Under the lights at City Lords, Graeme College showed grit to defend a modest total, securing a dramatic 59-run victory over rivals Kingswood College in a thrilling 50-over day-night encounter.

Having won the toss on a wicket that was slow and hold up a bit, Graeme College elected to bat first. The opening pair of Corbin Tidbury and Enrique Strydom unleashed a blistering assault on the Kingswood attack, racing to 84/0 in just 11 overs. Striking the ball cleanly and punishing anything loose, Tidbury and Strydom had Graeme firmly in the driver’s seat and on course for a mammoth total.

However, the moment of the match shifted completely when Kingswood introduced spin in the middle overs. Zacharias Montagna turned the game on its head with excellent spin bowling. Exploiting the pitch’s natural variation, Montagna tore through Graeme’s batting line-up, taking 5/30 and sparking a massive middle order collapse. Graeme managing a disappointing total of 152 all out. Needing a heroic effort in the field to defend 152, Fast bowler Jordan Damons bowled with serious pace to put Kingswood immediately on the back foot, while leg-spinner Luphelo Mdyesha provided a perfect partner, tying down the batsmen with accuracy and tight lines. The star of the night, however, was wicket keeper Zuko Pontshi, who delivered an extraordinary fielding performance. Pontshi was involved in an incredible six dismissals on the night, including three run outs that shut down Kingswood’s recovery attempts. Kingswood eventually bowled out for just 93. It was a remarkable fightback from Graeme College, turning what looked like a tough night into a brilliant team victory at City Lords.

Graeme College 1st XI vs Kingswood College 1st XI

Graeme College 1st XI 153/10 Corbin Tidbury 45 Caleb Jattiem 19*

Kingswood College 1st XI 93/10 Luphelo Mdyesha 3/38 Jordan Damons 2/10 Zuko Pontshi (6 dismissals)

Graeme College 1st XI won by 60 runs.