Grantleigh are regional champs

GRANTLEIGH’S paceman Dale Leenstra 3/13 in 3.5 overs led his side to a 42 run victory over Felixton College on Wednesday, which cemented his team’s place in the next round of the Cricket South Africa Schools 20/20 Competition.

In a vital final match of the regional round of the competition played at Felixton College, it was the home side which won the toss and elected to field first.

Grantleigh got off to a great start thanks to opener Taylor Geilink 24. Ernestu Botha came to the crease and played a sensational knock of 32 which took his team’s total to 110/4 in their 20 overs.

Felixton all-rounder Sheldon Getkate 1/24 and Ruben Kok 2/16 in four overs were the leading wicket takers, leaving their side to make 5.5 runs per over to win the game.

Felixton’s innings crumbled in the first over when they found themselves at 3/2 thanks to Grantleigh’s Chad Duncan.

But after this shock, Felixton found their feet thanks to opener Abdullah Mahomed 18 and the game was back on the cards for the home side.

But a flury of quick wickets once again crippled the team, leaving Warren Relph 31 to steer a fast sinking ship.

Felixton reached 79 all out in 18.5 overs, thanks to Chad Duncan 2/15 in four and Dale Leenstra 3/13 in 3.5 overs.

Grantleigh are the official regional winners and will progress to the next round of matches in Durban, where they will play two games.

In the clash at Richardsbaai Hoërskool (RBHS), the home side batted first and put on 136/7 in thier allotted 20 overs.

uThungulu fell short making 58/7 with the bat, handing RBHS a 78 run victory.

Once again it was RBHS all-rounder Roland Fourie who spearheaded the charge to give his side their first win in the competition.