Sports Wrap - 20 February

Welcome to the first in a series of weekly articles which aims to condense and provide an overview of as many of the local school sports results as possible.

This past week's highlight was undoubtedly the second edition of the Standard Bank Schools Pro 20 with the finals being played mostly at Stellenbosch. The six teams contesting the finals after earning this right by winning their regional knock-out games were: Grey (PE), King Edward VII, Maritzburg, Noord Kaap, Waterkloof and Wynberg.

The final was contested between Waterkloof and Noord Kaap after the teams had squared up in their group allocations. This was a tense affair with Noord Kaap chosing to bat after winning the toss and reaching 127/7 in their 20 overs. In reply Waterkloof hit a six off the last ball to level the scores and take the game into a Super Over. They showed big-match temperament by scoring 13/1 in their over while restricting Noord Kaap to 3/1 and thus making sure that the trophy returned to Pretoria. Menlo Park won the trophy in the first edition of the competition. Well done to Waterkloof!

Other results included a well-earned victory by a WP Invitational cricket side - which comprised of mostly U14 players with three U13 thrown in for experience and development - over an U15 touring team from Devon in the UK. Opening bat Murray Commins impressed with a majestic 109 not out, while debutant Mika Ekström opened the bowling and took 4 wickets for 59 runs. WP Invitational won by 3 wickets.

A mid-week T20 game between hosts Reddam and Wynberg Boys Junior School ended in victory for the visitors after a well-struck 54 by opening bat Mika Ekström, while Michael Cohen impressed batting at three for Reddam by reaching 54 not out in their run chase. Wynberg won by 20 runs.

Another touring side from the UK - Caldicott School - also tasted defeat as they played against Wynberg U13A on Friday. They were tottering at 39/9 and looked certain to fall before reaching a half-century but a stubborn 42-run last wicket partnership saw them reach 82 all out. The Wynberg middle order saw the home team to victory by 6 wickets.

It seems as if the level of sport at South African schools compares very favourably with overseas schools!

That's it for this week. See you on the sports fields!

Should you wish to contribute results which I can include in this weekly article please mail them to: charles@schoolsports.co.za.