In SA20 Volume 3 Qualifier. Graeme took on St Andrew’s having suffered defeats in the previous two T20 encounters against Graeme earlier this year, St Andrew’s got over the line in the stayers competition a format that effectively levelled the playing field and offering a look into the future of both First XI squads.

Winning the toss under clear skies, Graeme’s young captain Corbin Tidbury had no hesitation in electing to bat first. After a being 30 runs in the first 3 overs. However, just as Graeme looked set to take complete control, a brilliant piece of fielding produced a sharp run-out to halt the early onslaught. Graeme still managed to navigate the powerplay strongly, sitting in a promising position at 52/2 after 6 overs. The backbone of the Graeme innings was once again the in-form Enrique Strydom ( 50 off 46), who anchored the side with another magnificent half-century. Strydom found a resilient partner in Caleb Jattiem (29 off 34), with the pair putting together a vital 5th-wicket partnership to stabilise the middle overs. Despite their efforts, St Andrew’s disciplined bowling late in the innings held Graeme to a final total of 138 a target that ultimately felt about 30 runs short of a par competitive score on the St Andrew’s pitch.

Defending 138, Graeme’s opening seamers started with intensity. Giving a First XI debut to promising u15 left-arm seamer Ethan Crous, the visitors choked the early run flow, restricting St Andrew’s to 22/1 after 4 overs. The defining passage of the match, however, belonged to the hosts. St Andrew’s staged a match-winning 80-run partnership for the 4th wicket, pacing the run-chase and taking the contest out of Graeme’s reach in 18.4 overs. Despite Graeme’s fight, they came up short as St Andrew’s safely sealed the win. While St Andrew’s claimed bragging rights this time around, this legendary schoolboy rivalry is far from over. The teams will meet again on November 6th for a T20 clash under lights on Knowling at 17h00, before squaring off in a 50-over encounter on Somerset on November 7th.

Graeme College 1st XI 137/6 (20 overs) Enrique Strydom 50 off 46 Caleb Jattiem 29 off 34

St Andrews 1st XI 138/3 (18.4 overs) Lisekho Zinyane 1/18 Ethan Crous 1/18

Graeme College 1st XI lost by 7 wickets.