Paarl CC had the upper hand over the visiting St Augustine CC in their traditional friendly encounter at the Parys Sport Grounds last weekend.
On Saturday the home team won the 50 overs game by a convincing 180 runs, while they triumphed by 58 runs in their T20 match on Sunday. The Paarl Legends, under the captaincy of Zurich Muller, avenged last year’s defeat with an eight-wicket victory against the Saints’ Over 40 team.
Saints President, Beresford Williams, made two goodwill presentations on Sunday. Paarl CC received an award in recognition of 20 years of friendship between the two clubs, while Angelo Carolissen received an award for his lifelong contribution to cricket, as well as his contribution to the community.
In their 50 overs match, Paarl were sent in to bat and, after the first-over departure of Darryl Hendricks, Linley Hendricks (43, 8×4) and Jaywin Solomon (24) settled down for an excellent second wicket partnership of 61 runs. Akeem Minnaar (83 retired 9×4, 2×6) then took control with Morne de Vries (56 retired 6×4, 1×6) to take the wind out of the visitors’ sails. Some free hitting from Waylain September and Taigh Schoor took Paarl’s total to 281/6. Tyrone Ridder (4/68) was the most impressive visiting bowler.
Opening batsman Jarrod Crowe (52 not out, 6×4) fought a lone battle for the Saints, with the next best contribution coming from Dick Gihwala (15). The visitors were restricted to 101 in 28 overs, thanks to a superb spell from Grant Chordnum (6-2-26-4), spinners Faghri Jacobs (4-0-13-3), Azanele Matya (5-0-8-2) and Herschelle Poggenpoel (3-0-5-1).
In the T20 match, Paarl posted 148/7, thanks to another brilliant inning from Minnaar (62, 7×4, 2×6). Linley Hendricks (44, 7×4) again impressed with his aggressive approach, while De Vries was run out on 20. Ridder (2/18) bowled economically again. The visitors were dismissed for 90 with Crowe again not getting enough support. Two wickets in the first over by Taigh Schoor set up victory for the home team. He was ably supported by Chordnum and September.
Paarl Legends asked the visitors to bat first, who were troubled by the accurate bowling of Ultallen Erntzen, Ian Kuiler and Lindsay van der Berg. Saints were restricted to 91 in 20 overs, with Nilton Muller trying hard to come to the rescue. Paarl’s Aldrin October (30) and Hilton Solomon (24) both retired when the home team was in full control, to give the other batsmen the opportunity to seal an eight-wicket victory.
