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The game saw no fewer than six catches being dropped by the visiting side, of which four were dropped off top scorer Basil van der Spuy, who remained unbeaten on 61
THE old adage ‘catches win matches’ proved true when Mancosa Empangeni Rugby Club successfully defended their second division T20 title at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday, after beating uMhlathuze by 27 runs.
The game saw no fewer than six catches being dropped by the visiting side, of which four were dropped off top scorer Basil van der Spuy, who remained unbeaten on 61.
uMhlathuze won the toss and elected to bowl first on the concrete pitch.
PHOTO: Richard Springorum
The decision from the visiting captain looked right on the money from the start, when opener Shawn Booth was dismissed for a royal duck.
But cricket is a funny old game and after a number of dropped catches, combined with dismal fielding, Empangeni Rugby Club reached 153/5 in their 20 overs.
Van der Spuy utilised his four dropped chances and top scored with the willow with 61 not out and was supported by Piet Pieterse (42) and Jordan Graven (29).
Logeshan Pillay was the pick of the uMhlathuze bowling attack with figures of 3/17 in 4.
PHOTO: Richard Springorum
The visitors’ run chase was like a roller coaster ride: just when partnerships starting forming, a wicket would fall.
This resulted in the uMhlathuze side reaching 126/7 in their 20 overs.
Owen Govender steadied the ship with 23, but Paul Gouge (3/20 in 4) and Graven (2/14 in 4) sunk their ship.
The players will now take a break over the festive season and be back in action late January when they compete in the Saturday 24 Over League.
PHOTO: Richard Springorum
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