A brilliant batting performance by Ruben de Bruin and bowling display by Matthew Corr took the second team of Van der Stel Cricket Club claim league honours in the Boland Premier B 50-over league at Van der Stel Sports Ground on Saturday (28 January).
De Bruin (98*) ended just two runs short of his century, while paceman Corr was in sublime form with the leather, notching up figures of 7/18 in five overs to take their team over the line. The nine-wicket victory over neighbours Maties CC also extended the team’s unbeaten run, making it eight from eight for the season for Van der Stel charges.
Van der Stel won the toss and elected to field, which ultimately proved the vital move in the encounter. Maties battled to get things going from the very start of their innings, losing their first wicket in the third over.
With brilliant bowling by Corr, Maties were eventually all bowled out for 146 runs in 26 overs. Divan Swanepoel (2/15) was the other Van der Stel bowler who troubled the opposing batters.
In their innings, the Van der Stel batsmen made their intentions clear from the onset, showing they meant business. De Bruin’s excellent knock, along with a supportive and unbeaten 38 runs from André Pienaar eventually took the home side to 147/1 in 24,1 overs and an emphatic nine-wicket victory.
