Saints in good form against Blue Bells

fuad Esack|Published 1 year ago

St Augustine’s Jarryd Crowe looking relaxed during his side’s WPCA First Division 1B match against Blue Bells. Picture: Fuad Esack

St Augustine Cricket Club returned to second place on the log, two points ahead of third-placed Blue Bells, following victory against their Grassy Park neighbours, at Elfindale, at the weekend.

Log leaders Victoria are sitting pretty on top, following an impressive win against Bishop Lavis, at Chukker Road, on Saturday, leaving those trailing behind to battle it out in the race for promotion.

Saints coach Rohan Neil Peterson’s side won the toss and elected to send the visitors in to bat first, probably taking into account that rain was expected later the day.

The hosts restricted Blue Bells to 144 runs and posted 145 with relative ease.

“They were all out for 143 in 45.3 overs. We knocked the runs off in 25.2 overs,” said Peterson, who has been with the club since 1978.

Saints Luthando Mnyanda chipping the ball sideways during his during his side’s WPCA First Division 1B fixture against Blue Bells. His knock of 82 not out included 10 fours. Picture: Fuad Esack

A handy performance by Luthando Mnyanda (82 not out with 10x4s), Cebo Tshiki’s 47 (which included 3x4 and 3x6) helped seal the deal for the home side. Mnyanda and Tshiki had a partnership of 106 for the second wicket.

Saints Luthando Mnyanda, left, and partner Jarryd Crowe piling on the runs during their match against Blue Bells. Picture: Fuad Esack

With two games left to play, Peterson and co will have their work cut out to win both games to secure promotion.

“The goal is to win promotion to the 1A league. We played 16 games so far of which we won 11. There's two games left for the season. It's been a team effort with all the players chipping in, vital contributions here and there, both with bat and bowl,” he said.

Saints Jarryd Crowe keeping a close eye on the ball during his stint in front of the crease. Picture: Fuad Esack