Boland Come out on Top at Rural Week

OUDTSHOORN: Boland ended the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Rural Week for coastal teams as the top side after another win over hosts South Western Districts in Oudtshoorn on Sunday.

With Twenty20 matches being played over the weekend, Curtley Deelman delivered an excellent all-round display when he struck 23 off 14 balls and then claimed a miserly one for 14 in four overs to help his side to a 19-run win in a match that saw 126 for six play 107 for eight at the Bridgton Sports Grounds. The two teams also met in Saturday’s second session when the Bolanders won by 34 runs.

There were also wins for Iinyathi Villagers, Iinyathi Country and Eastern Province Grahamstown in the final round of games.

Playing against rivals Iinyathi Aloes, Thabang Sqoko produced a stunning return of five for 15 to help Villagers win by a narrow 11 runs. His side had first batted and managed 124 all out, before he produced a remarkable spell that resulted in one of the closest wins of the week.

Country, meanwhile, had Yandisa Gcilitshana to thank for setting them on their way to victory after his 50 off 31 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes) allowed his side to set 158 for four against EP Midlands. Ande Mpendukani (4/29) then starred as the opposition were limited to 109 all out in a 49-run win.

In Sunday’s other game, EP Grahamstown posted 113 for seven, before Lakhanya Sam took three for 15 as they overcame Kei (72 all out) by 41 runs.

Meanwhile in Saturday’s second session, Boland’s 97 all out was too good for the 63 all out that was mustered up by SWD – Lo-Waydon Siegelaar (4/8) and Christo Lukas (3/11) sharing seven wickets.

Country (80/6) easily beat Midlands (78/8) by four wickets, Aloes (112/7) ousted Kei (111/8) by three wickets and Villagers (165/5) were 12-run victors over Grahamstown (153/9) thanks in the main to Yamkela Olifant (77).

Source: cricket.co.za

Mike Procter (born 1946) – 21 internationals, 31.59 average, 66 high score, 83 wickets, 18.58 average, 6-73 best, two five-wicket innings, seven official Tests: Procter’s batting average is disappointing and unreflective of his genuine batting ability. I have no doubt, given a similar career, he was the equal of Imran Khan with bat and ball. His bowling average below 20 is nevertheless phenomenal. He was a miserly bowler, giving away few runs.