VKB Knights and bizhub Highveld Lions ended in a draw at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Sunday.

The fast bowler followed his 3/101 in the first innings with 6/93 second time around, but half-centuries from Dominic Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius and Mangaliso Mosehle meant the visitors finished on 310/9.

The Lions, who started the day on 62/2, lost three early wickets to slip to 92/5. But Hendricks went on to make 65 (154 balls, 11 fours, 1 six) and shared in a 109-run sixth wicket stand with an aggressive Pretorius (80 off 89 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes) that carried them past 200.

It was an important stand in the context of the game, but both were part of Olivier’s haul, the 13th time in his career that he managed five wickets or more.

Mosehle’s unbeaten 67 (122 balls, 13 fours, 1 six) then proved equally vital as he anchored a 78-run eighth wicket stand that helped the Lions secure a draw that gave them 8.78 points.

The Knights took 8.88 points to move top of the table after three rounds of the season.

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THEUNIS DE BRUYN NAMED AS KNIGHTS CAPTAIN

The VKB Knights Board of Directors has announced that Theunis De Bruyn has accepted the offer to lead the team as captain for this coming cricket domestic season.

“The appointment of De Bruyn as captain starts a new era for the VKB Knights. Theunis comes from one of the most successful Cricketing Clubs (TUKS) which has won the title of World Club Champs in Dubai. We are confident that he will install a positive mindset and approach towards the modern game,” commented VKB Knights Chief Executive Officer, Johan van Heerden.

Head Coach Nicky Boje welcomed De Bruyn’s appointment and paid tribute to his predecessor, Werner Coetsee.

“Werner Coetsee has done a great job over the last couple of years but we are moving into a new era and I am excited that Theunis de Bruyn will be leading the way forward for this coming season. I wish him all the best as Captain.”

De Bruyn has had an outstanding career to date, being the third quickest South African batsman to reach the landmark of 1 000 first-class runs, doing so in 20 innings. He represented the South Africcan A team against the England Lions at home and on the tour to India in 2015. He was part of a loan deal with The Unlimited Titans last season to play for the VKB Knights franchise during the T20 Domestic campaign and is now a permanent member of the Knights squad.

“I feel honoured and privileged to captain the Knights Franchise next season,” he commented. “These are exciting times for the Franchise, with new players building their careers, a new environment and structures and these developments are leading towards something positive. The Franchise is looking to create a new culture and legacy which is a winning one and hopefully within the next few years bring us some silverware,” he concluded.

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FIFTEEN WICKETS FALL ON DAY ONE IN KIMBERLEY

Fifteen wickets fell on the opening day of the Sunfoil Series clash between the VKB Knights and Warriors as the two sides went to stumps with honours even in Kimberley on Thursday.

The title-chasing hosts saw their championship prospects take a blow when they were dismissed for a woeful 128 after losing the toss and being asked to bat first at the Diamond Oval. But they then roared back to reduce the visitors to 93/5 by stumps.

The Eastern Cape side, who have lost seven out of their eight matches this season, would have been smiling after their effort with the ball in the first innings.

Only three of the home batsmen managed to reach double figures – top-scorer Rudi Second (41 not out), captain Werner Coetsee (33) and Reeza Hendricks (18).

Medium-pacer Jerry Nqolo and spinner Simon Harmer shared seven wickets with the former claiming 4/11 in just eight overs and the latter squeezing 3/25 in 13 overs – the Knights dismissed in 51 overs.

But there was a twist to come as the hosts roared back thanks to two wickets apiece for Malusi Siboto (2/2) and Duanne Olivier (2/27). This after the Warriors had made a strong start by reaching 47/1 in the 15th over. But they lost 4/46, including the wicket of rookie opener Edward Moore (35) to go to stumps on the back foot.

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KNIGHTS CLIMB UP TO SECOND PLACE

Pite van Biljon scored a vital half-century as the VKB Knights pulled off a stunning run chase to narrowly edge out the Cape Cobras by three wickets late on the final day of their Sunfoil Series match in Bloemfontein on Monday.

The Cobras had been bowled out for 291 in their second innings just before lunch, holding a lead of 256 runs.

This after pace duo of Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/21) and Duanne Olivier (3/41) ripped through the visitor’s middle and lower order, claiming the last six wickets for 29 runs. Justin Ontong top-scored with 57 (85 balls, 8 fours).

Van Biljon then scored 82 not out (140 balls, 10 fours) to hold the Knights’ second innings together as the hosts reached 258/7 at the Mangaung Oval.

The win re-ignited the Knights’ title chances as they collected 18.44 points from the match to move above the bizhub Highveld Lions into second place on the log, just 11.64 points behind the log-leading Unlimited Titans with two matches left to play.

The Knights were left 70 overs to chase down the winning total, but needed just 60.3 overs to complete the victory.

Their run-chase was initially a touch rocky with the early loss of Reeza Hendricks (8), Michael Erlank (3) and Rudi Second (18), although Letlotlo Sesele (45) did provide the innings with some stability.

Van Biljon and Tumelo Bodibe (28) then set up the run-chase with a 66-run fifth-wicket stand, before Van Biljon and Werner Coetsee (36) hammered 61 runs for the sixth wicket off just 10 overs to take their team to the brink of victory.

Wayne Parnell helped the Cobras claw their way back into the match when he dismissed Coetsee and Van Schalkwyk (2) in consecutive overs to set up a tense finish.

But Van Biljon and Malusi Siboto (6 not out) took their team to the finish line.

Parnell ended with 3/68 and Lizaad Williams nabbed 3/49.

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TITANS STRETCH THEIR LEAD AT THE TOP

Marchant de Lange produced career-best figures to help Titans stretch their lead at the top of the points table with a crushing 359-run win against Knights in Centurion. De Lange took 7 for 76 in the second innings to follow up his four-for in the first as Knights were routed for for 164, chasing 524. Only Michael Erlank provided brief resistance with a patient fifty.

Titans, who chose to bat, posted 277 on the back of Dean Elgar’s 79 along with handy contributions from Heino Kuhn (45) and Theunis de Bruyn (40). Right-arm seamer Duanne Olivier took his ninth five-wicket haul to restrict Titans.

De Lange’s 4 for 34 and Rowan Richards’ 4 for 41 destroyed Knights in their first innings, bowling them out for 122 and gaining a 155-run lead in the process. Erlank was the top-scorer with 27. Kuhn and de Bruyn then continued their form, sharing an unbeaten 254-run stand to push Titans’ lead to 523 before the innings was declared.

Kuhn, the tournament’s top-scorer, struck 20 fours and a six in his 244-ball 151, while de Bruyn, who is currently third on the run-scoring charts, hit his 150 in just 174 balls, including 18 fours and three sixes.

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COOK, BOWLERS PUT LIONS IN QUALIFIER

The bizhub Highveld Lions booked their place in the Momentum One-Day Cup qualifier after a comprehensive four-wicket win over the VKB Knights at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

After winning the toss and bowling first, the Johannesburg side knocked over their hosts for a below-par 169 in 38.3 overs, before chasing down victory with 61 balls to spare. There were several stand-out performances with the ball for the Lions, including six wickets shared between Matt McGillivray and Eddie Leie.

Rookie fast bowler McGillivray was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32, while leg-break bowler Leie claimed 3/43.  But it was the single wicket by Aaron Phangiso (1/32) of Letlotlo Sesele (29) with the total on 109/2 that triggered a collapse of eight wickets for 60 runs.

Another inexperience bowler Carmi le Roux collected 2/29 to mop up the tail, while top scorer for the Knights was Reeza Hendricks (41).

The Lions lost stand-in opener Temba Bavuma (5) early in their chase, but his partner Stephen Cook anchored the chase with 64 (96 balls, 8 fours) to take his side to the brink. Nicky van den Bergh (43 not out) finished the job, while Alviro Petersen (36) provided some earlier support for the captain as the visitors moved to second on the table.

With the Warriors losing to the Cape Cobras also on Saturday, the result means that the Lions cannot be caught in second and will therefore host the February 24 qualifier. The Cobras also secured themselves an automatic berth in the final they will host on February 28 by winning in Port Elizabeth.

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RUDI SECOND TON RAISES KNIGHTS HOPES

An unbeaten century from Rudi Second rekindled the VKB Knights’ interest in the Momentum One-Day Cup after they seized a 74-run bonus-point win over the Warriors at Buffalo Park in East London on Sunday.

The opener batted throughout the innings with a measured 110 in 149 balls (4 fours), his 11th List A ton, to help his side reach 258/6 after winning the toss and batting first.

Patrick Botha also impressed with an aggressive 63 from 54 balls (7 fours, 1 six), while captain Werner Coetsee crashed 42 off 31 to help the visitors end the first half of the game with the initiative. Despite making a decent enough start to their reply – they were 50/1 – they then lost 4/41 and the heart of their top order to slip to 91/5.

That was in the midst of a fine spell by Mbulelo Budaza as his three wickets caused havoc. He eventually ended as the pick of the bowlers with 3/20 in 6 overs. Amongst Budaza’s scalps were top-scorer Jon-Jon Smuts, who made 53 off 70 balls (9 fours), before he was trapped leg before wicket. Christiaan Jonker (26), Clyde Fortuin (27) and Simon Harmer (23 not out) all got starts but failed to kick on as the Warriors were dismissed in 43.3 overs.

Michael Erlank snared up 3/34, while there were two wickets each for Coetsee (2/29) and Malusi Siboto (2/38). The result lifted the Knights off the bottom of the table with 13 points, five behind the Warriors in the final play-off spot with two rounds to play.

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KNIGHTS, DOLPHINS FIGHT FOR PLAY-OFFS SPOT

The VKB Knights and Sunfoil Dolphins square off in a Momentum One-Day Cup clash at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Tuesday knowing it is now or never if they want to cling on to hopes of reaching the play-offs.

The two sides are bottom of the table with the hosts (eight points) a point behind the visitors (nine), who in turn trail The Unlimited Titans in fourth by four points.

With the winner likely to retain some outside hope of staying alive, the loser will see their hopes all but ended, although the mathematics do state otherwise. “I always have hope,” maintained Knights coach Allan Donald. “We’re sort of in a dark place right now, but we know where we stand. “It’s going to be tough, but we just have to concentrate on every single game now.”

The Knights, who have just two wins from six games this season, were beaten by 55-runs in their last outing against the Titans on Friday night.

Reeza Hendricks is back from South Africa ‘A’ duty to bolster their batting. He is set to take the place of Diego Rosier, while Dillon du Preez could return from injury for Corne Dry.

The Dolphins too have had a torrid time so far in the competition. Thumped by the Cape Cobras on Friday, they will be without Imran Tahir and David Miller for the trip to the northern Cape. But Khaya Zondo and Andile Phehlukwayo are back to bolster them. “We’re all scrapping at the bottom there,” Donald added. “They’re a dangerous side and we all know that teams in that position can find a free spirit to play with.

“So both sides will be looking for that extra edge and we can’t take them for granted.”

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2015/16 SUNFOIL SIZZLER

 

Hardus Viljoen of the bizhub Highveld Lions has bagged the Sunfoil Series Sizzler award for the first five rounds of the Sunfoil Series which currently sees The Unlimited Titans, the VKB Knights and the bizhub Highveld Lions locked in a three-way battle for four-day cricket supremacy. The Lions are the current title holders.

The Sunfoil Sizzler award is worth R15 000.

Viljoen, who made his debut for the Castle Lager Proteas in the third Sunfoil Test match against the England touring team at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, has had a phenomenal Sunfoil Series campaign taking 30 wickets in 4 matches. This included back-to-back 10-wicket hauls in successive matches against the Sunfoil Dolphins and the Warriors.

Other players who came strongly into contention for the award were his bizhub Highveld Lions team mate, Dwaine Pretorius, Werner Coetsee of the VKB Knights, Keshav Maharaj of the Sunfoil Dolphins and Tabraiz Shamsi of The Unlimited Titans.

“Congratulations to Hardus on his Sunfoil Sizzler award,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) General Manager: Cricket, Corrie van Zyl. “His performance in taking back-to-back 10-wickets hauls is special and earned him a fully deserved call-up to the Proteas.

“The results over the past six weeks have also shown that our domestic game is healthy, particularly if you look at the way players have taken the step up to international cricket when the opportunity has arisen. Stephen Cook’s century on debut for the Proteas underlines this point.”

The South African Cricketers’ Association Most Valuable Player index (SACA MVP) is used as the measuring tool in determining the Sunfoil Sizzler of the Month.

The SACA MVP is calculated using an internationally recognised formula which takes into account every discipline in the game of cricket.  Batting, bowling, fielding, captaining and winning are all factored in within the context of each individual match. Individual player performances in pressure situations, for example, carry more weight; thus players who deliver when their team needs them most, earn more points.

The SACA MVP latest ranking standings are updated weekly on the SACA website (www.saca.org.za), and may be viewed ‘per competition’ or by having a look at the ‘overall’ standings.

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SIBOTO’S SIX STUNS WARRIORS

Malusi Siboto again starred with the ball as the VKB Knights ended the opening day of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Warriors in complete control at Buffalo Park in East London.

Fresh from taking career-best figures of seven for 44 in his last game, which was also his first of the season, Siboto was again the main man for his team thanks to a splendid six for 39.

That helped restrict the hosts to 210 for nine by stumps with their main contribution coming from captain Colin Ingram after they had fallen into early trouble.

The skipper made 89 and shared in the only real meaningful partnership of 100 with Michael Price, who marked his first match of the season with a patient 62 from 191 deliveries.

Before the pair came together, the Warriors made a sluggish start to the game and lost three wickets for 53 in almost an entire session.

Things picked up after lunch, however, with no wickets falling in the afternoon. But there were six after tea as Siboto ran riot in his 21 overS with both set men amongst his scalps. The only other wicket-taker was Knights captain Werner Coetsee, who finished the day with three for 57.

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PRETORIUS BOOSTS LIONS SPIRIT

All-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has enjoyed two memorable weekends of Sunfoil Series action for the bizhub Highveld Lions.

First he starred with the bat to deny the Cape Cobras what looked a certain win, before claiming six wickets with the ball to help the Johannesburg side secure an unlikely victory over the VKB Knights this past weekend. Those results have kept the Lions right in the title mix as they look to defend the crown they won last season. The 26-year-old admits the win this past weekend in Kimberley, which came inside three days, was a huge surprise.

“I arrived on day three thinking we are not going to bowl and will probably bat all day,” he said. “But there we were bowling before lunch and got a few wickets and it was all over just after tea, so it was a real roller coaster. “I’m just glad we were the ones that pulled off the win.”

The Lions started day three on 18 without loss, before themselves being bowled out for 94. That left the Knights needing 138 to win, but they were rolled over for just 92 with Pretorius picking up three for 37. He said they always had belief that they could defend such a low total.

“We thought it would be possible, I mean 140 on that wicket, it was going to be tough. But because we had them 50 for five in the first innings, we had that belief,” Pretorius said.

The result came a week after the same player and the Lions tail helped their side escape with an epic draw in Paarl.”Last week was crazy,” Pretorius, who made 101, added. “We decided to keep fighting and not give them an easy win. “You never know when those extra points will come in handy. I’m just really proud of the hundred I scored there, I’ve not scored too many, so that was right up there. But after I got out, we still needed the tail and I think they did excellently in the circumstances.”

 

 

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HENDRICKS, ROSSOUW PUT KNIGHTS ON THE BRINK

Attacking half-centuries from Reeza Hendricks and Rilee Rossouw took the VKB Knights to the brink of an upset victory against the log-leading Unlimited Titans at Mangaung Oval on Friday.

Chasing a challenging final innings 253, the highest score of the game, the hosts scored at 5.21 runs per over to race to 214 for two at the close – 39 runs shy of a surprise win.

Rossouw was unbeaten on a quick-fire 72 off 55 balls, a knock that included 12 fours and a six, while Hendricks had earlier provided the assured start thanks to his 69 from 88 deliveries. Rudi Second (33) was the other not out batsman and his stand with Rossouw stood unbroken on 99.

It was a dramatic turnaround from the opening day when 21 wickets had fallen, including the Knights being shot out for just 76, the lowest ever total in the franchise era at the Bloemfontein venue.

The Titans, who made 141 first time around, had started day two on 20 for one and reached lunch still well placed on 112 for four – an overall lead of 177.

But the last six wickets folded for only 66. Duanne Olivier, the star of the first innings with five for 42, followed that up with three for 39 and a match-haul of eight wickets, while rookie Mbulelo Budaza bagged three for 26 as the Titans were blown away in 57.1 overs.

Only Qaasim Adams managed any runs with a contribution of 69. It was one-way traffic thereafter as the Knights closed in on victory.

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WARRIORS CLICK INTO A HIGHER GEAR

 

After notching up the first of the three victories that they need to challenge for the RAM SLAM T20 qualifier spots, Colin Ingram admits that the thrill of the Warriors’ task is proving beneficial as they prepare to take on the VKB Knights at the Mangaung Oval in their next assignment.

The Warriors kept the race for the tournament’s play-off game wide open by seeing off the Cape Cobras on Wednesday night, leaving four teams in the running for the qualifier.

While the Cobras are still in pole position with 20 points, the fact that they face the third-placed Sunfoil Dolphins in their remaining fixture means that one of the play-off places is likely to be there for the taking if the Warriors or the Lions can win their final two games.

Ingram says that the intense pressure on the Warriors, who have travelled to Bloemfontein with an unchanged squad, is kicking them into a higher gear.

“You’d obviously prefer to be right up there and not have to play with this pressure, but if you look at the positives, every game is almost a final for us,” he said.

“In that way we can really leave it all out there, and maybe for a bunch of young guys who are quite ambitious, it can be exciting.”

Ingram was pleased with the way that the Warriors “won all the big moments” against the Cobras, recovering from the loss of three early wickets to post an above-average total, and then holding their nerve with the ball and in the field when it mattered.

A similar performance will be required against the Knights, who have bounced back from losing their opening six games in the competition to win their last two games convincingly.

“We’re feeling a lot better after getting some results that suggested how we’ve been playing,” said captain, Werner Coetsee. “We hadn’t played bad cricket before that; we just hadn’t been able to cross the line.

“We’d like to build on that and keep on improving, because there’s still a long season left for us. We want to make sure we take something out of this campaign.”

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DU BRUYN STEERS KNIGHTS TO VICTORY

A dominant bowling performance followed by Theunis de Bruyn’s 42 steered VKB Knights to a comfortable eight-wicket win – their second win of the season – over the Sunfoil Dolphins in a low-scoring game in Port Elizabeth. Andre Russell and Malusi Siboto took three wickets apiece, as Dolphins were restricted to 82 for 9 in 20 overs.

Dolphins got off to a horror start after choosing to bat, as they were left reeling at 35 for 5 at the end of the 10th over. They failed to recover from that start as wickets fell regularly – including two run-outs – and substantial partnerships were hard to stitch. Dwayne Bravo, who was the only batsman to score more than 15, top-scored with a 24-ball 23, before he was dismissed by Russell in the final over.

In the chase,  Knights too were off to a dodgy start, losing both openers within the first three overs. De Bruyn then came in and combined with Aubrey Swanepoel to post an unbeaten 75-run partnership which helped Knights reach their target with eight overs to spare, earning them a bonus-point in the process.

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REEZA AND RILEE GET KNIGHTS OFF THE MARK

The VKB Knights finally got off the mark in the RAM SLAM T20 and consequently put a dent in the bizhub Highveld Lions’ campaign as Reeza Hendricks and Rilee Rossouw orchestrated a 29-run victory at Senwes Park.

The pair shared in a 90-run stand for the first wicket to send the Knights on their way to a total of 175 for five, with Hendricks finishing unbeaten on 72.

The Knights had put similar totals on the board in previous games and failed to defend them, but this time they backed it up with an impressive bowling performance to restrict the Lions to 146 for nine in reply.

The Lions had hoped to join the third-placed Cobras on 16 points after seven games, but instead sit four points back making Sunday’s clash between the two sides at Bidvest Wanderers all the more important.

It was Rossouw who took the game to the Lions early on after the hosts had won the toss and elected to bowl, hitting 46 from just 29 balls.

Although the Knights lost their way a little bit after he had come down the track and hit Aaron Phangiso (2 for 26) straight to long-on, they were still able to reset and take 59 off the last five overs of their innings.

While Hendricks naturally played a role in that, finishing with seven fours in his 56-ball knock, Tumelo Bodibe’s innings also proved valuable as he struck an unbeaten 22 from just nine deliveries.

On another dry pitch, the importance of scoring while the ball was still hard was not lost on the Lions, and after allowing themselves a few sighters Devon Conway and Rassie van der Dussen got stuck in.

When they took 17 off Shadley van Schalkwyk’s first over, and then went on to reach 71 without loss after eight overs, the Lions were perfectly on track.

However, Malusi Siboto recovered from an expensive first over to break the partnership in his second, as Conway (36) got an inside edge through to the keeper.

Werner Coetsee then grabbed two wickets in two overs, including the key one of Van der Dussen (40 from 26 balls), and the Knights scented an elusive victory.

Thami Tsolekile (20) and Andre Malan (25) sparked a brief recovery, but Siboto went on to grab another two wickets and record figures of 3 for 29 and Van Schalkwyk recovered brilliantly to finish with 2 for 33, as the Knights secured their first points in their seventh game.

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POLLARD TO MISS OUT DUE TO KNEE INJURY

Kieron Pollard, world-class all-rounder of the defending RAM SLAM T20 champions, the Cape Cobras, won’t take part in the remainder of the domestic T20-showpiece due to an injury to his right knee.

He will fly back to the Caribbean on Wednesday.

The injury occurred while the 28-year Pollard was fielding in the T20 match against the VKB Knights at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday.

Despite experiencing some discomfort, he hammered an unbeaten 22 off 13 balls to power the Cobras to a win to entrench their third position on the log.

“We are severely disappointed about the loss of a stalwart like Kieron,” said Paul Adams, the Cape Cobras coach. “Kieron has given his all. The fact that he went out to bat after he got injured, underlines his dedication and commitment to the team. He has been an inspiration to the whole squad.”

Adams said Pollard’s record speaks for itself. He was the domestic RAM SLAM T20 Challenge player of the year in the 2014/2015 season and was at the summit of the Cobras’ batting averages (he averages 51.50 in the T20-format) at the time of the injury.

Yet mere statistics don’t do justice to Pollard’s contribution as his ability to change matches with his belligerence as a dashing batsman or with his expert change of pace with the ball, gave the Cobras the ascendancy in several matches the past season and a half.

Pollard had been on record saying the difference between winning and losing in RAM SLAM T20 Challenge matches is about “who blinks first”. The lanky all-rounder was almost always the one to emerge victorious when the dust settled, as he showed during his stylish display on Sunday.

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COBRAS BEAT KNIGHTS TO STAY IN THE RACE

The Cape Cobras kept pace in the race for the RAM SLAM T20 play-offs after they triumphed by four wickets over the VKB Knights, who have now lost all six of their games in the competition.

On a Boland Park pitch that none of the batsmen were able to sink their teeth into, the Knights put up 140 for seven after being put into bat, which the Cobras eclipsed with three balls to spare.

While that suggested a close run chase, in truth the Cobras always looked in control after Richard Levi had scored a quick 36 and Justin Ontong had anchored the innings with his 40.

The Cobras were also grateful to Dane Paterson, who took 2 for 24 from four overs and, crucially, broke a threatening stand between Theunis de Bruyn and Andre Russell.

The Knights had slumped to 49 for three in the first half of their knock, but De Bruyn and Russell put on 51 in 34 balls to put them on track for a solid total.

Paterson ensured the pair were not around for the business end of the innings when he bowled Russell (27) and then completed the run-out of De Bruyn (45) in the same over.

With Levi scoring his runs from just 23 balls at the top of the Cobras innings, the scoreboard pressure was taken off the rest of the line-up.

Although they were pegged back by Dillon du Preez’s double strike in the ninth over and squeezed by Malusi Siboto’s canny bowling, which permitted just 15 runs in four overs, the required rate never rose above eight per over.

With Kieron Pollard’s firepower that was never a problem, and the West Indian’s unbeaten 23 from 12 balls saw the hosts over the line.

The Cobras remain in third place on the table, two points behind the second-placed Dolphins, but will feel that they are yet to hit top gear in the tournament.

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PARNELL SETS COBRAS UP FOR BONUS POINT WIN

Wayne Parnell’s four-wicket bag and brisk half-centuries from Stiaan van Zyl and Richard Levi carried the Cape Cobras up to second on the Momentum One-Day Cup table as they beat the VKB Knights with a bonus point at Boland Park.

Parnell returned figures of 4 for 40 from his 10 overs, nipping out two wickets in one over during his first spell, as the Knights were held to 211 for seven after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Recognising that the total was well below par, Levi and Van Zyl chased the bonus point right from the get-go, putting on 118 for the first wicket in under 24 overs before Levi was bowled by Malusi Siboto for 71.

Van Zyl was then aided by an aggressive Omphile Ramela, who stroked 43 from 41 balls, and finished unbeaten on 90 as the Cobras achieved the target in 38.1 overs to win by eight wickets.

The ease with which the batsmen completed the chase proved that there were no demons in the pitch, and showed just how well the Cobras bowlers had gone about their business.

Although the Knights made a reasonable start with Reeza Hendricks (30) and Rudi Second (23) putting on 47 for the first wicket, they were swiftly pegged back by Parnell’s brace – which claimed the scalps of Hendricks and Diego Rosier – and then another double breakthrough from Robin Peterson, who dismissed Second and Patrick Botha in consecutive overs.

That left Obus Pienaar to rebuild the innings with his captain, Werner Coetsee, and although the pair put on 107 for the sixth wicket, they were unable to inject any urgency into the innings as the Cobras bowlers all showed excellent discipline.

Peterson recorded figures of 2 for 28 in his 10 overs and Vernon Philander conceded just 31 runs in his quota, while Parnell grabbed the wickets of Coetsee (51) and Shadley van Schalkwyk in the final over of the innings to leave Pienaar unbeaten on 73.

With the batsmen grabbing the bonus point that the bowlers had offered up, the Cobras joined the Dolphins on nine points after three games, but sit behind them on net run-rate.

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Excitement for the start of the 2015 / 2016 season of the MODC

The 2015 / 2016 Momentum One-Day Cup season kicks off on Friday 09 October at SuperSport Park in Centurion. An unseasonably early NZ tour meant that fans had an early taster this year, but now with the start of the season imminent, all eyes are looking to the franchise teams to provide the action and excitement.
The opening weekend starts with two day/night matches on Friday 09 October 2015 at SuperSport Park in Centurion (The Unlimited Titans v. Warriors) and on Saturday 10 October 2015 at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg (bizhub Highveld Lions v. Cape Cobras).
The opening weekend will be completed by a day match between the Sunfoil Dolphins and the VKB Knights at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on Sunday 11 October 2015.
The Titans are the defending champions, having beaten the Cobras by five wickets in last season’s final at Newlands. It was one of the best limited overs finals at franchise level, producing nearly 600 runs, including outstanding centuries by three Proteas, Richard Levi for the Cobras, and Dean Elgar and Albie Morkel for the Titans. Elgar had previously also scored a century against the Dolphins in the qualifier to book the Titans spot with the table-topping Cobras in the Final.
Now in its fourth season as the official sponsor of all one-day events, Momentum along with CSA is re-focusing their attention on improving match attendance by coming up with innovative ways to add value and enhance fan engagement.
Research has been undertaken to find out what keeps fans away and more importantly what would entice fans and entire families to come and enjoy domestic matches.
Momentum facilitated 24000 tickets last season and this year Momentum and CSA are hoping to at least double those figures and boost attendance at matches. Previous innovations include the Momentum Family Area which has been popular because of the chilled, child-friendly environment with extra activities laid on for families, and free or discounted tickets for Multiply (Momentum’s wellness and rewards programme) members.

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