CRICKET NEWS - Following a second victory over Union Stars in as many weeks, Knysna Cavaliers are in with a chance to defend their SWD Premier League title tomorrow, Tuesday 21 March.
They will face a resurgent Pacaltsdorp United outfit who, in their first season back in the Premier League, are having a shot at their third title.
Cavaliers and Union Stars locked horns in the qualifier match on Saturday 18 March at Loerie Park, only a week after the two sides met at the same ground. The home team won the toss once again and chose to bat first. Cavaliers captain and opening batsman JP Ellis led from the front by top-scoring with 59 runs. He received assistance from Quinton Visagie (29), Hayden Sweet (24), Keenan Vieira (23) and Irvin Campher (22) as Cavaliers reached 199-9 in their 50 overs.
Merlin Masimela starred with the ball for Union Stars, taking three wickets for 29 runs in 10 overs. Lee-Henry Meyer and Tyrese Karelse took two wickets each and Elridge Booysen and Grant Esau took one wicket each.
In response, Union Stars suffered an early blow as captain and talisman Jean Heunis was dismissed early. However, two resilient innings from Keenan Arries (53) and Breyton Plaatjies (32) steadied the Union Stars ship. This wasn't enough however, and no one else was able to kick on further, with Union Stars bowled out for 155 in the final over. Mesuli Vuba and AB van der Walt were key to Cavaliers' triumph, each taking three wickets. Lutho Ngqongwa, Francois Bonthuys, Irvin Campher and Quinton Visagie all took one wicket apiece.
The final will start at 10:00 on Tuesday, and will be played at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.
Past success
Cavaliers won the SWD Premier League in 2021/22 by overcoming Plettenberg Bay Pioneers in the final, earning their third Premier League triumph. Since then they've also won the SWD Club T20 Competition, and have the chance to win their fourth Premier League trophy tomorrow.
In their way stands Pacaltsdorp United, who in their first season back in the Premier League have made their way to the final through finishing top after the round-robin stages. They stand a chance to win their third Premier League title and first since 2008/09 when they shared the Peterson trophy with George Cricket Club.
Union Stars' Thurston Murphy in action.
Cavaliers batsman Hayden Sweet plays a cut shot.
Keano Coerecius in action for Union Stars.
Keenan Vieira follows through on a flick to fine-leg while batting for Cavaliers.
Mesuli Vuba claimed three wickets on Saturday for Cavaliers.
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